Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
So, I’m actually from Toronto, Canada. That’s where I grew up and went to Physical Therapy school. I moved to Jersey City when I got married…for love! (awwwwww) We lived there for 17 years before relocating to Basking Ridge in August 2021! This has been the decision ever for our family! We all feel so at home and happy here.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
My children are my pride, joy and driving force behind everything we do! My daughter Michaëlla is 14 years old and my sons, Gregory and Simon, are 12 and 6 respectively.
Are you involved in a business venture or corporate world? Please Share!
My husband and I established this physical therapy practice, Milk Matters PT, in Martinsville when we moved in 2021. We started with a small team of therapists that specialize in helping babies with tongue ties, have a challenging time with bottle or breastfeeding, tension and torticollis. Although, since launching and seeing the demand for these services, we’ve rapidly grown both our therapist group and our services to include preventative wellness playgroups, occupational, feeding and physical therapy. Our goal is to empower, educate and support patients on their pediatric developmental journey. Our team of top notch therapists (who are mostly parents themselves) strive to create a safe place for parents- free of guilt and shaming. We are firmly rooted in empathy and listen to support our families in the best way we know how- through kindness, love and compassion.
When did you decide you wanted to open your own Pediatric Physical Therapy Company?
I have worked in so many different areas of therapy, ranging from schools, hospital-based, outpatient, early intervention and just felt there were always aspects that needed improvement. I took away what I loved from each of those jobs but also envisioned ways to improve those things I loathed. My vision of the perfect workplace was a safe haven where babies could thrive, parents were enjoying learning and therapists’ passion drove excellence in all areas. This ideal concept has been the driving force behind the current concierge therapy practice we have now. I always want parents to feel empowered and supported while having their voices heard and their needs addressed with wellness and prevention as the primary focus.
Has helping babies (and parents) always been a part of your life?
My sister is 10 years younger than me and I always loved helping my mom by feeding and playing with her! My family always called me her ‘little mommy’! When it was my turn to have kids, I was so blessed to have my mom teach me everything about caring for a newborn including baby-soothing, burping, exercising, playing and comforting them.This is what I truly love about my job- teaching parents how to be the best for their child by responding to each baby’s unique needs rather than have baby fit into something seen online.
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs, what would it be?
You really can have it all! Be genuine, work hard, surround yourself with your tribe, give yourself grace and you will find your success organically. I know it sounds cliché, but keep an attitude of gratitude in all you do, and you will be celebrating successes daily!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I speak five languages fluently – English, French, Arabic, Italian and Spanish. My mom is half Italian and half Egyptian, so growing up, she spoke a hodgepodge of both in our home. My parents sent me to a fully French school until I went to university and then I picked up Spanish once I moved to the USA. It’s so fun to be able to understand and converse with all different people around the globe! Language is a love that unites us in its own magical way.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Bike riding the paths and trails all over these beautiful counties
2 – Favorite coffee spot? Just Riding Along coffee shop, Basking Ridge
3 – Favorite lunch place? Benny’s Kitchen, Martinsville (right next door to our clinic-a MUST try for delicious home cooking!)
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Wightman’s Farms
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Washington House, Basking Ridge
6 – Favorite boutique? ummmmm, I need some good rec’s!
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Martinsville Tavern
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? O Bagel
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Lombardi’s
10 – Favorite spot for a cookie or cupcake? Not into those so much, but Gabriel’s Fountain for ice cream!!
This post was done in partnership with Milk Matters, PT. You can follow Dr. GiGi and all she does on social media below:
