Tell us about yourself: 

I became a mother for the first time at the “advanced maternal age” of 40 and now have three children ages eight and younger with my husband. We live in Austin, Texas.

While I was well aware of the risks to having a child later in life, I felt equally important for a healthy pregnancy was creating a supportive environment. Yet, most resources were “one-size-fits-all,” or lacked support or guidance. In the same period, we also fostered and adopted our daughter, a middle child. For more than four years, I told my story of challenges and triumphs with a small group of compassionate friends and family. It was with them that I found a safe, non-judgmental place to share.

The lack of positive and relevant resources was a frustration for me and I knew the same isolation must be felt by others. In April 2012, I launched the nonprofit The Advanced Maternal Age Project to address the need for community.

I work as the executive director of the nonprofit, encouraging women to tell their stories to a broad, international audience online and also lead my consulting clients to write and publicly speak about what makes their professional lives unique and purposeful. My business includes  strategic planning, communications and market research work for entrepreneurs, businesses and nonprofits.

Why did you become a RTA-Certified Facilitator?

I had regularly participated in a yoga practice during pregnancy and postpartum that served as a women’s support group. Being surrounded by close female friends, colleagues and mentors has always been a very important part of my life. I met Renée Trudeau at a retreat she hosted and have since read both of her books. The exercises and support that Renée offers has been key to helping me find ways to bring self-care into my busy, daily life.

How has this work changed or affected you?

Being with a group of women in a safe and supportive environment allows me to realize that we are not alone. We share both common and unique experiences. I enjoy giving and receiving equally and engage women in discussion easily. Leading a Personal Renewal Group is truly meaningful. My work and professional experience include leading and facilitating groups.

What are your favorite self-care activities? 

Walks in nature with my family, attending restorative yoga classes and singing in my Temple choir give me physical, mental and spiritual nourishment.  I also love writing and wrote my own story first before curating the stories of 50 women for The Advanced Maternal Age Project.

How can people contact you or learn about your groups/retreats?

For more information about my Personal Renewal Groups in the North-Central Austin , TX area and future online groups, visit http://advancedmaternalage.org/personalrenewalgroups/  or email sharon@advancedmaternalage.org.

You can meet other facilitators around the globe here. If you’d like to learn more about empowering women in your community, growing your small business and joining our international community of RTA-Certified Facilitators, click here, call 512/459-6700 or email us.