Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Wawrzyniec
Hi Jenna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story can start as far back as second grade when I wrote “books” about my dog and knew I wanted to be a writer someday! Fast forward to college, I solidified that vision with a degree in journalism, but I simultaneously fell in love with a Navy sailor stationed in Hawaii. Fresh out of school and with only $100 to my name, I did what any bold twenty-something would do and moved halfway across the world to pursue both love and career.
I worked late nights doing retail on Oahu and slowly worked my way into the business world, spending a few years as a business news reporter. Eventually I fell in love with covering the nonprofit beat, so I leapt to what felt like my dream job doing communications for the Make-A-Wish chapter. But, newly married to that Navy guy – we had to move. This was my first taste of military life’s unpredictability, and I had to find the confidence to embrace change.
In another life season, I became a mother, and like many, I immediately felt the isolation and overwhelm of modern parenting. Much of the overwhelm, I believe, comes from a lack of connection to child development norms. What helped me thrive was learning more about these norms, a journey sparked by Montessori education. Early motherhood reshaped my career; I became obsessed with better understanding children, their development, and the practices that support or hinder it. It became my new journalism “beat.”
Three kids and a move to Texas later, I re-entered the workforce in pursuit of this niche. I joined a global Montessori school network, co-founding a community team to strengthen school-to-home partnerships nationwide. Years later, I transitioned to Lovevery, where I bridged the gap between child development experts and parenting content as a content strategist. This season of life reignited my own love of learning. There’s something about being surrounded by passionate educators that is endlessly inspiring.
I knew I had found my calling. I branched out to found Holding Space Montessori in 2023, where I now provide tailored communications services for schools and child development teams, and mentor parents on social media. My personal mission is: Normalize the hardships of parenting while elevating the respect children deserve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, but I believe the struggles were key to finding work I’m truly passionate about. I also think we learn the most when we push ourselves just outside our comfort zones. The catalyst for branching out on my own came during a high-stress time when I was part of a company layoff, coinciding with my husband’s transition out of the military. In hindsight, it turned out to be a blessing—it forced me to think critically and creatively about what I could offer the world and to take action.
Risk-taking was never something I felt comfortable with, and in many ways, working for larger companies allowed me to hide behind teams and big missions, enabling my shyness. But standing on my own two feet, becoming the one to strategize, consult, advise, create, and mentor—this experience helped me build confidence and strengthen skills I was perhaps always capable of but often afraid to try. I now know that the better question to ask is, ‘What’s the best that can happen?’ instead of simmering on the “what if it doesn’t work” mindset.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I aim to be the bridge between experts and parents. My days are spent helping school teams communicate more effectively with their parent communities, while also helping parents navigate the influx of expert strategies available today. This month, for example, I’ve worked on everything from event planning, social media management, authoring educational guides and newsletters, simplifying websites, and producing a large bank of toddler articles and videos for a parenting app.
My work isn’t limited to schools—if a team has something valuable to share with parents, I can likely help. What sets me apart as a writer and content producer, perhaps, is that I am deeply ingrained in the child development and education world. Over time, I’ve developed a strong competency in translating educational concepts and child development topics. It’s a bit of a niche, full of nuance, and I’m really proud of how I’ve grown in this field. It’s fascinating work, and it’s the kind of work that can change the world, because the real hope for our future lies in our children.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @holdingspacemontessori
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennawawrzyniec
- Other: holdingspacemontessori@gmail.com
