Meet Kimberly DeLaura! This South Shore Mom of two is a Pembroke resident and founder of Explore Pediatric Therapy, a nature-based pediatric occupational therapy practice that addresses social, emotional, motor and sensory challenges for children ages 4 months-10 years old. We’re happy to announce Kim will be contributing to the TSSM blog! Kim is incredibly friendly, warm and we enjoyed chatting with her! Get to know her in today’s Meet A Mom!
Where are you from originally? I grew up at the Jersey Shore in a small town called Sea Girt with my mom, dad and older brother. And by small, I mean tiny – I had 18 kids in my grade level from Kindergarten to 8th grade! But, it was a magical place to live. Visiting the shore with my family is so nostalgic.
Tell us about your family! How many kids, names/ages? I am happily married to my husband, Charlie since 2016. We have two sons; Charlie Jr. 5 years old and Cade 2.5 years old. Charlie and Cade are total boys – we jokingly refer to them as our ‘alpha babies.’
Where do you now call home and how long have you lived there? Pembroke is now our home and we love it! We recently purchased a home in town, but have been in the area since 2015. Pembroke, to me, is a balance between small town feel and country living.
What is your favorite part about living in the South Shore? The South Shore is this hidden gem that gets overlooked by the Cape and Boston. I love how it boasts a beautiful coastline, plenty of diverse nature trails, and many natural landscapes to explore. But, there is also plenty to do for everyone! From the newly weds to the young family to retirees. The South Shore has something for everyone, including a wonderful community of people.
What family activity do you enjoy most? This is a toss up between family bike rides and adventuring out on a trail. Both get those feel good endorphins pumping, and create a context for family conversations that only happen in the great outdoors.
What is your favorite part about the work you do? All of it. It lights me up to connect with a child. It lights me up to connect with their family. It lights me up to help create a pathway to change and success for both of them. Working outdoors is literally the best office I could dream of – so yes, I love all parts of the work I do!
Are you involved with any non-profits or do any volunteering? I have been an avid volunteer for 20 years now for many non-profit organizations; most of them all related to children or animal welfare. However, the one that is most near and dear to my heart is The Double H Ranch in upstate New York. Double H was founded by Paul Newman as a place for children with life-threatening illnesses to get the true ‘camp experience.’ I have volunteered at this camp for many years and it literally changed me in the best way possible.
What do you find to be the toughest part about being a working mom? Wanting to give 110% to everyone all of the time. Being that I work with children and their families, I have the same pull to give them my full attention just as I do for my own children!
What is the best advice you have received as a mom? Try to see the positive in each day because once the day is over, it’s over forever. That, or that time goes by too quickly so give your children as many hugs and kisses as possible.
What is your best advice for a new mom? Listen to your own body signals. Don’t be too proud to ask for help or admit that being a new mom totally rocks your world and it is the most raw profound transition in one’s life.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I am secretly an introvert!
Is there a Quote or mantra you live by? “If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs.” – Nicolette Sowder
What are your favorite local spots for a date night, coffee break, workout, new outfit, self-care? Date Night is Christina’s Restaurant in Pembroke, Coffee break is SlackTide Coffee, Workout is with my rucksack at the beach or in the woods, New Outfit is Anthropologie or J. Crew, Self-Care is at The Scituate Salt Cave or The Face Place in Hanover.
