Hi I’m Jill

I have a BS in Psychology and am an attorney licensed in several states. Once I became a mother, it seemed like I was demoted to “just a mom.” I felt like I was catapulted onto a mound of diapers without direction or assistance. I felt alone and scared. How was I supposed to know how to take care of a tiny, precious infant with literally no help?!? I sought out friends like me and was extremely fortunate to join a playgroup with mommies and babies around the same age as me and my baby. My playgroup became my lifeline and, 25 years later, I am still friends with those incredible mamas. Prior to having babies, we all had careers. After having children, we were all demoted to, “just a mom.”

I worked part time as an attorney in my own law firm and was still regarded as “just a mom.” My credibility was somehow diminished because I had a baby. I worried about us as women and I worried about what we were teaching our daughters: go to college, begin a career, become, “just a mom.” It’s my goal to change the meaning of “just a mom” to “I’m a mom and I’m somebody’s whole world.” Diminishing the incredible work mothers do for their families and for society is harmful to everyone. I want to uplift mothers and celebrate their enormous contributions to society.

One child quickly led to two and soon I was a fulltime SAHM battling several autoimmune diseases while I cared for my kids. I created games for us to play from bed, and learned the silver lining of chronic illness was I got to spend lots of time with my children. I had a third child and my health got worse. I became a single mom and we spiraled into poverty. I learned about the value of family, friends, and community and taught my kids to always give back through volunteering. We are all one bad life event away from needing community help.

I never met a stranger who I didn’t know. I started Lessons from the Minivan when I was overwhelmed and anxious. I lived far away from my playgroup. I was isolated and lonely. Even while chauffeuring my kids and their friends in my minivan, I felt invisible. The kids chattered and laughed as though I wasn’t there. They were polite when entering or exiting the minivan, but otherwise forgot I existed. I learned lessons I never knew I needed from my kids and their friends as they gossiped in my van. Most importantly, I learned no one should be isolated and lonely.

I began my feed by posting my thoughts into the void. I honestly didn’t think anyone was interested in what I had to say. I was pleasantly surprised when my posts resonated with others. I quickly built a community of parents who understood the myriad of emotions you go through while raising kids. I found my people on my minivan journey and I’m glad you’re along for the ride.