Our Approach
I’m so excited to share a piece of my heart. I’ve been dreaming of A Parent’s Paradise for over 14 years—a vision that came to life through my own journey as a mom.
Years ago, I was in a place I wouldn’t wish on any parent. My second baby had a broken collarbone and screamed through sleepless nights. I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and battling postpartum depression. To make it even harder, my father passed away from cancer during this time, leaving me grieving and far from family support. I felt utterly alone.
In those dark moments, I dreamed of a place where parents like me could go—a place where, if you’d been up all night, you could take a nap. A place where you didn’t have to beg for help but could just show up and receive what you needed. A place with resources, community, and kindness. In my heart, I called it Paradise.
Fast forward to today...
I’m now a mom of six amazing kids (four of whom are on the autism spectrum) and have spent the last 20 years as a childbirth educator and doula. I see parents every day feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and judged. The truth is, parenting in today’s world can feel impossibly hard, and the support parents deserve is often only available when they’re already in crisis.
That’s why I founded A Parent’s Paradise Charities. Our dream is to create a place where parents feel supported from the very beginning. A place where they feel seen and held. Where answers, community, and resources are easy to find.
Last year, we took our first big step with our inaugural Mom Prom. Together, we raised over $10,000 to kickstart this mission. With the help of 80 sponsors, we gifted moms incredible resources like massages, pelvic floor therapy, childcare, and more. It was a night filled with laughter, tears, and connection—a reminder that moms deserve to be celebrated and cared for.
This is where I hope you’ll join us.
Our vision includes providing scholarships for postpartum doula care, growing Mom Prom to 200 attendees, and eventually building a community center—a space where parents can rest, recharge, and find everything they need to thrive.
We’d love to partner with you to spread the word, gather support, and help us create a world where no parent feels alone.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Join us at Mom Prom this year and bring your friends (it’s going to be unforgettable!).
- Contribute to our raffles with items or services that can bless moms and families.
- Share your talents by joining our board or volunteering to help us grow.
Meet Doree Handford: a doula and ICEA childbirth educator with a deep commitment to supporting families through the transition into parenthood. With six children of her own, Doree understands the challenges parents face firsthand. Her passion lies in making this transition more manageable for others. Recognizing the difficulties families encounter, she founded A Parents Paradise Charities to offer assistance where it's needed most.
Sheree has been a dedicated pioneer in women's health in the Inland Northwest for over 30 years.
She is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy and has 7 different locations around North Idaho and Spokane to meet the needs of women in each area.
She is committed to making a difference in Maternal Health and well being for all new parents.
Sheila is a dedicated mother of three boys and a passionate advocate for families in our community. With a strong background in leadership, she has served women and children through various roles, including leading women’s groups and coaching children in park and recreation leagues. Her extensive organizational skills and nonprofit expertise have been instrumental in driving the success of A Parent’s Paradise. Sheila’s unwavering commitment to improving our community makes her an invaluable part of our mission to support parents and families.
Kim Olsonberg is a dedicated advocate for young families and a passionate member of our community. As a mother of two grown children, Kim knows firsthand the challenges of raising a family without a strong support network. Her professional experience, combined with her empathetic heart, drives her commitment to transforming the parenting landscape. Kim is devoted to ensuring that every parent in our community has access to the resources, support, and encouragement they need to thrive. Her vision is to create a future where no parent feels alone and every family has the tools to succeed.