Hi, I’m Dr. Hilary Mandzik! I’m so glad you’re here!
If you’re struggling right now, you’ve landed in the right place. Parenting your sensitive kid with big emotions doesn’t have to be this hard. It really is possible to end the constant meltdowns, stop walking on eggshells, ditch the frustration & overwhelm and get to a place where you actually enjoy parenting your sensitive child — even in the challenging moments.
I help parents of sensitive kids with big emotions go from barely surviving to feeling good about parenting, even on the hard days.
And I’m not just another parenting “expert” — I actually hate that term! — sharing my opinions on the internet. I’ve got:
a private therapy practice where I specialize in parents’ mental health (so while I care about your child’s well-being, I also care deeply about yours!)
a certificate in perinatal mental health from Postpartum Support International (which means that I’ve got specialized knowledge in parents’ mental health & the transition to parenthood)
3 sensitive kids of my own … so when I say I get it, I really do get it. I’m right here in the trenches with you, and I’ll never make you feel alone or ashamed when you need help parenting your sensitive child.
a BA in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!)
a Masters of Education from Harvard University
a Doctorate of Psychology from the George Washington University
15 years of experience as a child therapist (so I’ve clocked some serious hours supporting sensitive kids & their families)
specialized training in attachment & infant mental health (& I’m a certified Circle of Security Parenting facilitator)
When I’m not supporting clients or creating awesome content to help parents of sensitive kids, you can find me hanging with my family, relaxing in nature, lifting weights, learning golf (I grew up in Pinehurst but only just picked up a club a few months ago), playing pickleball (I was a competitive tennis player growing up, so pickleball has been an easy pivot!), singing along with my favorite show tunes, or getting lost in a good book. I’ve also been re-learning French on Duo Lingo (where I unofficially compete with my husband … even though he always wins).
A few fun facts about me
01
I went to a different school every year from kindergarten until 5th grade. I had to get comfortable outside my comfort zone & learn to make new friends quickly, which wasn’t easy as a sensitive kid myself! – but these are two skills I’m really glad I have now as an adult!
03
Three months into dating, my now-husband – who ran college track – invited me to run a marathon with him. I thought he was joking; I was at best a casual runner (thanks, high school track). But he helped me train, and we ran the whole thing & even finished holding hands.
04
I genuinely feel good about how I’m parenting now, but it wasn’t always this way. Despite my training & experience, I struggled as a first-time mom to a sensitive kid with huge emotions. In fact, my struggle is what inspired me to help YOU! You can listen to my story here.
02
I spent 2 years living in New England, where I worked at a residential treatment center for kids who struggled emotionally & behaviorally. I went skiing every morning & walked to work on snowshoes. It was an awesome life experience (minus the days where it didn’t get above zero).