Kelly has 25+ years’ experience working in childcare.

She is a qualified Maternity Nurse, Emergency Medical Technician, First Aid Instructor, and Child Protection Officer. Kelly is a member of both the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants and the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants. In addition to specialising in helping little ones sleep, she holds a Diploma in Child Nutrition and offers guidance on weaning. Kelly also assists parents with potty training and transitioning toddlers from cots to beds.

For many years, Kelly has travelled the world, working with children of all ages in various roles. At the beginning of 2018, she decided to stay in Ireland to help parents with infants facing sleep issues. She is fortunate that many of the parents she has assisted have recommended her to friends, family, and co-workers who are also seeking a good night’s sleep, allowing her business to grow through word of mouth without the need for advertising.

Kelly says: “I have always been involved in childcare in one form or another. After school, I studied childcare and became a nanny for a family. I then worked internationally for the Sol Melia Hotel Group, perfecting my fluent Spanish while working in their baby rooms and children’s clubs. Between seasons abroad, I worked as a temp in creches and family homes.

“I was heavily involved with the Irish Red Cross while in Ireland, achieving my advanced First Aid qualification and teaching Cadets First Aid. I then obtained my maternity nurse qualification in the UK. With limited opportunities for private maternity nurses in Ireland at the time, I explored a career in Health and Safety, serving as a Health & Safety auditor, First Aid Instructor, and Examiner. During my time with Dalkia, I studied for a certificate in Health and Safety at University College Dublin (UCD).

“I applied for An Garda Síochána and qualified, enjoying a rewarding career where I made lifelong friends. While there, I studied for my EMT qualification and completed my ambulance hours.

“I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. My qualifications and experience led to my recruitment by a VIP family abroad, marking the start of my international career. I worked as a maternity nurse, nanny, CPO, and pediatric sleep consultant for many VIP families worldwide, caring for numerous babies and children who each hold a special place in my heart.

“In 2018, my family situation brought me home on a more full-time basis. Thanks to the word of mouth from families I had previously helped, I established Sleepy Stars.”

Since then, Kelly has expanded her services to include online and in-person workshops for both public and corporate clients, sharing her expertise with a wider audience.

Kelly continues to assist many families on a one-to-one basis, with waiting lists that fill within minutes of opening. She offers in-house sleep support to families and takes on a couple of maternity baby cases, either locally or internationally, a few times a year.

Kelly says “My mission is to support families in a clear, non-judgmental way as they navigate their parenthood journey”