Charleston Moms

We’ve all been there…glued to our smartphones weeding through thousands of Google search results trying to find reliable advice for things like treating bee stings naturally or trying to learn the difference between a 401k and a Roth IRA only to end up more confused than when we started! Raising a family comes with lots of questions and, unfortunately, there is no manual, which is why Charleston Moms Blog is thrilled to partner with our panel of local experts to help you get answers to life’s FAQs…

How do I get started saving for my kid’s college education?

Will a pacifier really affect the way my kid’s teeth grow in? 

I want to get my child enrolled in preschool. How can I tell they’re really ready and when should I start looking? 

How can I talk to my child about a death in the family? 

We know you’ve got questions and our team of experts are waiting to help you! Submit your question below and look forward to receiving helpful advice from real, local professionals in our Q&A column published monthly.

This is a sponsored guide presented by our valued local partners. While we love sharing these resources with our readers, we have not personally vetted every individual business represented  here and encourage our readers to do their own research to find the best choice for their families. 

MUSC is changing what’s possible when it comes to healthcare. The Medical University of South Carolina is the state’s only comprehensive academic medical center. They are changing what’s possible in health care through their ongoing mission to provide excellence in patient care, teaching, and research. Nationally recognized for its innovation, patient, and family-centered care, and quality outcomes, MUSC’s integrated health care systems are accessible at the downtown Charleston campus and through more than 100 outreach locations, clinical affiliations with numerous health care partners, and a robust telehealth network.

MUSC Children’s Health is imagining what’s possible for each and every child by providing the pediatric expertise your child deserves and needs. From promoting healthy lifestyles to offering life-saving treatments, their staff is committed to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to children throughout South Carolina and beyond. Their integrated health care system consists of a 186-bed pediatric hospital providing the most advanced care possible in more than 26 specialty areas. Newly added world-class facilities are now seeking to integrate pediatrics and obstetrics at the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion (Fall 2019). 

Dr. Katie Bullwinkel has made it her team’s mission to “Put a little JOY in your SMILE!”  Her patients, big and small, enjoy her natural ability to make them feel comfortable through the orthodontic process and help them quickly and easily achieve the smile of their dreams.  She understands the unique needs of today’s busy moms because she is one herself!  She and her husband, Matt, are the proud parents of Molly, Charles, Thomas, and their dog, Hudson.

Dr Katie received her doctorate in dental medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. She was recognized with first graduate honors and selection to Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a dental honor society. Following dental school, she traveled to Chicago where she completed her orthodontic specialty residency and Master’s degree in Oral Science. Her thesis focused on aspects of positive psychology and its link to orthodontic treatment in adolescents.

Patient B. Gallagher says, “Bullwinkel Orthodontics is incredible! I was impressed with Dr. Katie’s personal approach to making my child feel comfortable in her office. She spent her time explaining his treatment not just to me, but to him as well so he would feel comfortable during his visits. The young woman at the front desk was extremely warm, knowledgeable, and professional. She made sure we knew what to expect before the appointment. I highly recommend this office for orthodontics.”

Mason Prep School is an independent, non-profit, co-ed school for students in grades K-8. Partnering with families across the Charleston, SC, area they provide their students with excellent academics, exciting activities, and a close-knit community in which to learn and grow. Students at Mason Prep experience a vibrant learning community that provides a well-rounded education, integrating valuable life lessons into the core curriculum. Here, students, families, and educators work and learn as a team, with a shared goal of whole-child development. Strong academics, engaging activities, and consistent character education create confident graduates who are ready for success in high school, at college, and in life.

M. & R. Koster say, “We chose Mason Prep for its strong academics and nurturing environment. We truly appreciate the individual, caring attention all the teachers give to each of our children, focusing on their strengths and helping them overcome their weaknesses. We love that the teachers at Mason Prep know when to give the children close guidance and when to give them more responsibility and freedom. Our children know that learning can be fun! The school’s smaller size means that the Head of School, teachers and every other member of the staff know each of our children well. We feel blessed that our children attend Mason Prep and would recommend it whole-heartedly.” 

Planning for the future and protecting against hardship are among the most important steps couples take when they begin their families. The agents at Charleston’s NY Life Insurance Company office can help you with college savings plans, life insurance, 401k rollovers, retirement planning, long-term care, investments, Roth IRAs, tax diversification strategies and mortgage protection. It’s never too late (or too soon!) to get help with your finances and life planning as your family grows and changes. Local Financial Services Professionals Caroline Mahoney, Riley Knudsen, and Stephen Fazio are located in the heart of Charleston and are here to help your family plan, protect and thrive!

Sweetgrass Counseling was founded by Amy Jackson, a Licensed Professional Counselor and she is one of the first in the Lowcountry to complete specialized training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders through Postpartum Support International. Amy is a graduate of Liberty University and has worked with individuals in a variety of settings including: psychiatric hospital, substance abuse treatment facility, long term care residential facility for at risk youth, state agency, and private practice. Amy specializes in working with individuals and couples experiencing infertility, pregnancy or postpartum distress, pregnancy or infant loss, traumatic childbirth, or adjusting to life as a new parent.

Amy can provide expert answers for reproductive/maternal mental health and general mental health. She can answer questions addressing depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-care, parenting, spirituality, relationships, coping skills, self-esteem, the different types of therapy, using insurance benefits, and how to find the right therapist. 

Kids Teeth is locally owned and operated by two dads that are both Board Certified Pediatric Dentists – Dr. Will MacDonald and Dr. Mike Myers. We focus on getting kids excited about visiting the dentist and helping your family form a plan to fight and prevent cavities at home. Our office is specifically designed to make your child feel comfortable and welcome from the moment they walk in the door. We truly love children and enjoy seeing them leave the dentist with a smile. Let us show your family how much fun a dental visit should be by stopping by one of our two convenient Mt. Pleasant locations for a complimentary tour or calling us to set up your child’s first appointment.

What their patient’s parents say: The staff is amazing, so welcoming! Great play area to get the kids comfortable and Dr. Mike and Dr. Will are just wonderful! My 4 yr actually looks forward to going to the dentist!

Ashlin Blum is a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in the state of South Carolina as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Through Empowered Family in Mount Pleasant, Ashlin specializes in working with children diagnosed with developmental disabilities and their families, and has experience in the treatment of depression, ADHD, divorce, and relationship issues. Empowered Family works with the individual focusing on developmental milestones and specific areas of need. While working with the family, he focuses on each individual family member’s presenting issue and helps the family create a solution to their needs.

Empowered Family offers a wide variety of services including individual, family, or relationship therapy, support for parents of a child diagnosed with a disability, and educational support. 

Nurse at Night is Charleston’s premier night nursing, sleep consulting and breastfeeding support service all in one!  Liz takes experience seriously. She has only the most qualified registered newborn nurses working for her. As a trained Moms on Call consultant, Liz also offers sleep consulting from birth through the toddler years. As a certified lactation counselor Liz can also give you the additional breastfeeding support you need.

Client Bess says, “Nurse at Night allowed me to rest assured knowing that my boys were in the most capable hands. Having a registered nurse care for the boys at night gave me the peace of mind that they would always be taken care of. All of the nurses are professional, caring, and wonderful with my babies.  I can’t thank them enough for helping us out.”