About East End Mom Friends
East End Mom Friends started in 2022 with the goal of creating a safe, inclusive community for East End parents in the early stages of parenting.
Since then, we have blossomed into a busy Instagram account, a WhatsApp community with over 1,000 friends, and dozens of Playgroups running 7 days a week from St. Lawrence Market to Birchcliff, and everywhere in between. We continue to grow, partnering with local businesses, community resources, and caregivers.
East End Mom Friends is run by Trish Goodwin-Lawrence, a mom, early childhood educator, and cheerleading coach who is passionate about helping families and their little ones forge strong social connections that last a lifetime.
East End Mom Friends is for you
New parents ⏺ 2SLGBTQ+ families ⏺ Single parents ⏺ BIPOC parents and kids ⏺
New parents ⏺ 2SLGBTQ+ families ⏺ Single parents ⏺ BIPOC parents and kids ⏺
Multi-child families ⏺ Grandparents ⏺ 40+ parents ⏺ Nannies ⏺ Neurodiverse families ⏺
Multi-child families ⏺ Grandparents ⏺ 40+ parents ⏺ Nannies ⏺ Neurodiverse families ⏺
Dads and father figures ⏺ Teen moms ⏺ One-and-done parents ⏺ Step-parents ⏺
Dads and father figures ⏺ Teen moms ⏺ One-and-done parents ⏺ Step-parents ⏺
Trish’s story
East End Mom Friends started after my own isolating introduction to motherhood in 2020
When I look back at photos from my 2020 maternity leave, I'm reminded it was just us two. We had nothing to do, nowhere to go, and no one but one another for company. The days were long, lonely, and we had to get creative.
My daughter and I made do. I was grateful for my early childhood education degree and experience, but I craved connection with other parents. Having worked in family support and early childhood education for many years, I knew exactly what I was missing. I yearned for mom and baby yoga, music classes, or baby swimming lessons.
So my second time around, I made a goal: bring parents and caregivers together. From breweries to drop in centres, my tiny humans and I are doing all the things - and inviting our community along for the ride!
Professional background
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Early childhood education
Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education (University of Ottawa)
Active registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators
I value the developmental stages of early childhood and am an established expert in my field. The importance of social interaction in the early years is a concept I value and strive to create for our community.
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Family support
Certificate in Family Supports and Community Engagement (Toronto Metropolitan University)
I boast an extensive background in Resource Consulting for Childcare Centres, Children’s Services, Mom & Baby Groups, and community engagement projects, among many other parent- and family-centred undertakings.
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Youth sport
NCCP & ICU Certified Allstar Cheerleading Coach
With over 15 years experience in Allstar cheerleading, my passion for cultivating a love of sports shows in my commitment to youth competitive sports. My athletes teach me so much, keep me on my toes, and my pride for their accomplishments speaks for itself.
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Non-profit childcare
With over 10 years experience working in childcare, primarily under the Ministry of Education, following Assessment for Quality Improvement guidelines, How Does Learning Happen, and Early Learning for Every Child Today, I am passionate about helping my mom friends find the childcare solution that fits best for their family and long term goals.
