Meet Joanna Clark | Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Certified Gentle Sleep Coach℠

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Hello, I’m Joanna Clark, the proud Founder of Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching. As a parent who has experienced the pain of sleep-deprivation, overwhelm, and relentless questioning of their self-worth because she too had a child that did not sleep through the night, I knows exactly how frustrating and isolating it feels to want what’s best for your child and yet, can no longer tolerate living in a confused and sleep-deprived haze. My journey began on January 15th, 2004, when I welcomed my precious daughter after years of fertility struggles. Little did I know, the joy of her arrival would soon be accompanied by sleepless nights and a sense of frustration.
My daughter’s sleep troubles turned our blissful dreams into a challenging reality. Endless nursing at night, short and choppy naps, and an inability to accept bottles from my husband left us all feeling exhausted and helpless. I found solace and support with a sleep consultant which became the answer to teaching her life-long healthy sleep habits and we experienced a Family Sleep Transformation.
Witnessing my child peacefully sleep through the night and take restful naps was a game-changer. We finally got “our life back” and our sanity, energy and parental confidence blossomed all while increasing the bond with our child. It ignited a passion within me to share this blissful experience with other sleep-deprived parents.
I became one of the first 50 trained and certified Gentle Sleep Coach® in the United States (assisting families 6 months to 6 years old). Now, I’ve spent the past 13 years helping 1,000’s of families achieve easy bedtimes, peaceful nights, reliable naps resulting in confident parenting and a harmonious household. Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching isn’t just about your child’s sleep. It’s about your sleep, as well. It’s about time for yourself and your partner. It’s about your personal and professional goals. It’s about giving you the confidence to safely solve your baby’s sleep problems using love and science so you can become a well-rested family!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What truly distinguishes Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching and me, Joanna Clark, from others is not just the depth and breadth of MY approach but the personal journey and the philosophy that underpins my success. As one of the first 50 trained and certified Gentle Sleep Coaches® in the United States, my background is grounded in over 90+ hours of rigorous instruction and mentoring, including the renowned “Sleep Lady Shuffle” by Kim West. This comprehensive training, combined with ongoing education, equips me to offer a scientifically-backed, gentle approach to sleep training that respects each child’s unique needs​​​​. From the outset, I was determined to offer an alternative to the traditional cry-it-out method, aiming to nurture the family unit, eliminate guilt and shame, and build confidence and unity among parents. This mission was born out of my own experiences and a recognition of the gap in available support for parents struggling with their child’s sleep. Thirteen years ago, the concept of hiring a Pediatric Sleep Consultant was nearly unheard of. I had to embark on a journey of networking and educating pediatricians, doulas, and lactation consultants about the benefits of gentle sleep coaching and my commitment to solving sleep struggles without the trauma of crying it out​​​​.
Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is more than just about achieving sleep; it’s about enhancing the well-being of the entire family. It’s about allowing parents—especially fathers—to engage deeply in the sleep coaching process, fostering a stronger bond with their child and a balanced co-parenting relationship. This emphasis on family unity and the role of each parent is something I’m particularly proud of. It not only empowers mothers to trust in their partners, but also brings fathers closer to their children, creating a nurturing environment conducive to healthy sleep habits and family dynamics​​​​.
My approach is data-driven, focusing on the details and nuances of a child’s life and the family’s values, goals, and feelings. This meticulous attention to detail, which I liken to being a “Sleep Detective,” allows me to create personalized sleep plans that consider the whole child and their environment. It’s this level of customization and care that sets Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching apart. Parents have voiced their appreciation for the bond it has helped forge not only between them and their children but also between themselves as partners, providing freedom and confidence in their parenting​​​​​​.
The journey here wasn’t easy, but the challenges faced along the way have been invaluable lessons. The biggest lesson learned is that it’s never too late for a family to help their child learn independent, healthy sleep habits. My mission is to be a source of accurate, reliable information on all things sleep, offering a nurturing and supportive coaching experience. I deeply care about each family member I work with, striving to enhance the unity and co-parenting relationship, and ultimately, helping families become well-rested and harmonious​​​​.
What I want the world to know about Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is that our brand and story are deeply rooted in compassion, scientific understanding, and a commitment to the family unit. It’s about giving parents the confidence to safely solve their baby’s sleep problems with love and science, leading to a well-rested family. Our approach is personalized, taking into account the unique needs and circumstances of each family, making the journey towards blissful sleep a collaborative and empowering experience​.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m thrilled to share with you the essence of living in or visiting Los Altos and Palo Alto, California. These areas are not just about tech and innovation; they’re also about enjoying the finer things in life, connecting with nature, and savoring delicious food. If my best friend were visiting for a week, here’s how I’d craft the perfect itinerary to ensure they experience the best of both worlds. Day 1: Welcome to Los Altos and Palo Alto
Morning: We’d start with breakfast at Bluestone Lane Café in Los Altos, where the vibes and perfect outdoor dining are as good as the coffee. Their avocado toast is a must-try!
Midday: A leisurely walk through Stanford University’s campus. The architecture and grounds are breathtaking, and it’s a wonderful way to soak in the academic atmosphere.
Evening: For dinner, The Post in Los Altos offers a cozy atmosphere with amazing American cuisine, perfect for catching up and enjoying a hearty meal.
Day 2: Nature and Nurture
Morning: A hike at Foothills Park in Palo Alto. It’s a great way to connect with nature and enjoy stunning views.
Afternoon: Bring a picnic to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve for a more challenging hike or a relaxed afternoon enjoying the scenery.
Evening: Dinner at Evvia Estiatorio in Palo Alto, where the Greek cuisine will transport you to the Mediterranean with its authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
Morning: A trip to Filoli Gardens, especially delightful in the spring with its breathtaking display of flowers. It’s a historic mansion with spectacular formal gardens and it is a serene place to wander and appreciate nature’s artistry.
Afternoon: Lunch at a local café, followed by an afternoon exploring the Baylands Nature Preserve at sunset. The views and wildlife are spectacular, especially as the day winds down.
Evening: A classic movie at the Stanford Theatre in Palo Alto. It’s like stepping back in time with its vintage charm and selection of golden age films.
Day 4: Los Altos Leisure
Morning: Breakfast at another local favorite before heading to Redwood Grove in Shoup Park, Los Altos. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy California’s famous redwoods.
Afternoon: A visit to Linden Tree Children’s Books. Even if you’re not shopping for kids, it’s a charming spot that celebrates the joy of reading.
Evening: Lunch at Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery in Palo Alto. Their modern Vietnamese cuisine is not only delicious but also beautifully presented
Day 5-7: Personalized Adventures
The rest of the week could be tailored to personal interests, whether that’s more hiking, exploring local farmers markets, visiting tech company campuses (where public access is allowed), or simply enjoying the diverse culinary scene. Palo Alto and Los Altos offer a blend of activities that cater to all tastes, whether you’re into outdoor adventures, foodie expeditions, or cultural explorations.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout-out Kim West LCSW-C (aka: The Sleep Lady) for changing my family life and fueling my mission and career to create a well-rested family revolution. It started with a question. Why couldn’t I help my daughter do the most basic thing: sleep? I was irritated, sleep-deprived, and envious of women who appeared like they had it all together. I was filled with self-doubt, confusion, and frustration. My child just wasn’t sleeping like “other babies”. After failing at trying to sleep train on my own, I knew I needed expert help.
I came across Kim West’s book Good Night, Sleep Tight: Gentle Proven Solutions to Help Your Child Sleep Without Leaving Them to Cry-It-Out. Her gentle sleep coaching process worked for my daughter and family. I was so thrilled that I knew I had to help other sleep-deprived families. I became one of the first 50 Trained and Certified Gentle Sleep Coach® (GSC) in the USA. Founded in 2010 by Kim West, a licensed family therapist, and created by a team of child development and pediatric sleep experts, The GSC® Certification is the most comprehensive, in-depth baby and child sleep training certification program in the world! I trust science-grounded Gentle Sleep Coaching® as the most effective, positive approach to healthy, safe sleep training for your child.
This certification has it all: with over 90+ hours of instruction & mentoring from “Sleep Lady Shuffle” creator Kim West and additional continuing ed training and certifications.
Now I benefit from being an active participant in an enormous global Gentle Sleep Coach community and I’m part of a worldwide network of pediatricians, doulas, and lactation specialists who care and support families. Without Kim’s books and vision to train and certify superior sleep coaches, I would not have had the chance to help parents reclaim their life and family vision by achieving drama-free bedtimes, peaceful nights, reliable naps, confident parenting, and a well-rested, harmonious home.

Website: https://www.blissfulbabysleepcoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissfulbabysleep/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-clark-6b85241/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blissfulbabysleep

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blissful-baby-sleep-coaching-mountain-view

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlissfulBabySleep

Other: Google Reviews https://g.page/r/CYCZjJEbzuR-EAg/review

Image Credits
Christina Wert of Alias Josie Here website is Christina@aliasjosie.com