Northwest Parent Concepts was founded, and is run, by a mother-daughter team who share a deep love for children and families. Their combined education and experience in the fields of parenting, infant/child development, and human services is extensive. Mary and Karol are wonderful friends and enjoy combining their passions in this shared, family-focused venture.

N. Karol Swenson

Karol is the mother of two dear and amazing human beings. Her 30 plus years of experience in the fields of education and parent support include work as a teacher, education manager, children's center director, college instructor, child abuse prevention program manager, and parent educator for a wide range of families.

A lifelong student, Karol has always been drawn to the classroom and has studied over the years the many aspects of child development, learning styles, and family models. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (University of Washington) and is completing a thesis for her Master's Degree in Human Development (Pacific Oaks College). Karol is trained to facilitate a number of parent education models including the Nurturing Program, Active Parent, Love and Logic, Growing Up Again, and Systematic Training for Effective Parenting.

Karol delights in joining with families as they learn and grow together. She knows that raising children is a fulfilling, challenging, frustrating, frightening, enriching undertaking - one in which we all need support and information. It would be her great pleasure to offer you a hand.

Mary Hill, MSW, CIMI

Mary earned her Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Washington. She is a NAPS certified Postpartum Doula, educated by the Seattle Midwifery School, a Certified Infant Massage Instructor, educated by the International Association of Infant Massage, and has completed the week-long Lactation Educator course at Evergreen Hospital. Additionally, she is a registered counselor in the state of Washington and is certified in Infant, Child and Adult CPR/1st Aid. She has 14 plus years of experience caring for infants/young children and working with families in homes, childcare facilities, schools and hospitals. Mary brings with her an unparalleled passion for infants and really enjoys playing a role in the formation of new families.

Testimonials

"Mary was very self-sufficient, figured out where we needed help and did it. And we really appreciated it! I would highly recommend Mary. She was so attuned to how exhausted we were with a new baby. She helped out so much with housework, breastfeeding, and gave us time for naps!"
- Cortney

"Mary was very reliable and so much fun to work with. Our twin daughters loved her. Mary was so knowledgeable with newborns and taught us a lot! Yes!"
- Sara

"[Mary] took the time to have our two year old acclimate to her and look forward to her visits…She never made me feel like less of a mother even though I ran around in a sleep deprived stupor and half dressed. Mary really was great! You only had to tell her how to do something once and then it was done to perfection. She has a very nurturing presence and became part of our family."
- Betsy

"Thank you so much, Mary, for your kindness and patient support. You have helped me go in the direction I was struggling so hard to find. I know I will be the parent I want to be now. Thank you! (as if thank you is enough)."
-Catherine

"[I appreciated] that [Mary] had both understanding of the chaos of life with a newborn, and so much knowledge to share that was helpful now, and will be helpful in the future. I felt very comfortable expressing my fears and concerns of our situation and [Mary] addressed these issues in a caring and organized manner. And the best was the help for what we thought was a hopeless breastfeeding situation! If any moms are looking for a postpartum doula she has our highest recommendation."
-Christa

"Mary's patience and loving nature make her a natural around children. She understands child development, in my opinion, almost as second nature. I am a better parent because of Mary, not only because of the break I get when she is here but because of the way I have observed her interacting with my girls. I have learned a lot from her!"
-Maureen

"It has been helpful, exciting and inspirational. Karol genuinely puts her heart into her work - and her humor. I loved coming to talk with her. Her ideas and encouragement are greatly appreciated. My family and I thank her. Bonni has been responsive to the ideas that we have tried. Karol has made a real difference in our home."
-The Radfords

"Organized, effective, creative, thorough, joyful, exuberant, warm, direct, spontaneous - these words all describe Karol and her work. She made the learning fun and the classes have helped me tremendously. My kids are grateful! Thank you."
-Pam