Parent & Me Classes
Parent & Me Classes
Where families learn, play, and support each other in a warm, guided setting.
Our Parent & Me classes provide a warm, engaging space for young children and their caregivers to learn, play, and grow together. Classes meet once a week and include developmentally appropriate play experiences, opportunities for connection, and guided discussions that support your child’s early development.
All classes are facilitated by experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists who specialize in supporting young children and families.
Each session includes:
- A focused parenting topic – covering areas such as early communication, emotional development, routines, and setting boundaries.
- Time to share experiences – celebrating what’s working at home and talking through real-life challenges in a supportive space.
- Direct guidance and Q&A – where parents can ask questions and receive thoughtful, practical advice.
Meet Our Parenting Instructors
Lolis Marquez, AMFT
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Lolis Marquez, AMFT, has worked with children and families for over 10 years in a variety of settings, primarily in the education space supporting children and their families. After earning her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 2025, Lolis made the transition to work much more closely with children and families in the therapeutic space. Lolis specializes in early child development, aiming to support the child and family through the understanding and importance of relationships, connection, and developmental milestones. Currently, Lolis works with Eisner Health in providing collaborative care to a diverse population, providing individual and family therapy services. In addition, Lolis has training in maternal and perinatal mental health to assist expecting and new mothers navigate the world of parenthood.
Rebekka Helford, LMFT
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Rebekka has enjoyed working with children and their families in a variety of capacities both therapeutic and non-clinical for over 15 years. In addition to conducting weekly psychotherapy for adults in her Santa Monica-adjacent private practice, Rebekka also specializes in short-term intensive parent consultation, offering both home and office visits to help families navigate developmental hiccups and get back on track. Since 2016, Rebekka has supervised and trained interns and led Mindful Parenting Groups at Well Baby Center in Mar Vista.
Heather Ward, M.A., LMFT
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Heather works with children and their families in a variety of therapeutic and non-therapeutic settings. After earning her Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of Southern CA, Heather trained and led groups in the Mindful Parenting program at Well Baby Center. Heather joined Cassidy Preschool to support families navigating developmental milestones and provide skills such as observation and reflection of feelings in a non-judgmental environment.
Jaclyn Epstein, M.A., LMFT
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Jaclyn is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who supports young children and families through a warm, relationship-centered approach. With a background in early childhood education and over 15 years of experience, she brings a deep understanding of child development, behavior, and connection. Her work focuses on helping children feel safe, understood, and supported—while guiding parents with practical tools and insight so the whole family can grow, connect, and thrive.
In addition to parent groups, we offer Toddler enrichment classes including:
Baby & Little Berries Music
Through the use of original music, this curriculum is designed to enrich development in children and strengthen the parent-child relationship. Classes include active instrument play, improvisation, singing, drumming, movement, use of different props, music for relaxation in a variety of musical genres.
Baby & Little Berries: Música en Español!
The Baila Baila is a dynamic, engaging program and a great way to introduce children to learning Spanish through music and games. During this time children learn new vocabulary by immersing in music through songs and play. This class is designed to engage the student’s minds and bodies through music and movements.
Toddler Messy Art
Come delight in your toddler’s innate ability to create! In this process-based art class, we will explore new materials each week. Children will have the opportunity to use real art materials such as watercolor, tempera, and clay. We will investigate the possibilities of each material and experience, many of them through whole-body exploration and providing activities where children will develop their imagination while exercising many of their senses.
Little
Gatherings
Get ready to move, explore, and grow! Join us for an engaging, fun-filled class designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, and sensory development. This class is a semi-structured, free-play enrichment class that promotes a first-time “school experience” with circle time introducing a topic of the week through story time, a range of activities, a snack, and is meant to be interactive for both caregiver and child. Class welcomes one adult per child.
Programs meet weekly, providing a consistent rhythm for families and a meaningful way to build community.
For more information or to enroll, please contact [email protected]
Parenting Playgroups & Baby + Toddler Enrichment FAQs
How do I find out more about Parenting Playgroups and Baby & Toddler Enrichment classes?
We’d love to connect with you! To learn more about our Parenting Playgroups and Baby & Toddler Enrichment classes, please email us at [email protected] or call our office at (310) 829-5700. Our team is happy to help you find the right class for your child’s age and developmental stage.
What is the schedule for Parenting Playgroups?
Our Parenting Playgroups are offered in seasonal sessions — Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Each class is grouped by age to ensure that activities and discussions are developmentally appropriate and engaging for both children and caregivers. Because schedules and availability vary, we encourage you to email us for the most up-to-date session details and to find the best fit for your family.
Do you offer weekend classes?
Yes! We understand that weekday schedules don’t work for every family, so we’re happy to offer select weekend classes throughout the year. These sessions provide the same warm, engaging experience as our weekday classes and are perfect for working parents or families with older siblings in school. When completing your application, please note if weekends are your only availability, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule.
How do I apply for Parenting Playgroups?
Applying is simple! Complete the online application form on our website, and our administrative team will follow up with available class days and times. If we don’t currently have an opening that fits your schedule, we’ll add you to our interest list and contact you as soon as a suitable class becomes available.
What is the cost per session?
Tuition varies slightly between sessions depending on the length of the term and number of class meetings. To receive current pricing for the session you’re interested in, please contact our office. We’re also pleased to offer a tuition reduction for families with multiples (such as twins or triplets).
Do you have a drop-off infant or toddler program?
Our Baby and Toddler classes are designed as caregiver-participation programs held once a week. A parent or caregiver attends alongside the child, creating a shared experience that supports early learning, connection, and community. At this time, we do not offer a drop-off option for infants or toddlers.
Who can attend Baby & Toddler classes with the children?
For our Parenting Playgroups, we ask that a parent accompany their child. In the case of twins or siblings, both parents are welcome to attend, or a caregiver may join if additional support is needed—our toddler assistants are always happy to lend a hand. For Enrichment classes, we welcome caregivers, nannies, grandparents, relatives, or close family friends to share in the fun. The goal is to create a warm and supportive environment for both the child and the attending adult.
Can we take a trial class?
Because of the intimate and relationship-based nature of our Parenting Playgroups, we do not offer trial classes. Each session is designed for small groups to grow and connect over time, creating a consistent and comfortable experience for both children and caregivers. If you’re unsure which class might be the right fit, we’re happy to answer your questions or help you choose the best starting point.