JC Families

Schools, Camps, Classes, Activities, & More

Since 2010, JCFamilies has been dedicated to serving and supporting families in Jersey City and surrounding areas. JCFamilies' mission is to provide a wholesome parenting experience to the local community and connecting businesses to families.

They connect families and businesses through 2 different channels:

  • ONLINE: JCFamilies is the largest and fastest-growing society of parents in the Jersey City area. More than 30,000 local parents connect with us across JCFamilies properties: website, Instagram, Facebook, and newsletter.
  • EVENTS: There is usually one big event per month. Most of the events are free and are organized in public parks. They invite local businesses to participate in the events and to connect with the families directly. They organize entertainment for the kids and their parents in the event, like magic shows, music shows, storytime, and outdoor sports and activities.

If you’re a family with kids living in Jersey City or the surrounding areas, join us!

Available Locations

In Person

Jersey City, NJ & the Surrounding Areas

AbiliFit

Pediatric Development Specialists

About the Owner

Elizabeth Agrapidis

Elizabeth Agrapidis is an accomplished educator, pediatric physical therapist, teacher, NDT certified practitioner, author, toy inventor, wife and a mom of two. She is putting many of the puzzle pieces of whole child development together for nannies, caregivers, and Moms like you from the convenience of your home through a certificate program and specially offered seminars. She is offering these programs and building an active community to support children and families by optimizing a baby’s movement patterns and development before anything becomes a problem or affects their future. Her growing movement is called AbiliFit Pediatric Development Specialists and Develop Connect Nurture Method Infant Development Certificate Program!

As a neuro pediatric physical therapist, PE teacher, and adaptive PE teacher for children with special needs, she noticed that there was a gap and missing information for parents after delivery and she wanted to help with children’s early development from that point on in her journey. She now takes that knowledge and practical experience and provides hands-on developmental strategies, knowledge and tools through consulting, mentoring, and her online program. This will help families to be better equipped to guide children’s physical, cognitive, emotional and overall neurological development and assist the babies in reaching their greatest potential.

Her mission is to promote the Abilities for professionals, babies, and their families and for way fewer healthy babies to end up with preventable issues that cause difficulty, stress, & the need for therapies! #thebabiesalwayswin

Available Locations

Virtual visits available

Latchlings

Lactation Consultant

Latchlings was hatched from the desire to provide expert lactation and newborn care education, support, products, and services to new parents and families. Latchlings strives to empower parents to make informed decisions about their baby’s health and well-being, and to feel confident and prepared in their new role as caregivers. Latchlings is committed to patient advocacy, promoting evidence-based practices, and fostering a supportive community for all families.

About the Owner

Michelle Schaffner CBS, CBE, NCS, CPD

Michelle is a compassionate infant feeding specialist and experienced newborn care specialist. Her passion for patient advocacy, new parent education, and child development aids her in empowering parents with the skills they need to confidently care for their babies and adjust to their changing needs. Her approach around evidence-based education and support, fourteen years experience working with families and children from preemie to thirteen years old, and her understanding of the joys and challenges associated with starting or adding to your family makes Michelle an invaluable resource for parents looking for guidance and support.

Available Locations

In Person

NY (Sullivan County, Orange County, Rockland County)

NJ (Bergen County, Passaic County, Sussex County, Hudson County, Essex County, Morris County, Wayne County)

PA (Pike County, Wayne County, Lackawanna County, Luzerne County, Monroe County)

Virtual visits available

First Light Therapy

Fertility, Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Early Childhood Mental Health

About the Owner

Allie Loeb LCSW

Allie Loeb is a licensed therapist in both NJ and NY. As the owner and therapist of First Light Therapy, Allie provides mental health counseling to women as they navigate fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. She frequently works with her clients on topics such as returning to work after maternity leave, exploring emotions related to feeding and sleep, regulating emotions following the birth of a child, and managing expectations of self and others while understanding new roles as parents. Allie is also trained in play therapy, and works with children 8 years old and younger, supporting a wide range of needs including anxieties (such as sleep and school), improving emotion identification and regulation skills, family changes and transitions, and behavioral challenges. Her office is based in Hoboken, NJ, but she also offers services virtually to anyone located in either New Jersey or New York.

Available Locations

In Person

New Jersey, New York

Feedings and Feelings with Meg Manangón

Lactation Consultant, Pregnancy & Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Classes, Birth & Postpartum Planning

About the Owner

Meg Manangón, RN, IBCLC

Meg Manangón (she/her) is a nurse, lactation consultant and founder of Feedings & Feelings, providing private infant feeding support and education in NJ and NYC. Even prior to nursing, Meg dedicated her career to supporting reproductive health and justice as an organizer and then a doula. Her areas of expertise include balancing mental health with infant feeding goals, addressing oral ties, and pumping and combo feeding. She accepts several insurance plans via The Lactation Network.

Meg lives in Jersey City with her 2 year old Rafa and partner Juan. She fills her own cup through time with friends, running, cheering for college basketball and singing loudly in her car.

Available Locations

In Person

New Jersey, New York City

Virtual visits available

Speak Eat Smile Therapy

Speech-Language and Feeding Therapy

Speak Eat Smile Therapy was founded by Shavannne Williams-Robinson M.S. CCC-SLP, TSSLD, CLC to provide individualized therapy services in New Jersey. They provide engaging speech-language and feeding services for both kids and adults and lactation counselor services for moms and babies. They also provide Breast Feeding classes for new moms and dads as well as Introducing Solids classes for parents.

At Speak Eat Smile, they understand how hectic things can be and so they offer in-home services. They provide consultations, screenings, full evaluations, and treatment for a wide range of speech-language and feeding disorders. Their lactation services include consultation, development of a treatment plan, and follow ups to ensure that their moms and babies are happy and healthy!

About the Owner

Shavanne Williams-Robinson M.S. CCC-SLP, TSSLD, CLC

Shavanne earned her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Columbia University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competency from America Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). She is licensed to practice Speech-Language Pathology in both New Jersey and New York and holds a certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD). Shavanne has experience treating and evaluating clients in the hospital, school, and home setting.

Available Locations

In Person

NJ (Westfield, Scotch Plains/Fanwood, and surrounding areas)