The face behind Primal Parenting

As a mother of five children ranging in age from tots to teens, Dena Smith Givens is a passionate an experienced mother. She has served as a volunteer La Leche League Leader (breastfeeding education and support counselor) for many years. She also founded several parenting groups, including an attachment-parenting/Waldorf-inspired playgroup and a secular homeschool resource group.

In addition to natural parenting, Dena's passion for health, wellness, and tranquility began as a young child when she was inspired by the natural foods movement in the 1970’s. Coupled with her love of the outdoors, she has always been attracted to all things simple and natural.

Dena is currently a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in New York City. She will graduate in June 2008 with a dual certificate as a Certified Holistic Health Counselor from IIN and Columbia University Teachers College.

In addition, Dena is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) and she has certification in aromatherapy, prenatal massage, reflexology, and Touch for Health.

The main goal of this site is to provide a venue for like-minded parents to share information and stories, and to support each other on our respective journeys towards healthful living - despite our critics and the modern world around us. Regardless of what many people might think, there is no perfect way to parent. There is only a large buffet of choices from which we must pick and choose to create the best arrangement for our own particular family. Each and every family is special and unique. Primal Parenting honors, respects, and celebrates that uniqueness.

Dena can be reached via email here.