Board of Directors
Our Mission
The Baby Buzz is a nonprofit that connects parents of children from pre-birth to three with community support and educational resources, helping children and families thrive.
Our Story
"Four years ago on a beautiful spring day, I visited a friend after her second baby was born. We talked about the joys of parenthood and delighting in the newness of each stage. We also talked about the stressors, feelings of isolation, the overwhelming sense of incompetence. For many moms, family is not nearby and that “village” is not there to help. We talked about bringing that village for our families. My friend dreamed with me about what that would look like and is now the Vice President of The Baby Buzz.
On behalf of myself and the rest of the board, we’d like to welcome you to our village."
Pam Haefner
Executive Director
Pamela Haefner
President and Founder
Pamela Haefner has devoted her career to helping children and families thrive. Pam has worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and family therapist specializing in working with families with very young children for over 25 years. In 2010, she founded Thrive Under 5 LLC, an independent therapy practice which focuses on helping parents and children develop strong, supportive and nurturing relationships. In her work as a child and family therapist she became aware of the growing need for parent and family education in order to help parents understand their children’s developmental needs. She also saw the need for providing young families support through connecting them to other parents as well as professional resources in the community. The Baby Buzz was developed to specifically meet these needs.
Tom Johnson
Chair
Tom Johnson is a big believer in the importance of early childhood development and has become aware of the need to help families learn about educational and developmental resources. Tom brings years of Director level business leadership experience to The Baby Buzz team. He is particularly excited about the great team of contributors that has come together to create this fantastic community service.
Miho Sato
Vice Chair
Miho Sato, is a board certified music therapist and adjunct assistant professor of music therapy at Shenandoah University. She received a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Musashino Music University in Tokyo, Japan (1999). She later received both a Master’s degree in Music Therapy (2010) from Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA. Miho is also a certified teacher for an early childhood music and movement program, Music Together. In 2004, Miho started and continues to direct a Music Therapy program at the Community Music School of the Piedmont, Upperville, VA. Her clinical focus is supporting sensory processing/ integration in each individual through musical activities. She has been helping mothers and family members understand what lies behind a child’s behaviors and ways to help the child. Miho enjoys witnessing aha moments in children and is excited to share her expertise in her role with The Baby Buzz.
Kelly Johnson
Treasurer
Kelly Johnson is thrilled to be serving such a worthy organization that focuses on helping families with young children. With years of experience in elementary education, Kelly brings the perspective on the value of partnership – between parents, caregivers, and educational resources.
Katya Rowny
Social Media Coordinator
After the birth of her son, Katya Rowny joined a new moms group and discovered the invaluable benefits of support and education. These connections sparked her interest in helping other new moms and has devoted both her talents and energy to helping The Baby Buzz grow and serve more families. Katya earned her BA in Political Science from George Mason University and also has a certification as a professional dog trainer.
Laura Tietz
Graphic Design/Web Support/Acting Secretary
Laura Tietz completed her BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. While working in the ecology field, Laura soon realized that she needed design to be at the forefront of her career, so she embarked upon a second bachelor degree in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Seattle. Laura excels at visual arts and works as a Graphic Designer for Zoo Design Inc and also as a freelance designer. After the birth of her first son, Laura joined The Baby Buzz's Moms Group and found the support she needed to stabilize her transition into motherhood. She is thrilled to find The Baby Buzz- the place where her passion for parenting overlaps with her passion for design.
Meg Burke
Director
As a Loudoun County resident since 1990, Meg Burke sees the real need for more support for families with young children as our communities continue to grow. As a Realtor in Loudoun County for 20 years, some of her favorite clients are buyers just starting out, trying to make their way, looking for a connection to a new community and "village." The Baby Buzz's support for other mothers resonates with Meg's heart. As a mother who raised two children in Loudoun County, she remembers how challenging, rewarding and sometimes frightening being a mother can be at times. The Baby Buzz fulfills her desire to keep learning and sharing. Meg earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, worked in broadcast advertising in the Philadelphia market, and is an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Premier.