65% of parents in the U.S. report feeling lonely while raising their kids. I know firsthand that parenting is one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, journeys—and it doesn’t have to be faced alone.
My name is Maria Antonieta Jimenez, but most people know me as Anto Jimenez. I was born and raised in a small Costa Rican town as the fifth of ten children in a family that didn’t just survive on resilience—we flourished through it. Growing up in a household built on perseverance and love, I learned from my parents the value of grit, the strength it takes to rebuild when life and projects fall apart, and the courage to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles.
Growing Up in a Family of Ten
Life in a family of ten came with challenges and lessons. My father tried everything to give us stability—building businesses, working endless hours, and sacrificing his own comfort. My mother, who was mostly healthy, carried the daily weight of stress as she managed our household and supported my father’s ventures.
I remember moments when we had no home, and no one wanted to rent to a family of our size. I remember watching my father walk 12 miles to work, stand for twelve-hour shifts as a security guard, and then walk another 12 miles back—a living example of grit and commitment. From them, I inherited not just perseverance, but also the courage to chase dreams beyond what we had in front of us.
Building My Own Path
From a young age, I learned the reality of unfairness. I once gave my all in a barista competition—working harder than anyone, perfecting my skills, believing merit would carry me through. But I lost, not because of talent, but because of my social status. That moment stung deeply, but it opened my eyes: if I wanted opportunities, I couldn’t just work hard for them to appear—I would have to go build them myself.
Determined, I taught myself English through music, films, and documentaries. Later, I received a scholarship—simply for taking a proper English course. That was a stepping stone, not the finish line. Every opportunity I’ve had since, I carved out with persistence and faith.
A Natural Gift with Kids
Alongside my studies and jobs, I discovered something else: I had a gift with kids. Children liked me instinctively—I could connect with them in ways that made them feel safe, understood, and joyful. Since I was young, I often spent weekends or even overnight helping my parents’ friends take care of their children. What started as helping others soon revealed my true calling: working with kids and supporting parents.
This gift grew into more than just a skill—it became a passion. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve worked with over 100 children and their families across diverse backgrounds, from diplomats to Hollywood households. These experiences showed me that while every child is unique, every parent faces similar struggles—and that’s where my work as a parent coach comes in.
Why I Became a Parent Coach
Through my experiences, I realized parents often need someone to guide, support, and encourage them. My mission became helping families:
✨ Create personalized routines that actually work (so kids thrive and parents get sleep)
🗣 Improve communication so children listen and follow through
🎨 Build patience and imagination by teaching the value of “healthy boredom”
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but together, we can build one that works for your family.
My Vision
My journey led me from Costa Rica to the United States, where I graduated from Entertainment Production and Marketing Promotion at Santa Monica College. It hasn’t been easy. Beyond parent coaching, my long-term vision is to become a motivational speaker and create an academy for women in Latin America, giving them access to digital skills, flexible work, and financial independence. I also pursue my passion for acting and storytelling, using communication as a way to inspire, entertain, and connect.
Through every setback, I carry forward the resilience my parents instilled in me. I wasn’t born into privilege, but I was raised with love, and that gave me the courage to build my own path. Today, I dedicate my work to helping others—especially parents—discover that same courage in their own journeys.
Join the Parenting Community
This blog is where I share parent coaching tips, conscious parenting strategies, family routines, and personal stories from my journey. It’s a space for real conversations and practical support, so you don’t have to navigate parenting alone.Subscribe to the blog and my YouTube channel to join a community of parents raising kind, capable, and well-rounded human beings—while also finding more peace and joy in the process.
