Community Magazine September 2019

56 Community Magazine “I am passionate about children, educating them and advocating for them. My advice to parents? Don’t leave any stone unturned in seeking the best for your kids. Parents are the experts about their children and know what they need.” Ellen Geller Kamaras I am so fortunate to introduce you to Heather Corman Deutsch, a parenting coach and a fierce advocate for and lover of children. We can all benefit from guidance on transitioning our kids back to school in September and on learning how to raise children who are kind, loving, and caring individuals who will be the future leaders of the world. After all, is there a more important job than being a parent? As parents, we are responsible for teaching our children right from wrong, age appropriate skills and independence, and how to be accountable for their behavior and actions. And we as parents must strive to model core values for our children. Let’s get to know Heather the child, teenager, teacher, wife, and mother and follow her on her journey from teacher to parenting coach. Heather was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Mill Basin. She was a camper at the popular Flatbush Park Jewish Center day camp for 12 years. Her parents, Carole and Barry Corman, were born in the United States. Carole worked as a school payroll secretary and Barry was self-employed. Heather has one younger brother, Jeffrey. Heather attended public schools including Edward R. Murrow High School when it was “the rage and new and cutting edge.” Her next stop after high school was NYU, followed by Brooklyn College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Heather then pursued a Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Heather’s Nasib Heather was first introduced to Jeffrey Deutsch when she was a college student, working at Malson’s jewelry store in Kings Plaza. Jeffrey came in for a short period to help his uncle, Jack Bibi, during the holiday season. Not only did Heather know Jeffrey’s uncle, she also had worked with her future brother-in-law Randy and her future mother-in-law, Florence Bibi Deutsch, A”H . Jeffrey’s mother and his maternal grandparents, Esther and Reuben Bibi, were of Syrian descent, and were pillars of the Sephardic community. The Bibis stepped in to help Florence raise her four young children when her husband Philip passed away. Back to Heather and Jeffrey. They reconnected 14 years later, and were married within six months. Jeffrey is self-employed and owns several shoe stores called Five Dollar ShoeWarehouses. Heather and family live in Brooklyn in the community and spend their summers in Deal, NJ. Family Is Everything Heather’s family is her greatest joy! The couple has a set of triplets, Florence, Madelyne, and Philip, who are now 20 years old, and a 14-year-old son, Ruby. Florence and Madelyne attended Yeshivah of Flatbush (YOF) and Florence is now at Hunter College and Madelyne at FIT. Ruby is currently studying at YOF High School. Philip, who has been diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), will be graduating from Imagine Academy when he reaches 21. He is loved and nurtured by his family and by so many community members. “I love to spend time with my children, shopping, cooking together, and going to the beach and museums. Jeffrey and I have a very strong bond with our kids, and they have a deep true connection with each other, especially because of Philip. He is the driving force behind our bond and behind what I do as a coach.” Heather especially appreciates and admires her community. “It’s a myth that outsiders aren’t let in. I have very positive feelings about the community. It’s such a big gift. My family and I have so many opportunities, religious and otherwise. For the last 15 years, young girls have volunteered to take care of my son Philip on Shabbat and take him for ice cream during the week. Everyone knows and loves Philip and wants to help. People care about each other. Once I was at Shoprite and realized I forgot my wallet. I looked around and knew I would recognize someone. Sure enough, I borrowed money from a woman, and paid her back later.” In addition to family, Heather is on fire about educating and advocating for children. She describes herself as hard-working, outgoing, friendly, loyal, committed, and a lover of children. “I encourage parents to advocate for their children. Don’t leave any stone unturned and don’t let people tell you what to do. You know the best when