Smart Parenting Board of Experts 2025
At Smart Parenting, we believe raising happy and healthy Filipino families takes a village—and that village includes trusted, compassionate, and evidence-based guidance from professionals who care deeply about children and their families. That’s why we’ve brought together a team of experts in medicine, education, psychology, and more to empower families with real, practical support at every stage of parenthood.
These professionals help us cut through the noise and give reliable, relevant advice to Filipino families.
The doctors
Dr. Jamie Isip-Cumpas, International Board Certified Lactation Expert
Dr. Jamie Isip-Cumpas is a pediatrician and lactation consultant trained at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. She integrates functional medicine into her practice, focusing on identifying and managing root causes of chronic pediatric issues like allergies and eczema. Her passion for holistic care is shaped by her own experiences as a mother.
“I hope Filipino families, especially the children, can access good healthcare.” —Dr. Isip-Cumpas
Dr. Jan Harold Sia, Developmental Pediatrician
Dr. Jan Harold Sia is a fellow of the Philippine Society for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics and is board-certified in developmental-behavioral pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. He trained at the State University of New York—Health Science Center, Yale-New Haven Medical Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, and the Yale Parenting Center & Conduct Clinic. Before establishing his private practice in the Philippines, Dr. Sia was a clinical instructor at the Yale School of Medicine Faculty.
“I ensure that [children] are on track with their development and families. My vision for Filipino kids is that they will always have a happy childhood and a loving family.” —Dr. Sia
Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao, Pediatrician & Child Health Specialist
Also known as Pedia Doc Joey, she’s passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children’s health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in pediatrics and child care.
“I hope that children will be able to reach their full potential because they are well-cared for, well nourished, and well supported by families and caregivers who are educated and equipped to advocate for them, especially about their health and wellness.” —Dr. Cuayo-Estanislao
Dr. Maria Isabel O. Quilendrino, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician
Dr. Quilendrino works with individuals of varying abilities and helps them achieve their full potential through an interdisciplinary approach to management. She’s board-certified in Nutritional Medicine in Belgium, a candidate for a Master's in Clinical Epidemiology, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.
“Filipino parents know that good parents are not born; they are made. All families are unique in their situation, and the parents and children are unique in their needs, weaknesses, and strengths. Modern Filipino parents can be intentional about what kind of parents they want to be, and they can tap into resources that are now fortunately available to them to be experts in what they do for their families.” —Dr. Quilendrino
Dr. Mara Therese P. Evangelista-Huber, Dermatologist and Dermapathologist
Dr. Evangelista-Huber believes in empowerment through education. She is a speaker, educator, and mom of two beautiful girls. She believes that doctors should provide accessible, evidence-based information to patients, especially now with all the medical misinformation on the Internet.
“My fervent hope for Filipino families and kids, particularly in healthcare, is for them to know they are not alone in their healthcare journey. Parents worry so much about a million things each day. Parents constantly question themselves if they are doing the right thing. I want families to remember experts are here to help. You don’t have to do this alone. I pray and hope that families find the right experts—ones they can trust, relate to, and feel they are not judged.” —Dr. Evangelista-Huber
Dr. Gaile Robredo, Board Certified Dermatologist and International Speaker
Dr. Robredo is passionate about educating the public—mainly Filipino families—on proper skincare, skin health, and the importance of evidence-based practices. She aims to make dermatology accessible, relatable, and free from misinformation through her social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook). For her, “Empowered patients make better decisions for themselves and their loved ones.” One of her advocacies is normalizing conversations around skin conditions, especially in skin of color, and pushing back against unrealistic beauty standards and dangerous trends that thrive online. Dr. Robredo believes, “Everyone deserves to feel confident in their skin.”
“I hope that Filipino families raise children who are confident, kind, and informed—especially regarding how they view themselves and others. In a world filled with filters and online comparisons, I dream of a generation that values healthy skin over ‘perfect’ skin, self-care over self-criticism, and science over myths.” —Dr. Robredo
The educators and parenting experts
Dr. Gail Reyes-Galang, Psychologist, Child and Family Specialist
With decades of academic and clinical work, Dr. Reyes-Galang, a mother of four, centers her work on nurturing the well-being of children. She also regularly shares parenting tips on her Instagram.
“Filipino children should thrive and flourish—that means that all their basic needs are met and that adults should help and nurture them so that they achieve positive mental health so that they have better chances to be successful in their lives.” —Dr. Galang
Chrina Cuna-Henson, Adoption and Foster Care Expert
Chrina is the executive director of Generations Home (Rohei Foundation), a non-profit organization and licensed Child Placement Agency that advocates for adoption, foster care, and orphan prevention. Before becoming an adoption advocate, Chrina was a video producer and communications professional. She has three children, one of whom came to her through adoption.
“I hope to see fewer vulnerable children waiting in orphanages and more of them being welcomed into safe, loving families.” —Chrina Henson
Dr. Michele Alignay, Psychologist and Counselor
Dr. Alignay is a mom of two teens, an author, speaker, and holds consult for various organizations focusing on family life and parenting, well-being, mental health, and digital wellness. She’s a part time graduate school lecturer of the Dept. of Psychology at Miriam College, and the Director of the Light of Jesus Pastoral Care Center.
“I hope Filipino families will learn better, necessary skills that will help them relate well and know their children. Self-awareness is critical because when parents get to know who they are, they get to know their kids. And then they know that there’s no perfect formula for raising their children other than what they value as a family, and their relationship with their kids is their best investment. So I envision that each family gets to know each other in the deepest sense. That the family will be a safe space for the children.” —Dr. Alignay
Thumby Server Veloso, Early Childhood Educator & School Director
Teacher Thumby, or Ms. Thumby, as she is known in her two schools, Toddlers Unlimited and Thinkers Unlimited, has been working for more than 30 years following the principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, wherein teaching children depends on what they are developmentally ready for and also where their interests, talents, and skills lie. She has developed an elementary school that provides a progressive program where teaching and learning are targeted to be engaging, innovative, and responsive to students’ learning styles while considering curriculum requirements.
“As an educator, I hope Filipino children have access to quality education regardless of socio-economic status. To be in schools where teachers give students the support and guidance they need. I hope all schools develop teaching programs that excite and engage their students so that participation increases and learning becomes more meaningful and memorable. So that students are invested in their learning and success.” —Thumby Veloso
Dr. Rica Cruz, Sex and Relationships Therapist
Dr. Rica is a sex and relationships therapist, educator, and broadcaster. She is the first and only Filipino board-certified diplomate in clinical sexology from the American Board of Sexology. Dr. Rica has dedicated her professional life to understanding Filipino sexual behaviors and pleasure and helping individuals and couples with sexual and relationship issues. Her goal is to provide quality sex education to the youth and guidance to everyone who’s on their journey toward understanding and embracing their sexual selves so they can fully experience and enjoy sex on their terms.
“My mission in life is to have everyone embrace their sexual selves, to see sex as part of well-being, without the shame and the guild, to build sexually respectful societies. My vision is for families to be more comfortable in talking about sex, sexuality, and gender at home. That it will not be colored with malice, that sex is not seen as bad, but more of something to teach the children.” —Dr. Rica Cruz
Kaye Tiuseco, Speech-Language Pathologist
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Kaye helps her clients, most of whom are children, communicate. Kaye is the first Filipina Speech-Language Pathologist to popularize the profession on social media. She shares evidence-based techniques with over 70K YouTube subscribers on Teacher Kaye Talks.
“My vision and hope for Filipino families and children is that everyone communicates effectively. That we all make society kinder and more accepting of differences because not everyone develops in the same ways.” —Teacher Kaye
Richmond Te, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Richmond works with patients aged 0 to 18 years old with different disabilities or impairments, helping them gain new skills and independence through sensory integration and fine motor skills. He’s also an entrepreneur and content creator, creating and sharing relevant content about sensory issues via different channels (YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok).
“I hope we will have a more accepting and inclusive community for all children of all abilities and that everyone understands what these kids need. A community that’s more united and understanding of each other will help the country as a whole, helping us to move forward and help others, especially those who need it.” —Richmond Te
Sonjia Calit-Kakilala, TV Host & Adoption Advocate
Sonjia hosts events and The 700 Club Asia, the longest-running inspirational TV show on GMA. She’s passionate about advocating for social causes and promoting family, faith, and community.
“As a family formed by adoption, we are invested in initiatives that support adoption, and foster care. I believe every child deserves a loving and healthy family. I hope to use my humble platform to help raise awareness about the orphan crisis and inspire fellow Filipinos to lovingly provide forever homes to vulnerable children.” —Sonjia Kakilala
Thammie Sy, Certified Childbirth Coach & Doula
Samantha, more popularly known as Coach Thammie, is passionate about equipping and empowering parents at every stage of their journey—from pregnancy and birth to navigating early parenthood and raising children. Her advocacy centers on fostering early relationships between partners and between parents and their children by providing evidence-based strategies, cultural wisdom, and, when desired, faith-based guidance. She shared, “Parenting comes with challenges, and in an age of overwhelming information, my goal is to help parents cut through the noise and provide sound principles and practical tools to navigate parenthood with confidence, clarity, and compassion.”
“My hope for every Filipino family is that they flourish in their own unique way, fulfilling their purpose in society. I wish to see parents build meaningful connections with their children and raise them to be secure, loved, and capable of forming strong relationships and living purposeful lives—creating a lasting impact for generations to come.” —Coach Thammie
At Smart Parenting, we know raising kids isn’t easy—but with the right support, it’s not something you have to do alone. Smart Parenting, along with its Board of Experts, exists to provide guidance grounded in compassion, expertise, and understanding. Together, we aim to raise a generation of healthy, happy, confident Filipino children supported by informed and empowered parents.
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