Get to know local mom – Mitzi Williams
Name: Mitzi Williams
Where did you grow up: I have lived in several locations. I was born in Washington DC while later moved just outside of Philadelphia where I graduated high school. From there, I graduated from the University of Arizona, obtained my doctorate in Chicago and latera completed my surgical residency in San Diego.
Town you live in now: West Palm
Why you love living there: Frankly I have enjoyed many places I have lived as when you love what you do I believe you find happiness in community. West Palm has amazing restaurants, scenery, shopping, and plenty of kid friendly spots!
Tell me about your kids: My children are resilient. We recently moved from the San Francisco Bay Area this year for my work with the Paley Institute. My son is in 4th grade and daughter in Kindergarten at Rosarian Academy. They are happy, fully of spunk and determined children. They love the outdoors and all animals.
Favorite things to do with the kids locally: We have taken advantage of all of the outdoor and wildlife rehabilitation centers most recently. The Manatee Lagoon, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, and kayaking all over. We too enjoyed the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter.
What’s your ‘day job’? How did you get started with it? I adore this question because it is very true one is always a parent while some of us have movements day or night where we too have different roles.
I am a pediatric foot/ ankle specialist and surgeon. I was in practice for just about 20 years in San Francisco and recently moved to West Palm to join the Paley Institute. This Institute is a specialized location with world experts in Orthopedics. In particular, I am the pediatric podiatrist who treats all children at various points in their life. I work with children born with congenital deformities such as clubfoot while too treat children where families are concerned about the appearance and function of their child’s feet and beyond.
I am an advocate for all children and have made it my mission to empower children with any condition. From deformities, sprains, athletic injuries, heel pain, flatfeet , intoeing and all walking concerns… it is a pleasure working with families.
Ideal family vacation? Our ideal vacation is one of relaxation while too combining fun activities for my children. My son would tell you he adored Spain and sporting events while my daughter loves anywhere with a beach!
What is your best parenting advice. Lay it on us. Parenting advise is so tricky because children are all very different. Adults respond differently to constructive advice so we have to accept what works for one family may not necessarily work for another. My advice in general, is to not be so hard on oneself as a parent. Parenting is filled with a million movements. Love who you are and trust in the love your children have for you.
What do you do for self-care? I write children’s books. Self-care for me includes finding hobbies that make me feel good.
Favorite local spots- restaurants, parks, shops? I enjoy Palm Beach Grill. Great food! I too am a huge fan of Provident Jewelry where every piece has a story.
Karaoke – what are you singing? Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift!
Anything else you want to share? I am always here for any foot/ ankle and pediatric podiatry concerns. One can find me at drmitziwilliams.com and https://paleyinstitute.org/blog/physicians/mitzi-williams-dpm-facfas/#/
