At Palm Beach Moms, we love highlighting the incredible women who make our community such a special place to call home. This week, we’re excited to introduce Rachel Fiorello, a Palm Beach Gardens mom, certified baby and toddler sleep coach, founder of The Cradle Coach, avid reader, traveler, and mom to two amazing daughters.
Rachel’s story is one of resilience, strength, and finding purpose through helping others. Through her work as a sleep coach, she has helped countless families get the rest they need while navigating motherhood with grace, humor, and a deep appreciation for life’s everyday moments. We loved getting to know her and think you will too!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Plantation, Florida.
Where do you live now?
Palm Beach Gardens.
What do you love most about living there?
I love where we live—the people, the proximity to the beach, and the beauty of it all.
Tell us about your family!
I have two daughters, ages 10 and 12, who keep me very busy! They are full of joy and energy, and we’re always looking for our next adventure. We love to travel, spend time in the Bahamas, hang out with our dog Nova, and be surrounded by friends and family.
My oldest daughter is a walking encyclopedia and teaches me at least one new thing every single day. My youngest is the silliest and sweetest girl. Together, they make the most perfect combination.
I was married to my amazing husband, Matthew, whom I had been with since 2008. He passed away in 2019. His love and influence continue to be a part of our family’s story every day.
What are your favorite local things to do with your kids?
We love the beach—especially the dog beach because who doesn’t love seeing all the adorable pups? Our dog Nova absolutely loves it, too!
I’m also a big foodie, so I love taking my girls out to try new restaurants. They may not enjoy it quite as much as I do yet, but I know that will change one day! We also love that there are so many local activities that involve nature and being outdoors. We truly live in one of the most beautiful places.
What’s your day job (or passion project)?
I am a certified baby and toddler sleep coach and the founder of The Cradle Coach.
I’m passionate about helping families get the sleep they need. I’ve always loved sleep myself, but I never imagined it would become my life’s work! I started down this path when my oldest daughter was just a few months old, and I’ve been doing it ever since.
There is nothing better than hearing how life-changing things become for families once everyone is finally getting the sleep they need.
What’s your ideal family vacation?
It’s hard to pinpoint one ideal family vacation because there are so many places I still want to explore!
Right now, I’m fascinated by quaint little towns in different countries. At the same time, I love big cities, beach vacations, and trips that involve snowboarding, fireside book reading, and s’mores. Honestly, I love it all.
What is the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever received (or would give to another mom)?
Don’t compare your family to other families.
It’s so easy to get caught up in thinking you “should” be doing things a certain way or reaching milestones at a certain time. We put so much unnecessary pressure on ourselves.
I didn’t fully realize this until I lost my husband unexpectedly. I would find myself looking at other families and wishing I could do what they were doing. But I learned that comparing ourselves to others only takes away from what’s right in front of us.
Every family looks different, and that’s okay. Focus on your own journey and the beautiful things happening within your family.
What are you reading or watching right now?
I love to read!
Right now, I’m reading The House in the Cerulean Sea. My oldest daughter is reading it at the same time, which makes it even more special. I always have a running list of books waiting for me.
As for television, my favorite guilty pleasure is 90 Day Fiancé. We all need a vice, right?
Motherhood is rewarding, but it’s also a lot. What do you do to take care of yourself?
I spend one hour at the gym every weekday and have made it a non-negotiable part of my routine. Shout-out to Gardens CrossFit!
I also try to meet up with friends for coffee or a meal whenever I can. We are lucky to have so many wonderful coffee shops and restaurants nearby.
Reading is another form of self-care for me. I aim to read at least 50 pages a day, although I don’t always hit that goal.
What are some of your favorite local spots?
A few favorites include:
- Lingonberry
- Buccan
- Ninja Sushi
- Juno Beach
- Pumphouse Coffee
We are spoiled with amazing local spots in Palm Beach County!
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
In 2003, I was part of a small group of college students selected for an internship where we worked with country music stars Big & Rich.
We actually helped write many of the songs on their first album and can be heard singing in the background chorus of “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy!” 😂
I also worked at MTV Networks in New York City after graduating from college.
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before becoming a mom?
You will always be stronger than you give yourself credit for.
Moms are literally superheroes.
What’s one mom hack you swear by?
During the summer, if my girls want to watch television, they have to “buy” TV time by completing schoolwork first.
It’s a win-win. Nobody argues about it, and it helps them stay engaged with learning during the long summer break.
Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
I write weekly letters on Substack called Letters for the Hard Days.
My hope is that the stories and topics resonate with other moms and offer a little comfort, encouragement, or hope on the days when they need it most.
Motherhood can be beautiful, messy, joyful, and hard all at the same time—and it’s always nice to know we’re not alone.
Follow Rachel
Instagram: @rbackorello and @thecradlecoach
Learn more about The Cradle Coach and Rachel’s sleep coaching services at www.thecradlecoach.com.
Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your story with the Palm Beach Moms community. Your strength, honesty, and commitment to helping families thrive are truly inspiring.
