Course Director & Family Instructor
My name is Tami Shafer. I’m married, a mother of three, and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I’m a certified infant swimming instructor, a developmental guidance instructor through the First-Step method for the past 12 years, and currently serve as a course director
I began my journey with First-Step at the age of 25. From a very young age, I had a deep, wholehearted love for babies and children—I simply couldn’t imagine doing anything else. After completing my military service, I started training as an infant swim instructor. During the course, a guest lecturer came to speak about developmental support for babies. I was captivated and immediately had to know where she had studied. She told me she had just finished her studies at First-Step, and I enrolled right away.
Since then, First-Step has been my professional home. In the early years, I worked primarily with infants. Today, in addition to working with babies, I also support families raising children with special needs. Alongside this hands-on work, I lead training courses for new instructors.
One of the things I enjoy most today is passing on this knowledge. I truly love teaching this method because I believe in it deeply. I see how quickly and profoundly it can help both babies and their families. Once we understand what kind of support a family needs, the change can be almost immediate.
To me, the mission of our work is deeply meaningful and inspiring. I take pride in teaching it and standing behind it wholeheartedly. Supporting parents through early parenthood—helping them navigate challenges, find joy in the journey, and experience the beauty of their children—is the greatest gift, both for them and for me.
As a mother myself, I can say there’s no greater joy. If you feel a natural connection to this work, to babies, to parenting—if you feel the intuition calling you—don’t ignore it.
