Welcome to our very first Meet a Mom! Whether you’re a first-time mom, a second-timer, or a seasoned pro, Dawn Ellis Groups offer a warm and welcoming space for moms in the early stages of parenting. Through her support groups, playgroups, and wellness workshops, Dawn creates opportunities to connect, share, and build meaningful relationships. As a proud Needham mom of three, she knows firsthand the joys and challenges of motherhood. Let’s get to know Dawn!
Tell us about your family!
I live in Needham, Massachusetts, with my husband and our three kids. My son is heading off to college next year, and my identical twin daughters will be starting high school. It’s a big transition for our family, but also an exciting one!
What’s your favorite aspect of being part of this community?
We live in an area that is absolutely fantastic for families—there are so many opportunities for connection, exploration, and adventure. I love that we have access to so many different environments—one day, you can be at the beach, and the next, you can be skiing in the mountains. Within an hour and a half, you can be in a completely different state! It makes this area such a unique and special place to raise a family.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
This has definitely evolved as my kids have grown! When they were younger, we loved going to the Children’s Museum, the zoo, and all the great local activities for little ones. Now that they’re older, we enjoy going to movies, exploring new shopping areas, trying new restaurants, and visiting different parks for hikes.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to start Dawn Ellis Groups.
I’m a clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience, and I’ve spent 13 years facilitating support groups for pregnancy and postpartum. Before that, I worked in domestic violence, sexual assault, and oncology, where I also led support groups.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how intimate, community-driven spaces are essential for healing and growth. I started Dawn Ellis Groups because I wanted to create a space where women could find support, connection, and validation—whether they were in the early stages of pregnancy, postpartum, or navigating motherhood in new ways.
What services do Dawn Ellis Groups offer?
Dawn Ellis Groups offers a variety of in-person and online spaces for moms to connect, including:
- Pregnancy & postpartum support groups
- Community playgroups for moms and babies
- Wellness workshops focused on self-care, mindfulness, and personal growth
- Special events & expert-led discussions on topics that matter most to parents
- 1:1 support sessions, including Reiki and coaching for moms looking for individualized guidance
What is your mission for Dawn Ellis Groups?
My mission is to help women feel seen, supported, and connected during one of the most transformative periods of their lives. Motherhood can feel isolating, but no one should have to go through it alone. My goal is to create spaces where moms can show up as they are, be honest about their experiences, and build lasting relationships with others who truly understand.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing moms come into a group feeling isolated and then walk away feeling understood, validated, and connected. Watching friendships form, witnessing women support each other, and seeing the relief on someone’s face when they realize they’re not alone—those are the moments that remind me why I do this work.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
“You don’t have to do it all alone.” We live in a culture that glorifies independence, but motherhood is meant to be shared. Ask for help, accept support, and lean into community—it makes all the difference.
What is the best advice you would like to give a new mom?
There is no one “right” way to parent. I always encourage moms to figure out what feels right for them—not what they think they’re supposed to do, but what actually makes sense for their family.
I also think it’s so important to make space for your own happiness. Motherhood is often framed as endless sacrifice, but that’s not the full story. There should be joy in it—for you, not just your kids. A happy, fulfilled mom makes for a healthier family.
Thanks you Dawn for letting us get to know you! We’re happy to have Dawn Ellis Groups in our community. To learn more about Dawn Ellis Groups go to www.dawnellisgroups.com and follow along on Instagram at @dawnellisgroups.
