Bringing Science, Child Development & Compassion Together
Today’s Graduate Spotlight celebrates Maria Besini, a Holistic Pregnancy & Child Sleep Consultant based in Greece, whose work combines sleep science, child development, family dynamics, and a truly holistic approach to supporting families.
A Holistic Beginning
Maria’s professional journey as a child sleep consultant began while living in Switzerland, where she first started working with families seeking gentle, individualized sleep support.
It was during this time that she completed her training through the International Parenting & Health Institute (IPHI) in the United States, where she embraced a multidisciplinary approach to understanding children’s sleep.
Rather than viewing sleep as an isolated issue, Maria learned to consider the many interconnected factors that influence healthy sleep, including child development, family dynamics, emotional well-being, nutrition, breastfeeding, stress physiology, and the sleep environment.
That philosophy continues to shape her work today.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Following her IPHI certification, Maria continued expanding her professional education through additional studies focused on child development, family relationships, emotional well-being, and the many factors that influence healthy family functioning.
Her continuing education includes studies in:
- Child Psychology & Trauma
- Childhood & Adolescent Education
- Couple & Family Counseling
- Family Adaptability
through the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and other respected educational organizations.
This ongoing commitment to learning allows Maria to continually integrate current research and evidence-informed practices into the individualized care she provides to families.
Supporting Families in Greece and Beyond
After returning to Greece, Maria continued building her practice, supporting families throughout Greece and internationally.
Her work is grounded in the belief that every child’s sleep story is unique.
Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, Maria partners with families to better understand each child’s development, family dynamics, daily routines, emotional well-being, and the many interconnected factors that influence healthy sleep.
Her holistic approach recognizes that children’s sleep does not exist in isolation. By considering child development, family relationships, emotional well-being, and the potential influence of early life experiences, she helps families create individualized sleep plans that respect both the child and the family as a whole.
Looking Beyond Sleep
Maria’s work reflects one of the core principles emphasized throughout IPHI’s educational philosophy:
Healthy sleep cannot be fully understood without considering the whole child and the whole family.
By integrating knowledge from sleep science, neuroscience, child development, psychology, and family systems, Maria helps parents build healthy sleep foundations that support long-term well-being.
Graduate Profile
Maria Besini
Founder: Maria Besini Sleep Consulting
Location: Greece
IPHI Credential
• Holistic Pregnancy & Child Sleep Consultant
Additional Education
- Child Psychology & Trauma
- Childhood & Adolescent Education
- Couple & Family Counseling
- Family Adaptability
Specialties
- Pregnancy & Child Sleep
- Infant & Toddler Sleep
- Child Development
- Family Dynamics
- Gentle Sleep Support
- Holistic Family Care
Learn more about Maria’s work by visiting:
We are proud to celebrate Maria’s commitment to lifelong learning and her dedication to helping families through evidence-informed, holistic sleep support.
Congratulations, Maria, and thank you for the meaningful difference you’re making for families in Greece and around the world.
