This week’s Meet a Mom is Tiffany Nametko, a Point Pleasant Borough native now raising her family in Toms River. A proud mom of two, Tiffany is the founder of Ocean Wave Mamas LLC, a growing social and playdate community serving moms across Ocean and Monmouth Counties. With a background in the medical field and a passion for connection, advocacy, and building meaningful community, Tiffany has created a space where mothers can find friendship, support, and a sense of self beyond motherhood. We’re excited to share Tiffany’s story with you this week.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I am originally from Point Pleasant Borough. It’s a small town close to the beach where everyone knows everyone. Presently, my family and I have been living in Tom’s River for the past 8 years and thankfully still close to the beach!
Children and Ages?
I have two children. A boy- Toddler Stage, A Girl- Kid Stage
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I absolutely love electronic dance music (EDM.) I grew up listening to it, going to festivals and clubs. My husband and I met at the once popular Seaside heights club, Bamboo bar. I was in the medical field for about 10 years before I became a mom. I went to a vocational school for an EKG Technician certificate. In 2013 my husband I moved to north jersey for where I worked for Summit Medical Group at an OB/GYN for
about 2 years. I was part of the Business Acquisition Team where we trained employees who were merging with Summit. I trained the front desk employees, this helped me become comfortable in a leadership role. After a few years at Summit Medical I decided to make a change and go back to college to become a nurse. Unfortunately, I found out nursing was not for me so I finished my associates in science at Ocean County College. We have a calico cat and a standard poodle! Our house is chaotic half the time but I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My parents and my husband’s parents. They definitely help as much as they can even though they work. They help out on the weekends and learning from them has been nice. My husband has been my rock through our parenthood journey together. I am so lucky to have him help as much as he can when he comes home from work and on the weekends. Love you!
Favorite things to do with your kids?
As a Stay at Home Mom, we are always looking to do different things. We love reading books together, especially “Goodnight Moon.” Playing outside on the slide, my daughter riding her bike and a lot of hide and seek. Sensory kits have been our quiet time together, it definitely calms me as well. We love the beach, our pool and playgrounds (indoor and outdoor.)
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am the founder of Ocean Wave Mamas LLC. This is a mom’s social and playdate group in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Our mission is to
build a mama community, make friendships and find ourselves outside of motherhood. I was on two podcast, “The Money Hungry Mama,” and “Jess Press Play.” I spoke about my life, Ocean Wave Mamas and advocating for hyperemesis gravidum.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
This beautiful mom community was created by the moms who attend our events. I feel this has grown to so many moms out there. They all say, “I needed this.” It truly fills my own heart when I hear this. Motherhood is a journey and shouldn’t be done alone. Ocean Wave Mamas is here for any mom in any stage of motherhood. I started this for us moms to have an outlet to vent, talk, laugh, cry and understand each other through
life. I am proud to bring amazing events to the moms and their children. It will be a year in February since I started this community. I have met some incredible women who inspire me everyday to keep going. I am learning how to prioritize motherhood and my business. Time management has been a huge learning curve for me. I learn something new about each mom and motherhood at every event. I’ve been very open with my pregnancy, birth and trauma experience with other moms and women. I feel it is important to advocate for those who can’t for themselves. Both pregnancies for me were tough. In my second pregnancy I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidum, which means it makes it almost impossible to keep and food or drink down. The first trimester was the worst, I went to the ER three times then they finally admitted me. I was malnourished, dehydrated, and was throwing up everyday from 5 weeks on. I wasn’t able to do normal tasks by myself like walking (I had a walker), getting dressed, showering things like that. It really challenged me mentally and physically. I kept telling myself this is temporary, you and the baby will be okay in the end. I am in therapy and have been getting better from the trauma of the pregnancy.
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County and Ocean County?
My favorite Monmouth County restaurant would have to be The Butcher’s Block. It is one of our go to date night spots. The food is delicious, especially the steak and captain crunch brussel sprouts. My favorite Ocean County restaurant is Patricia’s of Toms River. The best Italian food ever, especially the caprese appetizer. Another amazing date night spot with the option of BYOB.
What is your favorite activity to do with your children in Monmouth County and Ocean County?
The two places we love to go in Monmouth County are Raising Sunshine and EverWild Kids. Raising Sunshine has open play, coworking space, all different classes (cooking, sensory and so much more.) It is on our top list of children’s places to go to. EverWild Kids is an outdoor space for nature play, mud kitchen, and for children to explore their imagination in. We are always there for hours when we go. The Ocean County places we love to go to is EverPlay Village in Manahawkin and Peek a boo playground in Bayville. EverPlay is an indoor playground where the kids absolutely love to play. The decor and colors are not overwhelming at all either. Both my kids love the slide there. Peek a boo Playground in Bayville is another indoor playground we go to often as well. The kids have so much fun and I have had my daughter’s birthday party there twice.
What are your Mom Goals?
My main priority is to stay home with my children. My family and my children are the most important thing in my life. Ocean Wave Mamas has been a great help to me and my family on becoming more social with playdates. I love seeing my kids interact with other kids and watching them have so much fun together. Motherhood has changed me for the better!
