SnailHaus Playgroup
A place for caregivers and children to grow together
In this unique playgroup, no two classes are ever the same. Together we observe, discover, move, attune and discuss.
Based on the teachings of Dr. Suzi Tortora, Magda Gerber and Dr. Emmi Pikler, I invite parents, children and caregivers into my living room, located in Stoke Newington. Families come away from class feeling a greater sense of calm and connection, and are able to see their children (and themselves) with renewed grace, awareness and confidence.
photo by Nick Kane, 2017
Class is held in an architectural gem in the heart of Stokey.
I welcome you into my home space and create set a pace that is intentionally slow, peaceful, and supportive. Together, we co-create an environment where we can trust and attune to our babies, fostering a sense of community, authenticity and ease.
The space contains gross motor equipment and simple, open-ended play objects that support creativity, movement and intrinsic motivation, inspiring deeply engaged play. Together, we relax and observe their babies as they play and explore with one another. You can ask questions, share concerns and enjoy discussion with other families in our community.
Who can join? Parents, co-parents, grandparents, nannies, superstar aunties, LGBTQ+ families, adoptive families and chosen families are all welcome.
The structure of the class is simple. Its effects are profound.
After a brief check-in (which you’re always welcome to skip) adults quietly observe as babies explore. We practice minimal intervention unless we are needed for safety or support (we always attune and respond to our child’s cues around hunger, sleepiness, nappy changes, or emotional refueling). We then discuss what comes up for us. Expect to see your child “with new eyes,” as Magda Gerber, Founding Director of RIE®, once prompted.
In any given class, we’ll explore
• Finding joy and meaning as a caregiver
• The role of touch, tenderness and attention in daily caregiving routines such as feeding, diapering and bathing
• Spending meaningful time together, and meaningful time apart
• Gaining insight through observation
• Creating a safe and nurturing environment that makes life more pleasurable for you and your child
• Why its important to empower babies to move freely, unconstrained, and how to support them as they develop at their own unique pace
• The role of uninterrupted playtime: what it means to the life of the child and how it benefits the adult
• Rhythms of the day and how we can use them to make our lives easier and more peaceful
• The importance of rupture and repair as you and your child grow together
• Healthy, peaceful and connected relationships
Infant Group for babies playing on their backs + their caregivers
Movers and Shakers Group for crawlers, scooters, wobbly walkers + their caregivers
Steady Explorers Group for toddlers + their caregivers
I’m Amber, your facilitator
I attended Pikler and RIE groups with each of my babies, as well as Dr. Tortora’s Dancing Dialogue groups. Because I found these groups so moving and transformational, I decided to train to be able to facilitate relationship-and observation-based groups myself (I am also a writer and design researcher). If you look closely, you’ll see RIE everywhere in the Designing Motherhood book and the larger project—particularly a reverence for caregiving and the view that babies are full and complete people who are worth knowing deeply.
I also completed a 2022 Fulbright in Hungary where I researched Emmi Pikler’s life and work. I am mentored by the brilliant movement psychotherapist Dr. Suzi Tortora, and am a graduate of her 2025 Ways of Seeing training. I am also pursuing candidacy as a RIE Associate (currently on the Internship phase).
Each of these experiences has deepened my belief in the simple powers of observation, environment, movement and connection.
I wholeheartedly believe by starting with our most fundamental relationships, the care we give can radiate outwards. Together, we can create more conscious and connected families, homes and communities. I’m so excited to share this work with you.
Come as you are. Groups are intentionally warm and supportive.
“I love these classes! The approach is simple, yet it has had a profound impact on me, my child, and our whole family. Amber creates a welcoming, unique space where I have felt truly seen, heard, and supported. In these classes, I’ve experienced my child fully for the first time and connected deeply with myself as a mother—something that will stay with me always. Every session leaves us feeling inspired, calmer, and grounded. The classes have sparked a whole new way of being: embracing slowness, play, and a more mindful approach to parenthood and life.”
-Laura, parent
“Amber’s group is a haven of discovery through observation and play. It allows you to really ‘see’ your baby, and relish in their own discovery and growth away from any kind of outside judgements. It’s my favourite time of the week!”
-Allegra, parent
