The Team

We are proud to have some of the most talented, caring people on our staff, whether they are assisting you in store or teaching you and your partner in one of our wide variety of classes. Our staff is fully licensed and insured.

Owner: Polly Thoman

Polly Thoman, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC); Owner

Polly has been a certified lactation consultant and has over 25 years experience in the lactation field in public and private practice (including WIC).  Polly has owned BSB for over 10 years and she strives to create a friendly, comfortable environment for pregnant moms and their families.  Read more about Polly and her journey that led to Baby’s Sweet Beginnings here.

Karen, Sales AssociateKaren Goddard, Retail Assistant & Instructor

Karen is a mother of four and a former La Leche League Leader. You’ll find Karen helping out in the store and also sharing her Babywearing advice. She also teaches the Joy of Parenting class and is a retired birth doula.

Mary Jo Savinsky, Retail Assistant

Mary Jo has been serving clients at BSB for over a year. Her favorite thing about working at BSB is seeing all the expectant moms and how excited they are, and also seeing how thankful the new moms are after receiving our services! My favorite product is the Luna Lullaby Pillow. They are amazingly comfy and have awesome prints!

Rachel, Sales AssociateRachel Cirocco, Retail Assistant & Instructor

Rachel is from the WNY and joined the BSB team in 2019. She is a friendly addition to the BSB team with one daughter, and she teaches the Joy of Parenting Class.

Penny Striker, Insurance

Penny is the mother of two miracle boys; miracles because at 23 she went through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and several surgeries that left her with only ¼ ovaries. Her doctors doubted she would ever have children much less be able to breastfeed them. With Polly’s unwavering support and help, the boys were able to nurse until they were almost 3!!!

Now, Penny gives back with over 20 years of medical billing experience helping Polly help other mothers get the full benefit of their insurance for the purchase of pumps and classes.

Tara, DoulaTara Withey, Childbirth Educator/Doula

Tara Withey is a certified childbirth educator & birth doula, serving the WNY area since 2010. Together with her husband they have 7 children. In addition to childbirth classes, she also teaches fertility and sibling classes. She is the founder of Birthing by Design, and co-founder of the WNY Doulas. She absolutely loves helping families build confidence around their birth!

Lisa Wyzykowski, Homemade Baby Food Instructor

Lisa is a mother of three who has made nutritious homemade baby food and enjoys sharing her knowledge with other parents who wish to do the same, but don’t know how or where to start! Lisa is also owner of The Creative Lizard Design & Photography, completing design work and photography in the WNY area.

Do you have something interesting to teach to our clients and customers? Give Polly a call and let her know!