meet the
mumentors
Your Partners in Navigating your return to work
Natlie Tan
Position: Director
Company: Aerogen
Industry: Healthcare
Location: Singapore
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An expat from Sydney who's navigated rocky transitions back to work in Singapore…twice!Just two months postpartum, I returned to work to environments that didn’t recognise empathy and support for working mums. Managing a leadership role in Healthcare while juggling the needs of a four-year-old and a newborn was extremely overwhelming. These experiences taught me the importance of community and support, something I desperately needed but found lacking. I'm super passionate about being a Mumentor for Return Ready. I want to provide a safe space where mothers can share their feelings, feel acknowledged, and know they are not alone. With two young children and a history of job transitions driven by the need for change, I deeply understand the importance of listening to one’s body and intuition and the benefit of connecting with others who have faced similar challenges. Let’s discuss everything from managing your career with your first or second child to maintaining mental health in parenthood. Together, we can make this journey a shared one, filled with empathy and understanding
Nadiya Omar
Position: Growth Strategy, Marketing & Media Consultant
Company: Spinning Plates Consulting
Industry: Marketing / Advertising
Location: Singapore
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Navigating back to work as a mother has tested me deeply, not once but twice in quick succession. As a British expat in Singapore for the past five years, and previously in Jakarta, my journey through the challenging fields of Marketing, Media, and Advertising has been marked by exhaustion and post-natal depression. These struggles impacted my ability to work effectively and, as a single parent, led to significant financial and emotional challenges.
The culmination of these stresses nearly broke me until a compassionate manager recognized my plight and granted me a much-needed break in late 2021. This act of understanding transformed my approach to work and life, highlighting the importance of support and listening—elements I had sorely missed. As a Mummentor for Return Ready, I am passionate about providing that same empathy and support to other mothers. I believe in the power of mentorship and wish I had sought it sooner. It could have better prepared me to negotiate my needs and take essential time for myself. Now more intentional about my well-being and career, I'm here to help other mums navigate parental leave, return to work, and balance their careers with motherhood, all while prioritizing self-care and resilience.
Cassie Roberts
Position: Director, Solutions Consulting
Company: Mastercard
Industry: Risk / Technology
Location: Singapore
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An expat in Singapore, originally from the UK, and working in the technology sector. Moving here five years ago, I never imagined the emotional rollercoaster I would face when balancing my career with motherhood. After 6 months of maternity leave, I was the first in my mum group to return to work. I thought I was prepared, believing I could manage the balance between being a mum and an employee.
But when I returned, the reality hit hard. Even though I had a supportive work environment—an empowering company (and an amazing manager who even flew 18 hours to re-onboard me). However, I felt like I was expected to step back into my old self, as if nothing had changed. But everything had changed. Weeks after returning, I realized I wasn’t okay. The emotional weight of trying to be everything—mum, employee, wife—left me feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.
I wish I had communicated my needs more clearly, given myself permission to lean on others, and taken the time to care for my mental well-being. To any mum returning to work, please know: It’s okay not to be okay and asking for help is so strong.
Sara Pantry
Position: Senior Workplace Leader
Company: LinkedIn
Industry: Workplace / Technology
Location: Singapore
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Becoming a mother to my son Luca in 2021 here in Singapore completely changed my world and unfolded as a deeply emotional journey. Being from the UK, I intimately understand the complexities of having a baby away from home and despite what I believed to be thorough preparation, the reality of my birth experience and breastfeeding journey turned out to be two of the most challenging aspects I've ever faced.
These experiences ignited a deep passion for supporting others and inspired me to earn my ICF coaching accreditation in Matrescence. Now I’ve worked with parents to craft return-to-work plans, navigate emotional transitions, balance careers and parenting, rebuild confidence, and establish healthy boundaries.
I know how overwhelming this season can feel, but I’ll be right there in your corner, supporting you every step of the way.
Fern Nguyen
Position: Product Strategy Consultant
Company: Google
Industry: Technology
Location: Singapore
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Originally from the UK, I've called Singapore home for the past 13 years. My motherhood journey began with my daughter during Covid and continued with the birth of my son three years later. Currently on maternity leave, I've been reflecting on how motherhood has shaped me both personally and professionally. Like many mothers, I've faced numerous challenges—managing early meetings and late-night feeds, transitioning back to work (in tech) after nine months of leave, and adjusting to role shifts and promotions. These experiences taught me the importance of seeking help and being kind to myself. When I returned to work, I advocated for a structured onboarding plan that outlined clear expectations for my first few months. This approach grounded me and prioritized what mattered most during my transition. My advice to other mothers is to be patient and allow yourself grace as you find your new stride at work. It's a journey that requires adjusting to significant changes both at home and in the workplace.
Priya Prajina
Position: Manager
Company: Prajina
Industry: Technology
Location: Singapore
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Originally from Bangalore, I moved to Singapore seven years ago, transitioning through roles in pharmaceuticals and IT. After my son was born in September 2020, amidst COVID uncertainties, I faced the dual challenge of navigating new motherhood and a dynamic career landscape. I returned to work in August 2021, grateful for a supportive workplace that offered flexible remote work options and a strong parental support network, yet I often felt isolated without peers who shared similar experiences. Despite these advantages, the transition back was daunting. I later pursued a higher role that required more office time, which stretched my days but improved my mental health. These experiences taught me the value of setting boundaries and maintaining mental hygiene—critical practices for any working parent. As a Mumentor for Return Ready, I’m eager to give back the support I once needed. I aim to provide a safe space for mothers to share their challenges and triumphs, helping them navigate motherhood and career transitions with understanding and empathy.
Yong Hui Fong
Position: Senior Executive Financial Planner
Company: HSBC
Industry: Finance
Location: Singapore
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As a Singaporean mum of two daughters, aged 13 and 10, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle work, breastfeeding, and pumping—especially when you're trying to navigate mummy guilt in between appointments. Returning to work in Finance as a first-time mum was tough, and I wish I had the kind of support and understanding that I now hope to offer to other mums. It was difficult to find the balance I needed, and I often struggled with being kind to myself during those early days. One of the most important things I’ve learned along the way is to give yourself time to adjust. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, and it's okay to take a step back and ask for help. Finding a supportive community of like-minded mums has been invaluable for me, and I want to share that experience with others who might be going through the same thing. If there’s one piece of advice I would offer to returning mums, it’s this: be kind to yourself. Parenthood is a journey, and it’s okay not to have it all figured out. You are doing great.
Danielle Lynch
Position: Associate Director
Company: Phildon
Industry: Recruitment / Insurance
Location: Singapore
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I’m a Scottish mum of a 2-year-old daughter, expecting a little boy in 2025. My family and I have lived in Singapore for 7 years, but I’ll always carry a bit of home with me. I clearly remember the emotional challenge of returning to work in the Insurance industry after five months of maternity leave. Still breastfeeding and wanting to continue, I found it tough to juggle pumping with my demanding job. Thankfully, I received some invaluable advice from a mentor, which made all the difference. Now, I want to share what I’ve learned. I returned to work on a phased schedule, starting with a few days a week, and it helped me adjust. This time around, I plan to take the full 6 months off to focus on my newborn and I’m not feeling pressured to rush back to full-time work. I’ve realised the first few months with your newborn baby is irreplaceable and embracing the conversations with your work in your pregnancy, is essential for a happy mummy and baby. I’ve also experienced pregnancy loss and will be soon navigating life with more than one child, while understanding leave and support that you can request in the workplace. I’m here to offer support and advice, so you don’t have to face it alone. We’re all in this together.
Sarah Wong
Position: Healthcare Consultant
Company: Heal Venture Lab
Industry: Healthcare
Location: Singapore
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As a graduate from a top business school and someone who thrives in entrepreneurial teams, I’ve always been ambitious and career-driven. But motherhood changed everything. Despite workplace flexibility, the internal shift—physically, mentally, and spiritually—was immense. After relocating back to Singapore and navigating a career transition after my second child, I leaned on both my Christian faith and the wisdom of other working moms to redefine success and self-worth.
Having experienced motherhood in both the US and Singapore, I’ve seen how cultural and workplace dynamics shape our journeys. Now, with my kids aged 5 and 3, I’m focused on building a life aligned with my values. My portfolio career includes consulting for health tech companies, working in real estate sales, investing, and hosting Make It Work, a podcast on ambitious women in Asia navigating careers and motherhood.
I’ve also launched two women’s mentoring programs in the US and led a women’s circle within Remarkable Women Singapore—experiences that reinforced my belief that we are better, together.
If you’re in this season, talk to another working mom. Their insights can shift your perspective and remind you: you are not alone, and you were made for this
Monika Bulcock
Position: Team Lead
Company: EtonHouse International Group of Schools
Industry: Teacher / Education
Location: Singapore
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Returning to work after my twin girls were born in 2021 was like navigating a stormy sea. I was wracked with separation anxiety, swamped by guilt, and drowning under the weight of my own expectations. I was completely overwhelmed with trying to look after myself and the girls and then like an unstoppable wave I suddenly had a class of 5-years olds to teach. I convinced myself that this whole returning to work thing after having babies was just another challenge and all I needed to do was be strong. I wish I wasn’t so strong now, I wish I let myself be more vulnerable and willing to lean on others. But in my mind back then this was just another test that I needed to pass. But this was not like any test I had before and all my old strategies seemed redundant. I felt like I was failing as a mother, as a wife, as a teacher… as everything. Those early days back in the classroom surrounded by the usual buzz of school life were the loneliest days of my life. It’s ironic because I was never alone, probably for the first time in my adult life. I was always with someone at school, at home, someone was needing me, crying for me, wanting me. Yet, I felt so alone in this journey of becoming a working mum. This is why I'm here as a Mummentor for Return Ready. I want to be the person I needed during those tough times, someone who will listen deeply, understand genuinely, and remind you that amidst the chaos, you're doing an incredible job. Let’s navigate this journey together, supporting each other with real conversations and shared experiences. Let's build a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued, not just as a professional or a mother, but as the amazing woman you are.
Khatija Aslam
Position: Team Lead
Company: Zespri International & Moxy
Industry: Marketing & Advertising
Location: Singapore
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Navigating back to work after having my children close together showed me that full-time was no longer feasible. It took persistent discussions over two years with managers and HR to create a workable part-time job share model. Living in Singapore for 18 years as a Pakistani-born Malaysian, I’m a mother to three daughters (6, 5 years, and 3 months) and recently transitioned to a part-time job share role. In 2023, I launched Moxy to inspire behaviour change and enhance workplace policies for women, drawing on my 15-year background in various roles. As a Mummentor, I utilize my experiences to guide working mothers. My approach centers on active listening and providing resources to help mothers navigate and design fulfilling lives, balancing career and family without sacrifice. My goal is to empower them to envision their future clearly and make decisions that align with long-term personal and professional goals. If you're navigating pregnancy loss, expanding your family, or understanding workplace benefits, I'm here to support you, share experiences, and ensure you don’t feel alone on this journey.
Anastasia Wallis
Position: Bid Manager
Company: Marsh McLennan
Industry: Insurance
Location: Singapore
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As a mother of two young children (ages 3 and 1) and a professional in the financial services industry, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle career and motherhood. My journey hasn’t been perfect—my first experience of motherhood was filled with mistakes and lessons learned. But by the time my second child arrived, I understood the importance of setting boundaries, advocating for my needs, and embracing the challenges with grace. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring youth, supporting individuals entering the workforce, and guiding junior colleagues. However, mentoring fellow mummies-to-be has been the most fulfilling. I deeply understand the emotional and physical toll that comes with fertility struggles, complicated pregnancies, and the balancing act between parenthood and your career. This journey can be hard, but you don’t have to walk it alone. It means so much to me to help other mothers navigate these milestones with more clarity and confidence. My hope is to offer support, share what I’ve learned, and help make this transition smoother for you. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to make mistakes—what matters is that you don’t give up on yourself.
Farrah Isaac
Position: Director
Company: I.N.C. Law
Industry: Legal
Location: Singapore
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As a local Singaporean who spent part of my childhood in the UK, I’ve navigated the challenges of balancing a demanding career in law with the needs of my two children, aged 1 and 4. After my second baby turned 1, I transitioned from a fully flexible work schedule to working 4 days a week in the office, with long hours. While I felt fortunate to have a job, adjusting to this new routine came with its own set of challenges—especially when it came to productivity and the pressure of being in the office for a set number of hours each day.During this time, I felt the strain of balancing work with spending quality time with my kids. It made me realize how important it is to have support and understanding from others who are going through the same journey. I want to be that listening ear and support system for other mums, so they don’t feel alone in their struggles. My advice to new mums juggling work and family is be kind to yourself. Everything you’re feeling is valid and OK. It's essential to recognize that your mental health matters, and it's okay to take things slow—perhaps starting part-time or taking more time off for maternity leave.
Tegan Haffenden
Position: Team Lead
Company: Tanglin Trust
Industry: Teacher/ Education
Location: Singapore
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Originally from the UK, I’ve had the experience of living as an expat in both Dubai and Singapore. As a mum to two young children, aged 3.5 years and 3 months, I’ve faced the challenges of balancing motherhood with working in education, and I know how difficult it can be to find that perfect balance. My school was as supportive as they could be, but ultimately, I just wanted the flexibility to be home more or to work part-time. In hindsight, I feel that I did the best I could with the working circumstances I had. Given the situation, I wouldn’t have changed anything, but I do understand how tough it can be, especially when juggling a young family and career expectations. Through my experiences, particularly with my fertility journey and navigating the early years of parenthood, I’ve learned the importance of supporting your partner and being patient with yourself. Each stage has been its own set of challenges, but I believe in the power of finding what works for you and your family. If there’s one thing I’d tell other mums, it’s that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.
Monica Divik Agarwal
Position: Head of People & Talent
Company: Money Hero
Industry: HR /Financial Services
Location: Singapore
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As a mother of two and an advocate for mothers in the workforce, I've personally navigated the complex journey of returning to work after parental leave. Both experiences deeply shaped my understanding of the challenges involved—from setting up a nursing room in a new company to managing a hectic schedule and coping with overwhelming advice.
Living in Singapore for over a decade as an expat from India, I've transitioned jobs to accommodate the needs of my young family, embracing roles that support regular hours and hybrid working environments. Through these transitions, I've realized the importance of support networks and have committed myself to enhancing these for others.
As a Mummentor for Return Ready, my goal is to pay forward the support I wished I had received. By sharing my insights and experiences, I aim to guide other returning mothers through their own transitions, helping them to feel understood, supported, and never alone. Whether you're wrestling with logistical challenges or emotional adjustments, I'm here to help you navigate these waters, ensuring you know that all the help you need is just a question away.
Emma Humann
Position: Director
Company: The Trailing Spouse Co
Industry: Non Profit
Location: Singapore
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As a mother, manager, and mentor, I've supported many women navigating the challenges of motherhood and careers. My journey began in 2018 in Australia, returning full-time six months postpartum and negotiating a compressed workweek to spend more time with my first daughter. The birth of my second daughter during the pandemic and our subsequent move to Singapore added complexity, balancing full-time work and parenting.
Each transition back to work underscored the importance of setting boundaries, managing guilt and self-doubt, and reconstructing personal identity alongside professional roles. These experiences fueled my decision to leave traditional employment, creating a flexible career that meets both my needs and those of my family.
I joined Return Ready as a Mummentor to share these insights and support other mothers. Having navigated flexible work arrangements, identity shifts, and the dialogue around parental leave, I aim to guide other moms through these transitions, emphasizing that it’s okay for desires and circumstances to evolve. Together, we can explore paths that align with your family's needs, reinforcing that there's no one right way—only what's right for you, always with kindness to yourself at the forefront.