Return

Ready

Transforming Your Return to work

Reinventing Return to Work Support

Welcome to Return Ready, where re-entering the workforce after parental leave is not just a transition, but a transformation. Our peer-to-peer mentorship community, led by experienced 'Mumentors', is designed to help you rediscover your professional path with empathy and expertise as you navigate the complexities of returning to the work after parental leave.

Why We Exist: No parent should ever have to choose between their career and their family. It's a heartbreaking decision, and yet, a staggering 85% of parents find themselves stepping away from full-time work within three years of childbirth, often due to a lack of support. We're here to tear down that 'maternal wall'.

Our Mission: We're filling the support gap with a warm, welcoming peer to peer mentoring community, essential resources, and unwavering support to make your transition back to work from parental leave as smooth and confident as possible.

What We Offer: Return Ready harnesses the power of community-driven support with a network of both local and remote mentors. These are professionals who've successfully navigated their own returns to work and are passionate about guiding you through yours. We foster a space rich in shared experiences, mutual support, and practical advice.

Our Vision and Outcome: Our goal is to redefine the return-to-work experience as a positive, enriching journey. We strive to cultivate an environment where you are supported, understood, and advocated for—boosting your sense of inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

Join us at Return Ready, and be part of a movement where today's mentees become tomorrow's mentors. Together, we’re building a network that not only enriches families but also strengthens communities and transforms workplaces into supportive environments for all parents.

43%

of mamas leave their careers post-baby 

60%

of returning mothers feel unsupported at work

It doesn’t have to be this way!

98%

of mamas feel invisible in the workplace

Meet

the team

Sara Pantry

Return Ready Founder

Erin O’connor

Return Ready Team

Cassie Roberts

Return Ready Team

Surina dugar

Return Ready Team

Elevating your return to work

At Return Ready, our passionate team is committed to revolutionizing the way support is provided to parents re-entering the workforce. Together, we've crafted a vibrant community and a robust support network dedicated to your journey back. Our mission is to offer a nurturing environment where you can embrace and redefine your professional identity with confidence. Supported by a ‘Mumentor’ that truly gets it, you're not just returning to work—you're stepping into your new chapter, surrounded by advocates who champion your success at every step.

MEET THE MUMENTORS

Become a Mentee

Here’s how to join:

Step One

SIGN UP TO BE A MENTEE

Take a moment to explore our Mumentor profiles and select your top three matches. After choosing, complete the mentee registration form to begin your journey. We’re here to support you every step of the way as you connect with a Mumentor who resonates with your unique path.

Step Two

MATCHING PROCESS

The matching process will take 1-2 weeks, during which we’ll do our best to match you with one of your preferred Mumentors. While we work on finding your ideal match, you’ll receive a welcome guide and additional information about being a mentee to help you get started on your journey.

Step Three

INTRODUCTION

Within two weeks, you'll receive an email introducing you to your Mumentor. This email will not only connect you but also include her LinkedIn profile and additional details on the next steps of your mentoring journey. This way, you can start building a meaningful connection right from the start.

Step Four

FIRST MEEt UP

Your Mumentor will reach out to schedule your initial meeting. During this first session, you'll collaborate to set the cadence for your future mentoring sessions. Please come prepared to discuss your goals, availability, and any specific areas you wish to focus on. This will ensure each meeting is tailored to your personal and professional development needs.

Step Five

Progress & REFLECTION

Throughout your Return Ready journey, engage in regular check-ins with your mumentor to reflect on your progress and adjust your goals as needed. We'll also seek your feedback periodically to continuously improve the program and ensure it meets your needs effectively.

Become a Mumentor

Here’s how to join:

Step One

SIGN UP TO BE A MUMENTOR FOR RETURN READy

Join our team of inspiring Mumentors by filling out the Mumentor Sign-Up Form. This form will ask about your motivations for becoming a Mumentor, your professional background, and your family status. The information you provide is crucial for crafting your initial Mumentor profile, tailored to connect you effectively with potential mentees.

Step Two

Review and Personalize Your Mumentor Profile

Once you sign up, we'll create a Mumentor profile for you, tailored to showcase your unique expertise and passion for supporting parents in their career transitions. You'll have the opportunity to review and personalize this profile to ensure it accurately reflects your personal journey and mentoring style.

Step Three

onboarding

Next we'll provide a welcome pack with roles and responsibilities, training materials, and a Mumentor roadmap to ensure you're fully prepared for your new role. You'll also be connected to our vibrant network of Mumentors, giving you access to a supportive community and valuable insights. This streamlined process is designed to equip you quickly and effectively for a meaningful start.

Step Four

matching process

As a Mumentor, you'll be matched with mentees based on their selection of their top three preferred mentors. Once a match is proposed, we'll contact you with the details of the potential mentee to confirm if you're ready and willing to begin the mentorship. You always have the right to decline if the match isn't suitable or if you aren't available at that time, ensuring that each mentoring relationship begins on a foundation of mutual agreement and enthusiasm.

Step Five

progress and reflection

As a Mumentor in the Return Ready program, you will participate in regular check-ins to reflect on your mentoring experiences. We will also periodically request your feedback to enhance the program, ensuring it effectively meets both your needs and those of your mentees, and continues to foster effective mentoring relationships.

  • Return Ready supports parents as they re-enter their careers post-parental leave with peer-to-peer mentoring, enabling them to navigate this major life transition with confidence.

  • Return Ready is currently open to mamas preparing to return to their existing roles within the next 90 days following maternity leave. At this stage, the program is specifically designed to support the transition back into a role you are returning to—not for those coming back from extended career breaks, changing careers, or starting new roles. We hope to expand in future, but for now, our focus is on supporting returners stepping back into their current positions post-leave.

  • Mentors and mentees are thoughtfully paired by Return Ready leaders. Together, they establish a meeting schedule that works for both, which can be conducted either in-person or remotely for a period of 3 months.

  • We are committed to creating a brave, respectful, and confidential space for all participants. Return Ready upholds a strong duty of care, ensuring every interaction is guided by empathy, trust, and a deep respect for each parent’s unique journey.

    That said, Return Ready is a peer-to-peer support program—not a substitute for formal HR programs, coaching, therapy, legal advice, or medical guidance. Our MumMentors are experienced peers, not licensed professionals, and their role is to listen, share lived experience, and walk alongside you through this important transition.

    By joining Return Ready, you’re stepping into a community that celebrates your evolution, supports your ambitions, and believes in your ability to thrive—as both a parent and a professional.

  • Joining is free. At Return Ready, we passionately believe that support for returning to work should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. That’s why we've established a community-driven, volunteer network. Our devoted mentors are committed to enhancing the return-to-work experience by generously sharing their time, insights and support

  • Mentorships in the Return Ready program are designed to last 3 months. Typically, mentors and mentees meet between 1-4 times per month, based on mutual availability. This schedule allows for flexibility and is tailored to suit the needs of both mentors and mentees.

  • While we recommend arranging alternative care to ensure you are fully present, we understand the challenges and are flexible to accommodate your needs. You can also agree directly with your Mumentor on the best approach for each meeting.

  • For more details or any queries, please contact us at ReturnReady2025@gmail.com

    We’re here to help!

  • Return Ready is a peer-to-peer mentoring program, intentionally designed to centre around the shared lived experiences of mothers who have personally navigated the return-to-work journey. While we deeply value the skills coaches and therapists bring, this program is not a space for delivering professional services or expertise. It’s about connection, empathy, and supporting others as a peer, not as a practitioner.

    At this time, we are not accepting coaches, therapists, or other professionals in a mentoring capacity, as we aim to keep the focus solely on lived experience and shared journeys.

CHECK OUT THE FAQS

This is FOR
YOU if…

  • You're a parent planning to navigate the transition back to work after parental leave and need support to do so confidently.

  • You seek someone that understands the emotional and practical challenges of re-entering the workforce.

  • You value guidance from experienced professionals who've successfully managed this transition.

  • You're looking for practical tools and resources to balance your professional ambitions with your new family responsibilities.

This is NOT for you if…

  • You're seeking formal HR programs or company-specific benefits as the primary solution for your return to work.

  • You need specialized legal advice, professional counseling, or medical guidance to address specific challenges.

  • You expect structured, traditional support rather than a community-based, experience-sharing approach.

  • You prefer a strictly professional environment without the personal connections and shared stories that define our supportive community.

Sign Up to be
a Mumentor

Sign Up to be
a Mentee