"Each family is different and every woman adjusts to her new role uniquely. Watching the process has always been inspiring for me. The idea for the Motherhood Center grew out of my desire to give these women a resource they can trust. A place they can find information, care, and professionals that will cater to their individual process throughout the adjustment. The Motherhood Center is my way of offering these amazing women not only my expertise, but all the best Houston has to offer the mother, the child, and the family."
Gabriela Gerhart is the founder of The Motherhood Center. She established this haven for mothers in 2003, turning a lifelong dream into reality. She discovered her passion for babies and child care early. She was only four years old when her sister was born, and she treasured her role as “little mommy”. Today Gabriela touches the lives of thousands of infants, parents and families through The Motherhood Center.
Gabriela was born and raised in the small mountain village of Jablunkov, Czechoslovakia. She values her hometown’s warm and nurturing environment-an environment she ensures at The Motherhood Center. She attended The Secondary Medical School of Ostrava, receiving degrees in Pediatric Nursing and Physical Therapy. She worked in the Pediatric Emergency Room in Ostrava, before accepting a position in the United States that became a major turning point in her life.
In 1999, Gabriela accepted a position in Houston to help an American couple care for their premature baby. While in Houston, she fell in love with the opportunities, her life, and the man who is now her husband, Gary Gerhart.
After this initial position, Gabriela continued her education across Texas, becoming certified in Breastfeeding Education, Postpartum Doula and Prenatal Massage. Gabriela quickly gained a reputation as a dependable and knowledgeable advisor, whose caring and calming spirit was especially soothing to new parents. More and more women used her as a resource for the care of their newborns. Gabriela became frustrated with how difficult it was for these women, who were already going through a particularly vulnerable time, to obtain reliable information. Gabriela recognized the overwhelming interest shown by expecting and new moms, to keep up with fast-changing medical information and technological possibilities. She realized they not only yearned for structured educational classes on modern methods, they also hoped for timeless wisdom on handling everyday childcare situations. With the needs of these mothers in mind, she created The Motherhood Center.
Gabriela and The Motherhood Center have been featured by The Houston Chronicle, The River Oaks Examiner, KTRK ABC 13, KPRC Channel 2 and FOX 26. She is committed to philanthropy and is involved with several Houston charities including Child Advocates, Children’s Assessment Center, Kangaroo Care, Children’s Museum, Camp Periwinkle and Women’s Home.
