Nestled in the close-knit community of Glenside, Pennsylvania, Dr. Kendrah Butler-Waters is an educator, musician and parent who lives with her husband, Ted Waters III, and their two boys, Sebastian (8) and Kendrick (6). Butler-Waters balances the dual worlds of education and music with purpose, recently stepping into a new role as assistant principal while continuing to compose and perform. But these identities don’t compete; they enrich one another. She shares how she makes it work with Philadelphia MetroKids.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
As a working parent, how do you make space for your creative work while still being present for family?
Motherhood hasn’t silenced my creativity; it’s deepened it. I economize upon every moment, composing/practicing during school breaks or nights after putting the kids to sleep. Often, I bring my children into my creative world, turning rehearsals and composition time into shared moments of joy and imagination.
What kind of support helps make your schedule and goals sustainable?
It takes a village! My husband and I are partners. My mother, Charlotte Butler, lives with us and is a blessing. She pours love and care into our family, welcoming the kids after school for “GiGi time” and helping with meals. We’re also blessed by our former pastor, who faithfully helps get our boys to the bus stop each morning. I’m endlessly grateful.
Many parents struggle to set boundaries between work and family. How do you protect your time?
My husband and I are intentional. We come together at the dinner table to eat, laugh, watch shows and read stories, ending each night with our boys. We also make space to rest, restore or simply reconnect as a couple. I give myself grace if everything doesn’t get done. Saying “no” is sometimes the most loving way to say “yes” to what truly matters.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other parents trying to maintain their professional dreams while raising a family?
Life moves in seasons. Prioritize your health, your marriage and your spirit. For our family, that grounding comes from our faith, which centers and sustains us. Raising a family isn’t easy, but with faith, purpose and the support of a loving community, it’s possible to nurture both your calling and the people who matter most.
Family Favorites
Weekend Activity: Friday night movie, live jazz concert, dressing up to go to dinner, attending church, Sunday dinners with family, Urban Air (Trampoline Park)
Family Movie: Disney’s “Zootopia,” “Mitchells vs. The Machines” or anything Marvel!
Family Restaurant: Señor Salsa (Abington, PA), Sang Kee Peking Duck (Chinatown, 9th and Vine), Shake Shack (Plymouth Meeting, PA)
Date Night Spot: Indie Blue (Cherry Hill, NJ), Estia (Downtown Philly, 14th and Locust), Splatter Painting (Montgomeryville, PA), Penn’s Landing
Carrie Woodard is a proud Pittsburgh mama of two. A Temple University graduate, she has a deep love for Philadelphia and is excited to highlight the stories of Philly-area parents who are making a difference in their communities.
