KEY POINTS
- Lee Montajes is a registered nurse, certified life coach, motivational speaker and professional master of ceremonies. But she says what grounds her the most is her family.
- Originally from the Philippines, Lee and her family had settled in the UK before the global financial crisis pushed them to seek refuge elsewhere.
- Lee recalls how they slept on the floor, used a discarded hospital drape as a mattress, and moved from place to place, clinging to each other for support. Despite starting from scratch, she is grateful for those early experiences, as they shaped her resilience and deepened her gratitude.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
How motherhood and struggles led her to become a life coach
SBS Filipino
34:07
Humble beginnings
Her journey, like that of many migrant mums, is filled with courage and quiet sacrifice. Originally from the Philippines, Lee and her family had settled in the UK before the global financial crisis pushed them to seek refuge elsewhere.
“We came to Australia just for respite care. The plan was to go back to the UK once the world settled down. We had no family here. It was exciting, but also daunting.”
Landing in Adelaide with no support system, Lee and her husband had to start from scratch with three children in tow.
“We slept on the floor. We used an old operating theatre drape as a mattress. We moved houses several times. There were moments I questioned everything. We took a leap of faith."
How she shaped her family to be resilient
Despite the fear and hardship, she held her family together.
“I had to be brave. Even when I didn’t feel strong, I had to show my kids what resilience looks like.”
One moment she’ll never forget happened during their early days of settling in Australia.
“We were walking one day, with one child in the pram, when my other child asked, ‘Are we poor?' That broke me. But I reminded myself, this is just a season and we won’t stay here forever.”
What was supposed to be a short stay turned into something more permanent when a few new friends encouraged her to give Australia just a few more months.
“Winter came, and it was beautiful. I started seeing the opportunities for my children, for my family.”
Motherhood her greatest teacher
Motherhood, for Lee, has been her greatest teacher.
“Being a nurse taught me skills, but being a mother taught me patience, purpose, and perspective. It’s not always about having everything figured out.”
As a mum, she also taught her children respect, gratitude, and empowerment.
“I want to raise children who respect both cultures, who are inclusive and proud of where they came from.”
Now deeply rooted in Australia, Lee uses her voice to uplift others.
Her healthcare experience and motherhood, combined with her work as a life coach and speaker, have fueled her passion for helping others unlock their full potential.
Motherhood shaped the woman I am today. The highs and lows made me strong, and I taught my children that no matter what happens, there’s always something to be grateful for.Lee Montajes- Mother, registered nurse, a certified life coach, a motivational speaker, professional master of ceremonies
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