In our weekly column "Modern Mom Profiles...," we interview an inspirational mom about how she balances her family, career and self.

This week, we profile actress and mother Teri Garr.

Teri Garr with her daughter, Molly

MM: What is a Modern Mom?

TG: A modern mom is a woman who works in many different areas, including taking care of her home and family. That work might include as an executive at a corporation, coaching her daughter's softball team, and volunteering for a local organization, in addition to managing the many needs of her family and her home.

It's quite different from the era in which I grew up, where women were much more dependent on their husbands and primarily focused on work inside the home. Today, a modern mom manages a lot of priorities both in and out of the home.

MM: What's your secret to balancing career and family?

TG: Good help!

Just kidding. Seriously, my secret is having great support from friends and family, and you really cannot discount the importance of good help if it is available to you!

If you have a job and you run a house, you need someone who can help you, whether it is a housekeeper or a nanny, or just a good friend or family member who helps out, so you do have time to spend with your kids.

I travel a lot for my work as an MS LifeLines Ambassador for Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, sharing my experiences living with MS.

The travel schedule takes me away from home at times, so when I'm not on the road, I want to spend time with my daughter, Molly, not dealing with household chores.

MM: What do you want to teach your children?
TG: I try to always teach Molly to be a good, decent human being; to be a good citizen; and to be someone who cares about other people. I also encourage her to be curious and to follow her dreams.

MM: Favorite thing to do with your family?

TG: Molly and I really enjoy just spending time together, reading, playing checkers or cards. She especially loves Hangman, and it's a good game for building our vocabulary too!

I really enjoy the mental interactions with her and the chance to teach life lessons, like learning not to pout when you lose a game or gloat when you win!

MM: What did your parents teach you about parenting?

TG: To have the hide of a rhinoceros and the heart of a butterfly. In other words, to be tough and resilient, but never lose your heart.

Navigating between the two is challenging but when I'm successful at it, it is truly beneficial.

MM: What is your greatest achievement?

TG: My daughter, Molly O'Neill, is by far my greatest achievement!

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And, I'm personally proud of being able to overcome the speed bumps I've faced in life and just keep going.

People come up to me all the time and tell me that I've inspired them, through my experiences as an actress, a mother, and a person living with MS.

But really, they inspire me just as much, and I learn so much from so many of them, too.

MM: Who is your role model?

TG: I have several: My mom.

Maya Angelou. Agatha Christy. Ann Rule.

A varied group of people, but they all have something in common: They solve the mysteries of life, and they are always in control!

MM: What do you do when you're feeling selfish?

TG: I do the spa thing: massage, facial, manicure great for relaxation. I also like to go to the beach, leaving the ringing phone and the unopened mail behind for another day