Connection inspires me daily. Parents trust me to listen without judgment and show empathy for challenges they are facing in their family.
Parents often struggle with behavioral challenges that affect family dynamics. Moms and dads want to improve their interactions and relationships with their children. I help parents slow down and respond to challenges more effectively. It is rewarding to help parents tap into their strengths, practice new approaches, and create positive change. They often find that ordinary moments provide an opportunity for meaningful connection
One of the greatest joys of parenting my sons is the connection we share. It took a great deal of attention and effort, as well as trial and error, to build three unique relationships with my boys. There were days the bonds felt strong – my sons shared their feelings and I listened with the intention to understand them. Other days were more challenging – my boys exhibited challenging behaviors and I reacted impulsively. I am grateful that my experiences as a parent, coupled with my professional opportunities, propelled me to parent coaching.
My background provides the foundation for my work with parents. I earned a BS in Special Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. The early years of my career were dedicated to adolescents, working with students with learning disabilities and behavior disorders as a special education teacher at a public high school. After I obtained a master’s degree in School Counseling from Loyola University of Chicago, I worked as a
guidance counselor. I saw first-hand how impactful parents and the home environment were on my students.
When I became a mother in 1992, I shifted my career focus from high schoolers to parents. I joined the staff at Tuesday’s Child, a non-profit agency in Chicago. I embraced my role as Parent Counselor and Program Director and loved working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing education and support to parents of children with behavioral and developmental challenges.
My passion for helping families next led me to the PCI where I received my Parent Coaching Certification® in 2009. Next I completed instructor training and certification through Action for Children to teach The Art of Positive Parenting, TAPP in 2010. I currently work with parents in a variety of settings. You can learn more about me here.
My work as a parent coach inspires me to help create positive change. It is an honor to guide moms and dads to discover strengths and uncover what matters most. With extra clarity, parents create goals for their daily interactions. I help them develop new ways to connect with their children. Parents gain tools to effectively navigate power struggles and behavioral challenges. It is satisfying to see their confidence grow.
I collaborate with yoga instructors and Reiki masters to offer additional classes that focus on parenting with mindfulness and intention. The importance of developing self-care practices is addressed in these classes, as it is with nearly all parents I coach. Facilitating parenting groups is another fun and effective way to connect and support parents. The community we create provides an ideal opportunity for parents to share stories and gain insight. Parents develop vulnerability and greater self-awareness.
Providing presentations and support to businesses and community groups is another way I serve parents. I offer a variety of topics such as “Developing Inner Strength,” “Addressing Behavior Challenges,” and “Helping Daughters Succeed”. Collaborating with business leaders to develop specific programs ensures that the needs of their parent groups are addressed.
I have served as a liaison for the Family Action Network (FAN). I enjoy collaborating with talented and insightful members of my community to inspire discussion and learning through high-quality programs and presentations.
The foundation for Real-Time Parenting is built upon the meaningful connections and mutual passions I share with Mary and Amy. It has been an honor to create this work and a privilege to carry it forward with them.
My husband and I raised our three beautifully imperfect sons in Wilmette, a suburb of Chicago. Our lives are full of baseball, neighborhood events, and finding the best dive restaurants around. In addition, I enjoy traveling, yoga, paddle boarding, and spending time with family and friends.