You have more influence than you think

I have two teaching credentials, one general education, one education specialist K-12.

I've been in business for going on 5 years, developing and scaling a summer camp specifically for early adolescents, offering private coaching and classes to parents and students throughout this time.

Additionally, I've got 17+ years of experience supporting all kinds of learners of all ages, with significant experience focused on supporting neurotypical learners to those with mild/moderate special education needs and ADHD.

I've also produced essential skills programs inside major organizations for adults, around topics such as building resilience, transforming conflict, and building trust.

As a lifelong learner and educator, I educate myself daily on best practices and the latest research in psychology, human behavior, communication, parenting, executive functioning, social-emotional health and more, and I integrate these into everything I do.

When it comes to mental illness, I'm not a medical health provider, so I always suggest parents get comprehensive support in the form of an official assessment, diagnosis, therapy and treatment from a psychotherapist. That said, I provide a very therapeutic environment, and I often collaborate with psychologists, therapists, and other specialists to provide wrap-around support for any student and family I work with. The work we all do is often aligned, with some overlap for needed reinforcement.

I have a holistic approach when it comes to working with parents and adolescents.

I begin with building trust and a relationship between us. This is a must as it allows us to have a connection beyond "mom is making me be here", and "just tell me what to do."

I believe you and your adolescent are meant for each other, and you're here to learn from each other.

I begin by understanding your challenges and I meet you where you're at. Oftentimes, this means teaching you about the unique stage of development your tween/teen is in - starting with the brain! Neuroscience is fascinating at this age and is often a compassionate bridge to bring awareness to what is and isn't in their control. It's powerful stuff!

Additionally, I help you understand your shifting role from a boss to a guide, and I give you tangible tools and systems on how to show up in their life in ways they'll respond positively to.

Mindset, metacognition, and mindfulness strategies are all woven throughout, in addition to tactical systems to address emerging challenges.

Here's an overview of the first 6 weeks and beyond:

Week 1-2: We build trust and I'm in data collection mode. 

In the beginning we are getting to know each other. I'm simply observing behavior, patterns, and the current skill set for you as parents  to get an idea of what needs prioritizing, and what I see as the immediate goals beyond the scope of what's already been communicated

Week 3-4: I customize my Teenage Tree (TM) system to your needs, and develop a customized plan focused on solving your greatest challenge. We always collaborate to make sure everyone is aligned.

Week 5 & Beyond: You put the Teenage Tree(TM) system into action, we experiment and pivot where needed

Once your plan is in place, it is a collaborative process, tweaking what needs an adjustment or change along the way. Although I have many proven strategies and skills to share, this process is often an experiment and not linear, because you are working within a family system, and you're human beings going through an immense developmental period.  Flexibility, patience, and resilience are required (and will be tested!)