I’m not a parent coach—I’m a kid coach. Over the years, I’ve worked with children from diverse backgrounds: as a special education aide, international youth trip leader, teacher, life coach, dance specialist, artist in residence, and even a self-appointed godmother.

Teenagers today navigate family dynamics, friend drama, social media, college prep, after-school activities, and more. My work supports parents by helping teens build self-confidence, independence, and resilience.

I love working with kids—their energy, ideas, feelings, and perspectives inspire me. I also believe their experiences now shape their future success in relationships, school, work, and beyond.

Diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school and choosing not to be medicated set me on my path: improving the mental and emotional health of children and teens. Struggling with focus in school escalated into anxiety and depression in college, and I sought real solutions—not just masking symptoms.

Through therapy, specialists, exercise, art, journaling, meditation, and eventually life coaching, I found the tools to reclaim my joy and build skills I could share. Becoming a Certified Life Coach allowed me to empower youth with the principles and tools to create the lives they truly desire.

At a recent dinner with friends, we discussed the Mr. Rogers documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor. The film beautifully reflects my beliefs in the divinity of children, the power of art and media, and the difference adults can make in a child’s life. It reinforced my conviction to dedicate my career to the happiness and health of children.

This conviction drives my focus on preventative mental health education. While conversations about mental health have improved, prevention is often overlooked. My program gives kids the tools, strategies, and practice to build confidence, resilience, and emotional stability—helping prevent teenage tragedies that can impact families emotionally, financially, and physically. Children with stable minds are better equipped to face a chaotic world, and what could be more important than preparing them to become strong, capable adults?

Our social media-driven, high-pressure world is hurting kids. Occasional mental health conversations aren’t enough—they need tools, practice, and professional guidance. The American Psychological Association reported a 52% increase in depression among adolescents (12-17) between 2005-2017, and a 63% increase among young adults (18-25) between 2009-2017. Mental Health America found that by June 2020, over 169,000 additional children screened moderate-to-severe for depression or anxiety compared to pre-pandemic baselines, with young people under 25 particularly affected.

All kids need this help—even those with amazing parents and stable homes. I know because I’ve worked with thousands of children and because I was that child myself: loved, supported, but still struggling emotionally. My program grew from the lessons I had to learn to heal my own mental health.

Coaching creates a space outside the parent-child relationship where students learn mental, emotional, academic, and social skills. These lessons are more valuable than most mandatory school curriculum. Invest in preventative mental health and give your child the tools they need to thrive both in and out of school.