Family Coaching

You do the hardest job in the world.

When I became a parent, I was deeply depressed, stressed, and lonely. Caring for a tiny human with endless needs is challenging enough - but it’s especially hard in a world where parents are treated as bottomless natural resources who should do it all.

I wanted to show up for other parents, so from 2010 to 2018, I worked as a home visiting developmental therapist. I also worked in a pediatric DIR / Floortime clinic specializing in sensory integration strategies, where I collaborated with occupational, speech/language, and mental health therapists.

I’m excited to return to this work! As of 2025, I’ll be offering virtual family coaching sessions, with limited in-person availability in Arizona.

A child’s drawing of a colorful bird with a long, mermaid-like tail instead of wings.

Art by Fishy

Childhood is precious, magic - and temporary.

Your time as a parent of a young child will be over before you know it. I would be honored to take a few moments to slow down with you as you make space to be present with your child.

Family coaching is a unique blend informed by my background as a developmental therapist, special education teacher, and community organizer. I’m part educational consultant, part parent mentor, part peer mental health support person, and part cheerleader, ready to have some fun with you and your kid, and remind you that you are amazing. I’d love to act as witness and guide as you celebrate wins, grieve losses, and find ways to make life more manageable - so that you can enjoy childhood as the sacred and fleeting time it is.

“You’re not the problem. But you can be the solution.”

Stanley Greenspan

One of my favorite tools is the DIR framework (Developmental, Individual, Relationship-based), aka Floortime, based on the work of psychiatrist Stanley Greenspan. DIR helps us to relate more deeply to our children, and most powerfully, to change our own behaviors. I love helping parents to slow down their interactions and enhance awareness of how we impact our children - from pacing, expressions, vocal range, and body language to the beliefs underlying our behaviors.

DIR is especially helpful for children with developmental delays and diagnoses like autism and ADHD, but it’s great for anyone. It's often described as an antidote to ABA. (If you’d like to learn why autistic adults are speaking out against ABA, read this article.) I know that some people find ABA’s structure comforting. I can definitely bring structure like behavioral support plans, charts, schedules, and visuals if that’s helpful for you and your child. But if you’re looking for someone who will fix your child, or if you’re not expecting to put in any work yourself, I’m not the person for you.

A child wrapped up in a blanket like a burrito with a cartoon image of a smiley face burrito.

From Kid Burrito and Kid Sandwich to Pillow Mountain and Row Your Boat, I have lots of sensory integration games in my toolkit that help kids stay calm and organized in their bodies while promoting cognitive and language development.

If you want more expressive, autonomous, and interdependent kids...

Let’s talk. My approach to working with families is informed by 16 years as a parent; years as a multicultural educator and community organizer supporting all the diverse and beautiful ways that people parent; expertise as a trauma-informed special education teacher using positive behavioral interventions; and my lifelong dedication to mindfulness, mental health support, and anti-oppression education.

“If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. If you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

- Lilla Watson and Aboriginal activists group Queensland, 1970s

While I call it “coaching,” this is more like a partnership. You are the expert on your child and your life. I don’t swoop in with quick formulas or fixes, and I don’t guarantee to solve all your problems or cure complex issues overnight. But I come with deep listening, lots of knowledge, compassion, and presence, and most importantly, a dedication to bringing out the best in you and your child.

Let’s make some magic together.

I think people of all ages can make magic, if we just slow down enough. Magic is the art of being present to the moment. It's the art of paying attention.

A few examples of ways we might work together.

My rates are reasonable.

I charge on a sliding scale - from $100 to $40 per one hour session. Keep in mind that a session can take up to two hours of work on my end. I offer discounts for packages!

Each session includes notes or a mini-conference with you with tips on how to follow up throughout the week.

If you’re able to meet your food and housing needs comfortably, please give generously so I can serve more families who need the lower end of the scale. Visit the pay page for more sliding scale guidance.

What’s on your mind?

What’s unique and amazing about your child? What’s feeling unmanageable? What are you hoping for, dreaming about, or concerned about?

Click the button below to schedule a free phone or Zoom consultation via Calendly. I’d love to meet you and learn more about you and your family.

Schedule a free consultation. Click for Calendly link.

A child’s drawing of a tiger with a jungle background.