Helping a child deal with depression and having trouble going to school

Celeste G.

My son was so depressed for a year and a half, that he missed a large part of the school year. At first, I didn’t understand or recognize it as depression, and I was pushing him to go to school very hard, which led to him getting even more frustrated with himself. After talking to a family coach, we were able to diagnose the real issue, and ask my son open ended questions to try and understand the reasons behind his depression. Then when I took the pressure off and worked on helping him feel good about himself, the depression was able to lift and he made all A’s at school the next year, and made several friends he could hang out with after school as well.

Navigating grad school or a full time job with a newborn

Celeste G.

I was working on first a Masters, and then a Doctorate in mathematics when my first two daughters were born. Then when I got my first full time job, I gave birth to my son shortly afterwards. I only took a week to recover from labor with each of my daughters so that I didn’t get behind on my grad school classes. I also wasn’t willing to sacrifice my ability to breastfeed my little ones, so I either met up with my husband in between classes to feed my babies, or I learned to pump while at work. I understand the exhaustion that comes with having newborns and still working hard every day. Because of sleepless nights getting up to take care of a crying child, I fell asleep in class a few times, but I learned to lean on other people to help support me through this difficult time. I also learned a lot of tricks for working with a baby in my arms or in a seat nearby. My kids are all older now, my youngest is 5 years old, but I have a thriving career.

Breaking cycles from childhood

Celeste G.

When I first became a mom, I often felt like I was failing my kids. I was constantly frustrated with myself and overwhelmed by the chaos around me. A lot of that frustration came from old wounds I carried from my own childhood — patterns of behavior and emotional pain that I didn't even realize were still affecting me. Over the past several years, I’ve been on a deep healing journey. I have worked through a lot of depression and anxiety, and started to truly unlearn the patterns I grew up with. I also navigated struggles with my own sexual addiction, which impacted my marriage and left my husband feeling used and disconnected. Through all of this, I have learned how to listen to my kids with empathy, support them through their struggles, and parent from a place of understanding rather than reaction. I know how hard it can feel when you're trying to heal yourself and show up differently for your family at the same time. I’d love to walk alongside you as you navigate the hard, beautiful work of healing while parenting.

Parenting neurodivergent kids

Abby G.

I am the parent of two kiddos who experience the world deeply and fully in what feels like every moment. There are sensory challenges, misunderstandings, stimming, and hyperfixations that we navigate together all of the time. We are aiming to raise our kids with intentionality so they understand themselves and their needs while not making them feel like anything is "wrong" with them, the tricky balance of it all. They are extraordinary in a world not really built for how they experience things, so we work together on how to move through the world so they feel safe and supported.

Supporting your non-binary child’s gender identity

Abby G.

When my kids shared that they are non-binary, I felt a mix of love, curiosity, and a deep responsibility to show up for them in the ways they truly needed. I hadn’t been raised with language or models for this kind of parenting, so I had to learn alongside them—often stumbling, but always committed. I realized early on that my job wasn’t to fix or mold them, but to make space for who they already were. That meant doing my own internal work—unpicking old beliefs and fears I didn’t want to pass on. I asked hard questions, challenged the parenting patterns I inherited, and tuned into what safety and celebration could look like for them, not just me. Over time, I found language and rituals that honored their identity and gave them room to evolve. Friends started coming to me for guidance—asking how to respond when their child experimented with pronouns or expressed gender differently. I’ve supported parents as they move from fear or confusion to love-in-action. It's not about having all the answers—it's about listening, learning, and showing your kid they are already enough. I’d be honored to walk with you through that journey.

Navigating motherhood when everything feels like too much

Abby G.

Being a mother at any stage of raising children is beautiful and it's also difficult. We're told to enjoy every moment from our kiddos' infancy on, and there is quite a lot that is simply not enjoyable. We're held to standards in terms of skill and ability that others are not, and we simply do not always have all the answers. At the same time, we're told what our bodies are supposed to look like, what our kids are supposed to eat and enjoy, and how they're supposed to behave. We also maybe have full time jobs, and households to run, and even with the most supportive partners, motherhood can be exhausting. I have 12 and 10 year old kiddos, and they are the greatest humans in the world. And also, being a mom is hard work. The baby years, the toddler years, the tween years! It's all a lot to navigate (and throw in perimenopause!) and can get really exhausting and frustrating. We have navigated a lot of ups and downs, and my family are my favorite people in the world, and also I feel overwhelmed sometimes and need to talk to someone else who gets it.

The grief of motherhood.

Abby G.

Motherhood is full of joy, and there can also be a lot of grief that comes with this role. No one has to die or get sick in order to experience it. I have found that motherhood for me involves grief around my own sense of self and identity, my kiddos getting older and changing before my eyes, dreams deferred or never realized and many other things that pile up into a little heap of grief. None of this makes us bad parents! It makes us completely human. I was told over and over to enjoy every moment, and I also have had a lot of challenges in doing so because there are quite a few aspects of parenting that aren't that enjoyable. None of that means we don't love our kiddos or would change them for anything! But being a mom means having to expand my capacity to hold both joy and grief so I can experience my own life and my kids in a true and authentic way. I've learned it's ok to have grief around motherhood. We give a lot of ourselves to others so that they can become their truest selves, too! I think talking with other moms about how life feels sometimes is really helpful for me, and I don't feel judged or shamed. We deserve to experience all of our emotions, even as moms!

Becoming a parent for the first time

Adley H.

Becoming a parent for the first time changed me in ways I never expected. It cracked me open—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. I felt love so big it scared me. I also felt grief, fear, rage, and loneliness that no one warned me about. The world expects new parents to feel nothing but joy, but the truth is far more layered—especially if you carry trauma, mental health challenges, or didn’t grow up feeling safe or fully loved yourself. When I had my first living child, I was still healing from the devastating loss of my firstborn. That made parenthood even more emotional and sacred—but also incredibly hard. I was navigating grief while changing diapers. Trying to reparent myself while learning how to raise someone else. All while sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and unsure if I was doing it "right." I’ve learned that parenting isn’t just about raising a child—it’s about becoming someone new. Shedding old identities. Confronting triggers. Stretching your heart beyond what you thought possible. And sometimes, it’s about quietly surviving the day and trying again tomorrow. If you’re in the thick of it—tired, unsure, deeply in love but also overwhelmed—I see you. You're not alone.

Managing anxiety and raising kids with ADHD and Autism

Alicia F.

I’m a divorced mother of five, currently raising my children with my partner. I live with anxiety, depression, and a major heart condition, which makes daily life both rewarding and challenging. My family also includes a child diagnosed with ADHD and several others who show signs of ADHD and Autism, making parenting an ongoing learning process. I’ve been through the tough experiences of infertility, pregnancy, and being a NICU mom, and I’ve learned to navigate the complexities of both single and co-parenting. My past includes being married to someone struggling with addiction and alcoholism, which further shaped my understanding of the importance of emotional resilience. Professionally, I work in the Emergency Services for Mental Health, and I’m also going back to school to finish my degree. My partner and I are building a homestead together, and though I consider myself a bit of a hippie at heart, I’m incredibly passionate about being helpful, whether that’s through hobbies like knitting, crocheting, or storytelling. Life is never simple, but I’ve learned that with the right mindset and tools, even the toughest challenges can be faced with grace and growth.

Balancing parenthood and career when both demand everything

Allison L.

Being a working mom with three kids and a husband who worked shifts often felt like I was being pulled in every direction. The early years were a blur of sleepless nights and daycare drop-offs, while the teenage years came with new emotional challenges. I tried to be everything for everyone—at home and at work—but there was a moment that stopped me in my tracks: two of my kids broke their clavicles on the same day, and my boss still expected me to get on a plane for a work trip. That moment made it clear that my priorities needed to shift. I made the choice to stay home and start redefining what balance looked like for me. It wasn’t easy—there was guilt, financial stress, and the constant feeling that I was somehow letting someone down. But over time, I figured out how to tune out the noise and focus on what truly mattered. I’ve talked with other moms facing similar struggles, especially around setting boundaries with employers and letting go of the guilt that comes with trying to do it all.

Finding sobriety after losing yourself to alcohol

Amber H.

I started drinking when I was 12, sneaking shots with friends and laughing like we were invincible. But even then, I was chasing more than just a buzz—I was trying to escape. Drinking made the chaos at home fade, so I kept chasing that numbness until it became all I knew. I partied through middle and high school, surrounded myself with people who could help me stay intoxicated, and ignored every warning sign. I experienced some of the darkest moments of my life while drunk, including being raped and repeatedly taken advantage of while too intoxicated to defend myself. I carried that pain for decades, burying it under more alcohol, more drugs. When I was 32, I lost custody of my children because I couldn’t stay sober. That shattered me—but it also woke me up. I went to jail, then rehab, and then straight into therapy. I did the work—every raw, painful step of it. I fought to be the parent my kids deserved, to be the woman I didn’t think I was capable of becoming. I’ve been sober since October 2021. Now, I help others because I know how terrifying and lonely that first step can be. I’m here to walk beside you, without judgment, because I’ve been there and I remember how it feels.

Parenting a child with ADHD and Type 1 diabetes

Anda A.

When my son was in second grade, we got the ADHD diagnosis we had suspected for a while. Navigating his needs felt like learning a new language overnight, and even with support, I often felt like I was building the plane while flying it. Then, when he was 12, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and once again, our world shifted. I still remember walking out of a free coaching session offered by the pediatrician’s office — it was the first time I felt like someone truly understood the emotional weight we were carrying. That moment of feeling seen and heard changed me. Since then, I’ve become a certified ADHD parenting coach and have supported other families facing the double challenge of managing both neurodivergence and chronic illness. I know how lonely, overwhelming, and exhausting it can feel to juggle the daily demands of ADHD and diabetes care, especially while trying to keep your child’s spirit (and your own) intact. I’m here to listen, to share what helped us survive the hardest seasons, and to offer support so you don't have to carry it all alone.

Creating peaceful systems for parenting a neurodivergent child

Ani K.

I have worked as a nanny and sleep trainer for over 20 years, caring for more than 80 children, many of whom were neurodivergent. I am neurodivergent myself and understand firsthand how much having the right systems at home can impact a child’s emotional wellbeing. I once supported a parent whose child struggled with intense emotional outbursts. Together, we created simple, respectful home routines that worked with the child's brain instead of against it. I also coached the parent on how to communicate in ways that made their child feel heard and safe. Over time, the tantrums decreased, and the bond between the parent and child became stronger. I never approach challenges with shame—I believe that emotional maturity, intentional boundaries, and understanding each brain’s unique needs are the keys to a peaceful home. I would love to help you build a nurturing environment where both you and your child can thrive.

Parenting with a disability

Ashley F.

I am legally blind. When I say "blind," I mean blind. I'm so blind that I can't even see enough to read large print. My primary means of reading are through Braille and audio, and I am able to do anything a sighted person can do on a smartphone with the help of Voiceover. Having a baby and navigating the early years is difficult. Add single motherhood, and things get rough. But how to navigate parenting when you're the only parent, blind, and being alone with your baby most of the time? I did it, and I came out the other side stronger, more resourceful. I learned to change a diaper with the help of my mother. She bought a baby doll and proceeded to have me practice on the doll. But boy oh boy, the day before she went back to work, the day before my first day of being alone with my baby, I was a wreck. Nerves on top of postpartum hormones? No thanks. Brush-washing bottles became learned by being shown and practiced as well. I made his formula by using a Brezza; I just needed a sighted person to preset the machine so that it would put the right amount of formula into the bottle. The difficulty really started when my son got to the "pointing" stage. He couldn't verbalize what he wanted; all he was able to do was point. And this blind bat couldn't figure out (yes I do make blind jokes and love it), so he'd fuss. But I pushed through. I would figure out what he wanted eventually through knowing his routine, learning his cries, and plain and simple trial and error. In parenting with a disability (regardless of what the disability may be), abounding love for the child, the right resources, and determination are the keys to success. It can be done; I'm living proof.

Supporting a child with psychosis while maintaining family unity as a single mom

Bambi J.

I became a single mom when my children's father passed away from pancreatic cancer. Raising three young adults was challenging, but it also taught me the true meaning of perseverance. One of my children struggled with mental illness, and I didn’t fully understand the severity of it until he was much older. As a working mom, I had to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, sometimes even disciplining over the phone while balancing my own career and emotional wellbeing. It wasn’t easy, and there were many sleepless nights. But through those years, I developed a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, working for over 20 years with NAMI and supporting others facing similar struggles. I’ve trained first responders, facilitated crisis intervention programs, and supported parents navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of having a child with psychosis. I know how important it is to stay present for your child, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Now, with my family thriving, including three granddaughters, I feel deeply fulfilled by the work I do helping others.

Supporting a child with psychosis while maintaining family unity as a single mom

Bambi J.

I became a single mom when my children's father passed away from pancreatic cancer. Raising three young adults was challenging, but it also taught me the true meaning of perseverance. One of my children struggled with mental illness, and I didn’t fully understand the severity of it until he was much older. As a working mom, I had to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, sometimes even disciplining over the phone while balancing my own career and emotional wellbeing. It wasn’t easy, and there were many sleepless nights. But through those years, I developed a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, working for over 20 years with NAMI and supporting others facing similar struggles. I’ve trained first responders, facilitated crisis intervention programs, and supported parents navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of having a child with psychosis. I know how important it is to stay present for your child, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Now, with my family thriving, including three granddaughters, I feel deeply fulfilled by the work I do helping others.

Supporting a loved one through grief

Blake A.

Losing my mom when I was 19 was an incredibly hard experience, and I’ll never forget the support I received from my friends. One friend in particular really helped me through that difficult time. She wrote me a heartfelt letter, offering encouragement and acknowledging my pain. That letter became one of the things I held onto as I navigated my grief. It showed me the power of simply being there for someone, in a tangible way, without trying to fix everything. Since then, I’ve tried to pay that kindness forward. I’ve supported friends going through grief, especially when they’ve lost a parent or someone close to them. Just knowing someone understands what you’re feeling can make all the difference, so I’ve tried to offer that same level of support and comfort. I always take the time to listen, acknowledge their pain, and send them thoughtful messages, like the letter I received. Grief is hard to navigate alone, and I want to be that person who helps others find their way.

Supporting LGBTQ+ children through their journey

Brian G.

As a father of two LGBTQ+ children, I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to offer unconditional love, support, and understanding. My kids came out at different stages, and my wife and I worked hard to create a safe, accepting space for them. There were a lot of emotions involved ours and theirs but the most important thing we did was listen and learn. It wasn’t always easy, but we saw how much it mattered to them to know they were loved for who they truly are. Through the challenges, we've become more intentional in our parenting, embracing the struggles and joys that come with supporting their identities. I know what it’s like to want the best for your children while navigating your own emotions and uncertainties, and I’d love to be there for anyone who is walking this path, offering a listening ear and sharing what’s worked for us.

Raising a child with mixed heritage in a complex world

Brittany K.

When I became a mom, I knew I'd be learning as I went, but I didn’t realize how layered that learning would be. My daughter is Afro-Latina, and from an early age, she began experiencing rejection from parts of her Latina family because of her skin color. Watching her wrestle with where she belonged while I was still learning how to support her identity was heartbreaking and humbling. We’ve had to navigate colorism, cultural confusion, and a world that loves to put people in boxes. As a Black woman, I had to figure out how to hold space for the parts of her experience that weren’t mine, while still affirming every part of who she is. I didn’t always get it perfect, but I’ve always tried to make our home a place where she could be fully herself, even when the world made her question that. Now, she’s in college, and I see how powerful it is for her to walk with pride in every part of her identity. I’ve learned how important it is to have conversations about belonging, bias, and self-love early and often. If you’re raising a child of mixed heritage and wondering how to best support them as they build confidence and navigate hard questions, you’re not alone. I’d love to talk.

Supporting your child through addiction and self-harm

Candie T.

When my daughter started using drugs at 14, I was overwhelmed with fear and confusion. She was also self-harming, and no one seemed to know how to help us. Therapists pointed to addiction, while rehab centers said it was a mental health issue, it felt like we were being passed back and forth without answers. I had to become her advocate, her researcher, and her anchor. I learned everything I could about both addiction and mental health, and slowly began to understand what she needed to feel safe, supported, and seen. It was one of the most painful and challenging seasons of my life, but I refused to give up on her. I leaned into patience, practiced non-judgmental listening, and created a home environment where she didn’t have to hide her pain. Today, she’s on the other side of that storm and I’ve dedicated my life to helping other parents through similar journeys. You don’t have to have all the answers to be a healing presence. I’ll hold space with you as someone who deeply understands what it means to love and fight for a child in pain.