Professional Background and Experience

Throughout my 20 years of hands-on experience working with families and children, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with parents, educators, and child development professionals. I’ve been honored to witness some of the most joyous and the most challenging moments in the lives of parents, and to offer my support every step of the way.

Child-Centered Parent Coach

Current Position

  • Support families through personalized coaching, offering a relationship-based, strengths-based, and play-based approach to parenting.

  • Help parents navigate challenges such as developmental milestones, behavioral issues, and family transitions.

  • Empower parents to feel confident and capable in their parenting journey.

Preschool Teacher

10+ Years at a Play-Based, Developmentally Inclusive Preschool

  • Worked with children across all developmental stages, including those with special developmental needs such as speech delays, sensory processing challenges, and behavioral difficulties.

  • Partnered with families to address developmental milestones, behavioral challenges, and family transitions, tailoring support for each child’s unique needs.

  • Developed and implemented individualized learning plans, ensuring children had the support they needed to thrive in a nurturing, inclusive environment.

  • Built lasting relationships with children and families by offering personalized care, guidance, and support.

Author of I’m Jay, Let’s Play

2017

  • Authored a children’s book that celebrates gender fluidity and inclusivity, promoting kindness and self-expression in a classroom setting.

  • Used the book to encourage discussions about diversity, helping children and families embrace individual identity and inclusivity.

Nanny

Several Years Supporting Families with Children Facing Special Developmental Needs

  • Provided specialized care for children with developmental challenges, working closely with Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Child Psychologists to implement therapeutic support strategies.

  • Fostered an environment of personalized care, ensuring each child’s unique developmental needs were met at home.

  • Developed and followed routines that supported children’s growth and well-being, including strategies for sensory integration and behavior management.

Certified Workshop Instructor – Kidpower, Teenpower, Fullpower International

Certified to Teach Personal Safety, Boundary-Setting, and Consent

  • Conducted workshops for children and adults to teach skills in personal safety, setting boundaries, and respecting consent.

  • Empowered families to create safer, healthier relationships by helping them understand and communicate their needs effectively.

Certified Montessori Teacher – Association Montessori International (AMI)

Primary Classroom (3-6 year olds) Montessori Diploma

  • Applied Montessori principles to create respectful, child-centered learning environments that fostered independence, intrinsic motivation, and self-regulation.

  • Guided children’s learning and behavior in both classroom and home settings, promoting a sense of responsibility, community, and problem-solving.

Doula Training - Cornerstone Birthwork Training

  • Completed training focused on providing compassionate, informed support during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods, enhancing my ability to guide families through significant life transitions.

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Graduated from Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana

  • Gained foundational knowledge in child development, educational psychology, and effective teaching methods.

  • Focused on creating developmentally appropriate learning environments and supporting children in a variety of educational settings.

My diverse career has led me to a deep commitment to supporting families with a relationship-based, strengths-based, and play-based approach. I know that parenting can be overwhelming at times, and I truly believe that every family has the strength and wisdom to navigate these challenges in a way that feels right for them. I’m here to help you find that path. If you think I might be a good fit for your family, I would love to connect.