Safe Haven Parenting

I do not refuse people for financial reasons. You may see more about pricing on my investment page here.

I can’t take clients I know personally, like acquaintances, friends, or family. I do not accept friend requests from coaching clients on social media.

I also don’t take anyone who is has heavy substance use, struggling with suicide ideation or self-harm, or in an active abuse situation. These situations need a level of care that I’m not qualified to give.

If these things become current during our time together, I will refer you out to resources or a qualified professional. If these have been your experience in the past that’s totally fine, or if you are in active recovery with a trusted licensed professional, that’s also fine.

I also don’t work with children or youth directly; you must be 18+.

I have my Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies, with a Human Development and Psychology focus from Washington State University. During my time in school, I focused on the social model of disability, LGTBQIA2S+ studies, and parental burnout and recovery.

I also have my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education  from a local community college, and in 2020, I spent 7 months getting an additional certification as a certified trauma recovery coach from a coaching institute.

I have worked with children birth to age 12 for 20 years in a variety of settings. I have led parent support groups and taught parenting classes, and led outdoor enrichment programs. I have done domestic violence advocacy, and worked as peer support for survivors. I have supported families who have children with:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Have traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Sensory processing needs (SPD)
• Level I – level III Autistic children (ASD)
• ADHD
• Impacted by trauma (including loss, abuse, high-conflict divorce)
• Struggle with suicide ideation or mental health
• Persistant drive for autonomy (PDA)
• Intense behavioral needs
• Transgendered, gender non-conforming, or LGTBQIA+ identities.

Alongside this, I have lived experience raising two children as a single parent, and a decade of studying and learning about child development and best practices. I am neurodiverse, chronically ill, and disabled, and I also have neurodiverse children.

I prioritize continuing education to stay on top of current research and parenting education.

Yes. I believe everyone has a neurotype, and every neurotype deserves to be supported. While I am better trained when it comes to Autistic and ADHD neurotypes, I include a broader spectrum than just ADHD and Autism when I discuss neurotypes.

I support self-diagnosis, and neuro-affirming support (Occupational therapy, speech therapy, Autplay, etc). I am cautious about behaviorism and models that have been shown to lead to trauma and conformity (like ABA), but understand there is much nuance in why families may choose those models.

I support families in creating felt safety and co-regulation, using collaborative problem solving, creating choice and autonomy, supporting sensory needs, and compassion-centered communication. You won’t find me encouraging consequences, sticker charts, or rewards – but instead skill-building, identifying and meeting needs, and emotional regulation practices.

I use the term evidence-based parenting practices or connection-based parenting practices. Whether you call that gentle, or attachment based, or intuitive, it comes down to not using power, fear, coercion, or control – but instead connection and collaboration to build a healthy relationship with your child.

I use principles from Dr. Ross Greene, Dr. Mona Delahook, and Dr. Daniel Siegel along with Non-Violent Communication and research around trauma, neurodivergence, and social model of disability to provide a broad parenting toolkit to tackle some of the hardest challenges we caregivers face.

Absolutely. Safe Haven Parenting is a queer-owned business, and I parent a child in the LGTBQIA2S+ community.

No. My coaching is completely secular. I do respect your faith or spiritual practices, and you are welcome in my practice.

I am affirming of homeschooling and unschooling families, and am a homeschooling alumnus myself.

I am also affirming of tech use for families, and believe the tech makes art, learning, play, socialization, and rest accessible for many families. I do not care how much or little tech you use.

Fed is best. Sensory preferences with food and children who have minimal safe foods are very normal in my world.

I am anti-diet, and fat positivity and fat liberation are important to me. I am an avid Health at Every Size advocate (HAES).

A large part of my early-adult life was spent dye-free, sugar-free, and obsessing over natural wellness and whole foods, and I deeply understand why families are drawn to those things, especially with young children. This being said, you won’t find me advocating for you to cut dyes, processed foods, or sugar (or other fad solutions) to manage behavior or sleep.

I do affirm Western and Eastern treatment modalities, but do not treat, cure, prevent, or offer medical advice.

What happens in coaching, stays in coaching, unless:

• You are at risk of hurting yourself
• You are at risk of hurting someone else
• You are being hurt by someone else
• You disclose abuse of a child

I do not share your information, use your date for marketing emails/announcements/spam.

I follow HIPAA guidelines, and keep your file in a password-protected private server.

Coaching is very flexible. I recommend families plan on 4-6 continuous weeks where we establish a baseline, and then moving into bi-weekly, monthly, or as-needed sessions. However, it is completely up to you and what meets your needs best.

If you are a no-show to your appointment with no communication, I do still charge our agreed-upon rate.

This being said, I am very flexible when it comes to cancellations and late appointments. I get flare-ups, meltdowns, executive function flops, brain fog, and everything in between – all are very normal for the clients I work with. I just ask that communication happen as much as possible, so that I have time to adjust my schedule.

Likewise, if I have to cancel or reschedule I will do my best to provide 24-hr notice and will reschedule you or refund you.