- I was privileged to provide a home to 24 pre-teen and teenage foster youth.
- Studied social work, family counseling, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation in Canada, Europe, and the United States.
- Taught court-appointed parenting classes and provided mediation for family reunification.
- Private and county community case worker.
- Certified Family Coach with the International Coach Federation.
And I want to give that support to you!
Shell shares:
In my teenage years, I felt quite disconnected from my parents and made some regrettable choices. Facing the consequences was hard, but oddly enough, this became a powerful catalyst for supporting families. I vividly recall thinking during those turbulent times, ‘If I ever come across anything that can help parents and kids, I’ll dedicate the rest of my life to spreading the word.’ My aim was clear — to help families sidestep the challenges we faced.”
I went to college and university to study counseling and social work. After college, I was blessed to find a job at a ranch that looked after kids from social services and corrections. In each staff home, two kids joined the staff’s family, and that’s where I put all the stuff I learned in school to use. It was here the “rubber met the road.”Building upon the years at the ranch, I pursued a year of study in Europe and subsequently became associated with an agency specializing in the care of traumatized teenagers. Despite the challenging nature of the work, what I encountered was the privilege of witnessing recovery up close. Over time, my professional journey evolved to encompass ongoing work with families in crisis, progressing from direct involvement in reunification efforts to roles involving the education and training of both foster homes and natural families. It’s truly remarkable how a few foundational principles can have a far-reaching impact.
This isn’t rocket science, you just need persistence and a few gentle nudges in the right direction.
In 2012, I crossed paths with another speaker, Diana Sterling, at a parenting forum. With a background in working with families since the early 1980s, I’ve been fortunate to witness remarkable transformations within families facing crises. When I read Diana’s book, “The Parent as Coach Approach,” I recognized the principles and tools that I’ve employed for over thirty years, now presented in a concise and tangible manner. Impressed by her approach, I promptly enrolled in her year-long course and attained certification as a family coach
Presently, I facilitate the acclaimed four-week coaching program derived from Diana Sterling’s book, which has proven successful for numerous families across more than 15 countries, embracing diverse cultures and languages. Additionally, I offer a a variety of workshops, personalized 1-1 family coaching program, and it has been a privilege to witness the strengthening and enjoyment of the lives of dozens of families through this personalized approach.
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