The passionate people spreading the message of Connected Families
The team at Connected Families wakes up every day to care for, inspire, and equip parents to receive and pass on God’s grace and truth by imparting a memorable and transformational biblical framework for parenting. Our certified coaches are an extension of our team, and we are so excited to share them with the world.
We have had the privilege of working with, training, and certifying the following individuals as parent coaches. These individuals all run their own practices and are certified to train parents using the Connected Families Framework. Please reach out to these highly qualified Connected Families certified coaches directly. They can’t wait to hear from you!
Bethany Adams – Marriage and Family Ministry Director, Home Educator, BA in International Studies
My husband and I are the directors of Thrive Marriage Ministry, helping families grow in God’s grace through marriage and parenting classes, and community.
After discovering Connected Families and finding the framework so helpful with my own children, I became passionate about helping other parents learn better ways to connect and grow healthy, thriving families. I look forward to coming alongside you in your parenting journey to help you grow and learn to thrive as a parent.
Learn more and register for coaching with me HERE or contact me at [email protected]
Leslie Adams – MS in Counseling, Licensed School Counselor, Home Educator
When my daughters were first born, my husband worked out of town every weekday and I was struggling with post-partum depression. As a mom desiring to do everything perfectly, I was drowning under a sea of unmet expectations. I had goals and didn’t have a plan for how to make them a reality. From my time as a counselor, I knew I wanted our girls to know their value, but I struggled to enforce consequences.
When I found the Connected Families material, I found the tools to apply the principles that were most important to me in counseling. It was like someone had written a how-to manual on being a wholehearted parent. I was thrilled and spent the next 6 years applying the framework in my home and reading The Discipline that Connects book with as many friends as would meet me for coffee.
So when I learned that Connected Families was training coaches I knew that I wanted to become a coach. And share this life-giving framework with others.
I am passionate about empowering parents as they build a home where everyone feels valued and connected. Using my experience as a school counselor and a parent coach, I would love to walk alongside you as you learn new strategies and apply the Connected Families framework in your home. You can reach me at [email protected].
Jessica Brandon – B.A. in Psychology, M.A. in Christian Ministries
I am a mom of three energetic kiddos. I am passionate about generational healing and creating healthy and purpose-filled families.
I have my B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Human Development and Family Studies, and a Masters Degree in Christian Ministries. I am currently working on my Certification in Children’s Mental Health Fundamentals through the Institute of Child Psychology.
I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to parent them with the Father’s heart. The Connected Families framework captures this so well! I would love to partner with you and empower you with tools to love and connect with your children.
You can reach me at jessicabrandoncoaching.com or find me on Instagram @jessbrandon_coaching.
Steve Bourque – BA in Educational Ministries, MA in Children’s and Family Ministry
I love watching kids grow in wisdom and families bond with a sense of peace and wonder! My life has revolved around building up kids and telling transformational stories. Connected Families has a way of communicating a great message in the messes of daily family life. Coaching has proven to be a highly effective way to build parenting skills and grow connected families. I’m thrilled to pass on this Framework to bless and build other families!
You can get in touch with me at Family Rhythm Coaching or email [email protected] You can also connect through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
I’m married with 3 children (ages 11-15) and serve as a Pastor of Children and Families at my church.
Courtney Dewey – Missionary with Campus Crusade – Training and Developing Leaders
In 2017 I realized there was a disconnect between my current parenting strategies and the goals I had for my children. I desired to raise children who loved Jesus, knew his character, loved his people, and served them well. Children who loved learning, growing, and practicing forgiveness. As I thought about those goals, I realized those are all areas of the heart, and my current parenting was focused mostly on their behavior.
Connected Families helped provide a different perspective, and the tools needed to connect with my child’s heart, and help them daily experience the gospel through our relationship.
Now, as a CF Coach, I come alongside families to help them grow in compassion for their children, develop connective relationships, and discipline in a way that builds wisdom. You can contact me at [email protected].
Elyse Clemence Dushime – BA in Clinical Psychology, MA in Holistic Child Development
As a confused mother struggling to extend grace in discipline to my children, when I was doing my MA in Holistic Child Development, I came across Connected Families and deeply fell in love with the CF Framework. Since that time, I developed a passion to share it with other struggling parents who want to learn how to use Discipline That Connects to disciple their children to be followers of Christ.
I’m married and a mother of a 7-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, living in East Africa. I have worked as a social worker for more than 15 years and served in the childrens ministry for about 9 years.
I can be reached by email: [email protected] or whatsApp/Telegram/Signal: +251921603943
Sherry L. Fiscella – B.S., Elementary Education
As the mom of two homeschool graduates, I’ve learned the importance of growing in wisdom alongside my kids in every season. With over 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher, school leader, and education consultant, I am sold on the Connected Families framework as one of the best tools for fostering real growth and change in parents and kids alike.
I’d be honored to coach you through any season of your parenting journey. It really is possible to move away from overwhelm and stress toward peace and joy. Let’s connect.
Find me on Facebook or email me at [email protected]
Jeanine Harris – M.A. Marriage & Family Therapy
I help worn-out parents who feel stuck, inadequate, and guilt-ridden by their mistakes become confident and connected parents who enjoy raising their kids again.
I sought out Connected Families when I realized that the way I handled my child’s misbehavior was harming our relationship. The change was so deep and powerful that it inspired me to help other parents who are in the trenches of parenting. You can find more information at JeanineHarrisCoaching.com
Jordan Hicks – Family Pastor, Physical Therapist, CF Certified Parent Coach
I have worked as a Physical Therapist since 2011 and began working in children’s ministry in 2013. After completing Bible College, I became a full-time Family Pastor in July 2019.
My wife Jennifer and I have 2 beautiful kids that are 19 months apart. After our kids became mobile and verbal, we started struggling to parent these 2 young, intense kids in a way that aligned with our goals as parents. We loved family time when it was calm and easy but often struggled with losing our patience (with our kids and with each other) during difficult times.
After reading some books that resulted in some success with daily routines to reduce the frequency of our struggles, we entered into a season of potty training and pretty significant sleep regression with our oldest child, and we seemed to be getting nowhere…were honestly at a loss!
Meanwhile, as a Family Pastor, I was looking for some parenting resources for families at our church and stumbled upon Connected Families. I really loved their Framework and the fact that it was rooted in scripture. After having a call with one of the CF staff, I knew this was something I had to dive into, both as a parent and a pastor.
As a parent coach, I hope to help people better understand the Connected Families Framework and how to apply it with their families in their specific contexts. This approach has been revolutionary in our parenting, and I believe it can literally change the world one family at a time! Looking forward to going on this journey with you!
Taylor Irby – Certified Life Coach, BA in Education
As a mom of 5, I understand how challenging parenting can be. Our family served in Eastern Europe with Cru for 11 years where we worked with high school and college students as well as their families and teachers. We have experienced the effects of trauma, adoption, ADHD, anxiety, giftedness, and sensory needs and have found true help through Connected Families.
After becoming a certified life coach, I knew I wanted to help parents so I sought out an additional certification in parent coaching. Through that process, God has drawn me closer to Himself and we have seen breakthroughs not just in our children’s hearts, but in our hearts too.
I’m excited to come alongside you in your parenting journey, to help you lead your home with grace. You can learn more at taylorirbycoaching.com.
Kathryn Johnson – M.Ed., Reading Specialist, Home Educator
As a mom of 5, I understand how challenging parenting can be. Our family served in Eastern Europe with Cru for 11 years where we worked with high school and college students as well as their families and teachers. We have experienced the effects of trauma, adoption, ADHD, anxiety, giftedness, and sensory needs and have found true help through Connected Families.
After teaching for over 12 years in a wide variety of settings, working with at-risk families, and now raising my own 3 energetic children, I’m convinced that the Connected Families framework is a unique and powerful tool for Christ-centered growth.
Our family has been profoundly blessed by the whole Bible, whole brain, whole-hearted approach of the Connected Families materials. What a joy it has been to watch our children blossom as together we receive God’s love, grace, and peace. I am passionate about helping other families similarly experience the transformation that they are seeking.
Our parenting challenges are an opportunity to see God move, to let the Holy Spirit guide us, to grow in wisdom, and to live in the fullness of what God has for our families. Parent coaching is a great way to move forward and make changes in the specific struggles we are facing right now.
You know your family best, and I would love to support and help equip you for the next step in your journey. Contact me at: [email protected]
Dawn Lausche – Author, Speaker, Home Educator, Trauma-Informed
I was introduced to Connected Families during a traumatic season of my life, and it absolutely transformed both me and my children. As a single mom and an abuse survivor, I found the Framework to be a solid foundation and a grace-filled guide to break generational cycles and bring hope and emotional safety to my struggling family.
As a homeschool mom (the oldest just graduated!), and an adoptive mom, I also have experience navigating ADHD, anxiety, sensory issues, learning difficulties, attachment, abuse, and trauma.
I would love to walk alongside you, to help equip you to experience emotional safety, connection, and joy in your family. I want you to know that the grace of God absolutely can meet you and your child in whatever you are facing and that you don’t have to walk alone in your parenting journey. You can connect with me by reaching out at [email protected]
Marni Love – Credentialed Teacher and Home Educator
As a wife and mom to three boys I am so grateful for the impact Connected Families has had on our family. Through parent coaching my husband and I learned how to apply the framework to create connection and peace in our home. I am so grateful for this experience and am passionate about sharing these tools with other parents.
I have my B.S. in speech pathology and my multiple subject teaching credential. After teaching in public school for many years I felt called to home educate my boys. We started in preschool and have continued through their high school years. We have enjoyed our journey of learning and growing together and it has helped me to understand the unique challenges of parenting and homeschooling.
I have a heart for helping families enjoy their journey and parent with grace while also preparing their children for the future God has for them. I have experience with adoption, ADHD, sensory processing, primitive reflex integration, and highly sensitive children. It would be my greatest pleasure to support you in bringing peace and connection to your home. I can be contacted through my website at marnilove.com.
Corine Pao – MBA from Yale University, BA from National Taiwan University
Over the course of leading our church Sunday school program, I realized that most parents, believer or not thought getting their children to attend church Sunday school would help them grow up with good morals and values. However, the truth is parents are the biggest influencers on their children. The more I served these children, the more I saw the need to serve their parents.
As the youngest of five girls raised in a Chinese family living in Thailand, and educated in an International school, I grew up as a highly adaptable third culture kid. My parents instilled in me a strong sense of willpower and diligence, that I could achieve anything I put my heart to.
I am a good learner and when I became a mom I read many books and took many courses on parenting, thinking this would prepare me to be a good mom. The older my children grew the problems became more complex and not every situation I faced was in the books! I needed help.
Then I was introduced to Connected Families where I helped facilitate the course in Chinese and saw the lives of families change radically from anxious parents who wanted to fix their children to grace-filled parents who modeled change through deeper self-reflection and reliance on God which in turn changed the relationship within their spouse and children. This passion to see lives and families transformed motivated me to become a parent coach.
As a parent coach, I believe there is no “one way” to parent. Through the Connected Families framework, I hope to journey with you in finding God’s given way for your family to grow in grace-filled truth.
I am currently residing in Shanghai, China, and speak English, Mandarin, and Thai. I can be reached at [email protected].
Esther Reich – Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Counselor
We had reached a crisis point with one of our boys when my husband and I reached out for coaching from Connected Families. Their gospel-infused framework, with very practical tools, has been our main source of help in a setting with very few resources. I grew up in Japan, studied nursing and lactation in the United States, and now serve as a missionary in Guatemala with my husband and 3 boys. As a mom of children with medical issues and special needs, I have a big heart for fellow struggling mothers to lead them to the source of grace I have found. If you are or know of Spanish-speaking parents in Guatemala seeking parenting help, I would be happy to offer coaching. I can be reached at [email protected]
Jenny Sanders – Home Educator, Foster 180 Executive Director, TBRI Practitioner, Trauma Specialist
I am married to my high school ‘sweetheart,’ 26 years and counting, and I am mom to 3 amazing daughters.
I am excited to be able to share the framework of Connected Families with your family. My family found Connected Families during a difficult season of life. The foundational truths in this framework allowed us to grow and heal. I am a child abuse survivor and know the importance of being able to break generational cycles. I also have the experience of being a foster and adoptive parent and understand the impacts of trauma and the work it demands to help our little ones heal.
Samantha Sy – Licensed Physical Therapist, Certified Childbirth and New Parent Educator, Lactation Counsellor, Childbirth and Postpartum Doula, Home Educator
Hi, I’m Thammie Sy. I am a wife of a full-time minister, a homeschool mom of four children, and a foster mom. I have been serving alongside my husband in pastoring a church in the Philippines for almost 20 years — as children’s ministry volunteers, campus missionaries, and church planters.
I am excited to journey with parents as they grow towards more grace-filled and connected parenting. You can contact me at [email protected]
Johnny & Viece Taylor – CF Certified Parent Coach (Johnny) & Director of Children’s Ministry (Viece)
As older parents, we hoped that the wisdom of our years would create patience and answers for all parenting issues that would arise. Not only was this not true, but we were surprised by how quickly frustration and anger could arise.
We have been exposed to resources and new opportunities to build wisdom in our children. We want to raise them in an environment filled with the kind of never-ending love and grace that God has blessed us with. There’s not a prescriptive playbook to parenting but there’s help!
Connected Families has helped us stay grounded in faith and reminds us that parenting will be hard, but there is always grace. We hope to share this message and the framework to strengthen and bring other families closer together and closer to God.
Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]
Julia Taylor – Credentialed Teacher, MA in Education
I have been in education for 18 years teaching in both the public and private classroom, managing homeschool families, as well as homeschooling my own children.
As a mom of three young daughters, I am in the thick of parenting and have opportunities daily to apply the Connected Families framework which has had a profound impact on myself and my family over the past six years. I am passionate about working with parents to gain confidence in their parenting and to grow a connected family.
I am eager to come alongside you in your parenting journey. Please email me at [email protected].
Alan & Corrie Thetford – Architect (Alan) and M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling (Corrie)
When we realized the way we discipline was driving a wedge between us and our kids and their hearts further from God, we sought coaching through Connected Families. Now, as CF Certified Coaches, we work with other families to experience that same change and restored joy that we found through our coaching experience. You can learn more about us on the podcast we host, “Building Wise Families”. We can be reached through our email at [email protected]
Pam Thompson – Licensed Family and Early Childhood Educator, Trauma Informed Practitioner
My greatest joy is seeing parents who have struggled with their children experience HOPE because of the new skills and perspectives they have gained from Connected Families coaching. In addition, the Connected Families framework has improved my relationships with my children as well.
I am a mom of two young adult children and am “like a mom” to two young adults who have experienced extensive trauma. Because of my education and experiences, I especially enjoy encouraging and supporting parents of young children, parents of young adult children, parents of kids from hard places, and teachers.
Connect with me at [email protected]
Marlee Thomsen – Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate who works with children, adolescents, young adults, and parents in private practice in Raleigh, NC.
When I was first starting off as a therapist, I was reading a lot about secular parenting and thinking, “There are so many gospel implications here!” Then, The Lord brought me the Connected Families Framework through some friends who had a fridge magnet. I was so relieved and excited to see how Connected Families uses Gospel truths and scripture to fill in the gaps and give a better perspective for everything I had been learning. Since this discovery, I have become very passionate about using the framework with my 1-year-old son and helping other families experience the life-changing impacts of seeking to connect with their children’s hearts and build their children’s identities as beloved children of God, even in misbehavior. If you are interested in working through the framework with me, you can reach me at [email protected].
Megan Thorp – Pastor and MA in Counseling Psychology
As a parent coach, my desire is to come alongside parents and help them gain confidence and equip them to lead their families. I will help you create an environment in your home where everyone feels valued and connected, and skills for you to build a relationship with your kids that will last long after they leave your home. I strongly believe that you are the expert on your child and I would love to walk with you as you bring more peace and joy into your home.You can reach me at [email protected]
Joy Wendling – MA in Youth, Family, and Culture
For 20+ years, I have served children, youth, and families through playful discipleship. It wasn’t until I found CF that I was able to understand discipline as authentic discipleship. Now, I love being home with my 5 girls, while also coaching parents and joining the Holy Spirit as he works in their families. You can learn more on my podcast, Playfully Faithful Parenting, at Createdtoplay.com, or by reaching out to me at: [email protected]
Katie Wetsell – M.S. in Nursing, Pediatric Primary Care, SPACE-trained
I’m a pediatric nurse and mom of four through birth and adoption. I am passionate about encouraging and empowering parents to love their families with confidence and connection. Building on my bedside experience, I have also been trained in SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to help parents support their children in overcoming anxiety. I can be reached through my website at www.parentwithhope.org.
Ruth Wharton – B.Ed
Based in Malvern, Worcestershire, I am the first Connected Families Certified Coach in the UK. My background is in primary school teaching, I work part-time for a local charity supporting people with autism, and I am a mum of five. For twelve years I worked alongside my husband as we looked after 60 teenage boys in an English boarding school. I am passionate about parenting with grace and unconditional love. The Connected Families framework has united my husband and me in the challenge of simultaneously raising our teenagers and toddlers. I have loved seeing the benefits of connected parenting shape each of our children to become more confident, happy, and emotionally secure. I would love to connect with you and can be contacted by email: [email protected]
Jenna Williams – Certified Parent Coach, B.S. in Nursing, B.A. in Communication, Home Educator
I am a registered nurse by trade and work in a Mom/Baby Unit – the best unit in the hospital. As much of an honor as it is to welcome new life into the world, it is an even greater honor to be a parent coach! I have three beautiful, unique, and passionate children. As they grew from babies into tiny humans, I quickly realized that all the books I had read on parenting weren’t enough. I didn’t have a practical plan for the way I felt God was calling me to raise my children.
When my husband and I went through coaching, our perceptions changed. We now have hope and a God-honoring plan for parenting that combines my love for science with the grace and love of the Gospel. Coaching gave me the gift of connecting with my children in the most challenging moments. I feel I have been blessed to now be a blessing to others. It would be a joy and honor to support you in your parenting journey.
You may contact me at: [email protected]
Bonnie Williams – M. Ed. in Special Education
I am a wife and the mother of 3 teenagers. I have supported students with learning and behavior challenges for over 25 years, specializing in working with parents with children ages 3 to 15. I am passionate about helping families apply the Connected Families Framework so that they can learn new strategies to grow in wisdom and help lead them in having peaceful, grace-filled homes. I can be reached by email at [email protected]
Dijea Young – Parent, Mentor, Teacher
In the middle of pain, hope feels out of reach. As a mom of eight and the eldest child of a once-single parent, I understand. But – your story isn’t over.
With over 30 years of experience as a parent, mentor, and teacher, I’ll help you make room for hope as you strengthen relationships and navigate challenges with your children. For more information, contact me at [email protected]
Not Accepting Coaching Clients
Clare Elizabeth Koens – Qualified Teacher
I discovered Connected Families at a time when I was feeling ‘stuck’ in my parenting: Although I’d read many parenting books, what I was doing wasn’t working for our family. Connected Families turned out to be just what I was looking for.
Parenting still has its challenges! However, having the Connected Families framework to guide me means that I am more able to recognize what’s really going on and that I have the tools to guide my children, with love and grace, towards wisdom and responsibility.
Having benefited so much from Connected Families courses and materials myself, I’m excited to support other parents in ministry who are seeking to raise children to be responsible members of their families and communities, connected healthily to others and to God.
I’m originally from the UK, where I trained as a primary school teacher. For most of my adult life though, I’ve been supporting missionaries and their children in the South Pacific. My roles have included teacher, school leader, and missionary care worker. In addition to completing Connected Families courses, I’ve received training in coaching, pastoral care, conflict resolution, debriefing, and trauma-informed classrooms. I can be contacted at [email protected]
Nina Lovse – MA in Christian Ministry, Missionary
As a mom of three very special children, I came to the end of myself as never before in my life. Connected families really helped my family to change the trajectory of where we were going. For this reason, I am hoping to help struggling parents in my country and bring a shift in parenting and coaching in Slovenija.
Tewabech Mengiste – BTH in Biblical Counseling, Children’s Minister
By the Grace of God, I have been involved in Children’s Ministry at different levels for more than 20 years. Children are gifts from God and they are given for purpose. As it is written in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This is not only for adults, it includes children. So, parents are responsible to help children to fulfill their calling.
I am always telling parents that parenting in not an option. The Connected Families Framework changed my attitude and approach of parent training. We need God’s grace and wisdom to serve and save children for eternal life. We have to encourage and learn from one another for good work.
I am living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where I work as a Children’s Minister at SIM. I am passionate to encourage and empower Ethiopian parents wherever they are to raise their children in God’s grace.
You can get in touch with me by email at [email protected]
Melissa Roussin – B.A. in Reconciliation and Education
I was first introduced to Connected Families in my role as a Parenting Program Manager for a Pregnancy Resource Center in the Twin Cities. I have found great joy in walking alongside parents in their parenting journey and helping them find tools and resources for creating a peaceful, joyful home. While my background is in Elementary Education and Reconciliation, I have primarily spent the last 15 years working in the social services sector. Four of those years were spent in Rwanda as a Missionary, Educator, and Program Developer for various NGOs.
I am not currently able to take clients at this time, but I pray the Lord strengthens you, sustains you, and guides you as you take this mighty step forward into Parent Coaching.
Cory Schut – Pastor
As a father of four kids, I have found Connected Families to be immensely helpful. I used to find myself in power struggles all the time. I was frustrated. As Elisa and I started to really take on the Connected Families framework, we saw a clear shift. The biggest difference was we had a plan! We knew what to do as parents, and we started to parent more calmly and with much more focus. I love facilitating and helping others discover a better way to parent.