Certified Coaches

In the early years of parenting my bright, high-energy kiddos, some with sensory processing and ADHD challenges, I often felt stressed, overwhelmed, and hopeless as a parent. After discovering Connected Families and finding the framework so helpful with my own parenting, I became passionate about helping other parents learn how to truly receive God’s grace and truth for themselves and equip them with biblical wisdom, skills, and tools to better connect with their kids and grow healthy, thriving families.

In addition to my experience as a homeschool mom of kids who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and Sensory Processing challenges, I also serve as a marriage coach with my husband. This enables me to bring a unique, holistic, and compassionate perspective to family relationship dynamics and I’m passionate about helping couples grow stronger in their marriage relationship as they learn to receive and pass on God’s grace and truth to each other and their children.

I look forward to coming alongside you in your parenting journey to help you grow and thrive as a parent. Connect with me to learn more at ncctk.com/parentcoaching or [email protected]

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Whether you’re a parent grappling with discipline dilemmas or a grandparent taking on a pivotal caregiving role, I’m here to share a little hope and help. My journey as a mother of eight and grandma has equipped me with a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by parents and grandparents alike. For the past 35 years, I’ve mentored families as a teacher, homeschool consultant, speech coach, and now as a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. My business – Room4Hope Coaching – was born out of my prayer for God to “make room for hope” in my own family. I combine my professional training and personal experience to help families communicate and connect. It is my great joy to be a trusted mentor to my own children, grandchildren, and to YOU.

For more information, visit www.Room4HopeCoaching.com or email [email protected]

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Parenting is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. As a third-culture kid raised in a Chinese family in Thailand, I learned resilience and adaptability. When I became a mom, I sought answers in books and courses, yet real-life parenting often defied textbook solutions. Through Connected Families, I discovered the power of grace-filled parenting rooted in self-reflection and reliance on God. This approach transformed anxious parents into confident ones and inspired me to become a parent coach. With two children of my own, I understand every child and family is unique. Let’s grow together in faith and grace-filled truth. Read more…

Courtney, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, combines her knowledge of strengths based leadership with the CF Framework to help parents recognize the gifts of God in themselves and their children. She helps foster compassionate, connected relationships between struggling parents and children. Joe, a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. His experience in Mechanical Engineering and almost two decades in full time ministry have molded him to lead with solutions. Whether it comes to ministry or parenting, he finds clarity in the midst of complexity that provides win-win solutions for both parents and children. You can contact them coaching at [email protected] Read more…

Marlee Thomsen, LCSWA, has been working with children and parents as a mental health therapist since 2019 at Cornerstone Counseling and Wellness. Marlee is passionate about supporting parents and children as they connect through play, the events of ordinary days, and discipline scenarios that arise. In 2021, Marlee became a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach which has helped her both personally and professionally in approaching children as God approaches us with unconditional love, safety, empathy, and loving discipline. Marlee lives in Durham, NC with her husband and two precious sons, who continue to provide opportunities for her to grow as a parent and follower of Jesus. Outside of the office, you might find Marlee wearing beloved athleisure clothing while exploring a park with her family, drinking coffee, and/or reading on her Kindle Read more…

Danielle is a licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapist and homeschooling mother of ten years. Recognizing the genuine challenges of parenting as well as the unique privilege, Danielle loves coming alongside families to help them experience God’s grace and a deeper connection with each other. David loves helping people connect with God’s heart and has found his own relationship with the Lord being deeply impacted by the Connected Families framework. He has almost twenty years of experience in mentoring and coaching ministry leaders in spiritual and family rhythms and is delighted to now offer CF coaching. David and Danielle Cervenka were greatly helped by the Connected Families coaching program as they were serving as missionaries in Japan. They wanted to change the culture in their home where tension and yelling were commonplace, and disciplinary tools were frequently characterized by shame. They are still far from perfect, but their home is now characterized by connectedness and understanding, and peace is much more commonplace. They now live in Texas but are still heavily invested in missionaries living overseas. They love being able to pass on the Connected Families framework and see families grow in connectedness both locally and abroad. David and Danielle are happy to facilitate coaching together or separately when that is preferred. Read more…

I bring my love for brain science and childhood development to each coaching session. I also am passionate about teaching parents how to receive grace for themselves so they can pass that grace on to their kids. It would be an honor to support you in your parenting journey. I have personal and professional experience with adoption and love working with families who have experienced adoption and/or trauma. It would be a joy to walk alongside you in your parenting journey, whether you are facing behavioral challenges or just want to connect more deeply with your child. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Parent Coach. My daughter was adopted internationally and arrived in the United States when she was 14 years old. She is now 26 years old, so this has provided me with a unique opportunity to see and experience firsthand the impacts of trauma on the adopted child. I saw the need for people to walk alongside parents who need encouragement, support, and practical tools for parenting their children with purpose. To meet this need, I became a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach. I provide insight and strategies backed by neuroscience, child development research, and the Connected Families framework to help you feel more equipped to parent with confidence. I meet with parents of children who have come into their lives biologically, through adoption, or through foster care. Additionally, I also meet with clients of all ages for therapeutic counseling through my church and the ministries of the church. I have worked with families parenting children who have ADHD, sensory needs, developmental delays, anxiety, Down syndrome, autism, trauma, and more. I also work with families who just want to understand their children a little more, strengthen trust, and don’t want to miss the opportunities to equip, teach, and connect with their children on a daily basis. I meet with families via a Video platform and can also meet in person in Rankin, Hinds, and Madison counties in Mississippi. To get started, you can email me at [email protected] Read more…

I came to Connected Families as a seasoned teacher turned homeschool mom (with a sensitive and intense child) at the end of my parenting rope. Now as a CF coach I want to help other struggling families dive into this whole-Bible, whole-brain approach that helps us make the Christ centered change we want to see. I believe there is so much grace available for parents who, like me, desire to help their children grow in wisdom when they struggle. Our challenges are an opportunity to see God move, to let the Holy Spirit guide us, and to live in more of the fullness of what God has for our families. I love to get practical with tools and resources to help families apply the CF framework to their unique families. I live in Madison, WI with my husband and 3 young kids, a “teddy bear” dog, and 3 ridiculous chickens. I hold a master’s degree in Education, and have a special passion for helping families with toddlers. I would love to come alongside you on the parenting journey. Read more…

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding—and most challenging—callings in life. My parent coaching is designed to equip and encourage parents who feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or stuck in survival mode. Whether you’re navigating daily struggles or deeper family dynamics, I come alongside you with practical tools, compassionate support, and hope-filled guidance. Rather than focusing on what’s going wrong, I work with your strengths to help you step confidently into your God-given role as a parent. With personal and professional experience in foster care and adoption, I understand the added complexities that can come with parenting children from hard places. I offer insight, grace, and strategies tailored to your unique family story. My desire is to see you experience the joy and purpose of parenting—rooted in connection, restored hope, and growing confidence. Together, we’ll uncover the obstacles that are keeping you stuck and move toward lasting transformation in your home. Read more…

My favorite thing to do is help adults and kids foster healthy and joyful relationships. After years as a teacher working with babies through middle schoolers, I had two amazing children of my own, and I saw more than ever just how hard and beautiful raising kids can be. Behavioral challenges, developmental delays, and sensory needs – these can be quite overwhelming for all involved! The good news is that God has grace and truth for each of us. My approach in working with families is rooted in empathy, humor, and hands-on applications that can be used right away. I found Connected Families through my work forming a nonprofit organization that supports families in our local community by providing them with an indoor playspace and adult-child classes that infuse family coaching into each experience. Little did I know just how much my own parenting journey would be impacted by the rich resources found within the Connected Families framework and courses. As a mother who often struggled with a negative mindset and feeling the pressure to be perfect, I am so grateful to say our days are now filled with lots more play, hope, and peace. With 15 years of experience working with families, I specialize in:

• Positive discipline strategies focused on building relationships and wisdom
• Navigating big emotions (yours and your child’s!)
• Building connection and communication through play
• Support for parenting children with learning differences (For much of my teaching career, I had the honor of getting to work with kids with hearing loss and other disabilities.)

Whether you’re facing daily power struggles, feeling overwhelmed, or simply want to parent with more confidence and calm, I offer a safe, judgment-free space to explore solutions tailored to your unique family. Together, we’ll uncover the strengths you already have and build on them to create more joy, resilience, and connection at home. Read more…

Parenting is a blessing, a challenge, and—at times—overwhelming, whether your child is four or fourteen. As a coach, I offer empathy and encouragement while helping you clarify intentions and grow in confidence. My goal is to equip you with effective tools grounded in Scripture and brain science. Parenting today poses unique challenges, but there is HOPE! I hold an undergraduate degree in psychology and an MA in Ministry Leadership. With more than 30 years of teaching experience and over 20 years in Christian ministry serving parents, children, and youth, I bring both professional expertise and a heart for families. Some of my best teachers have been the many children and youth encountered along the way! Having raised my own children, I wish the resources of a coach had been available. Now, as a coach and follower of Jesus, I want you to know and experience that you can grow in this process right alongside your children. Read more…

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding and overwhelming roles we’ll ever take on. I understand that deeply.

As a certified Connected Families parent coach with over four years of experience, I support families through one-to-one coaching and group seminars in schools, churches, and community settings. With a background in education and five children of my own (ages 7 to 23), I know the challenges of parenting across all stages of development.

For 12 years, my husband and I lived in a boarding house caring for 55 teenage boys. That season taught me the importance of connection, consistency, and grace under pressure, principles that lie at the heart of the Connected Families framework. I’ve seen how its practical, biblically grounded, and science-backed tools speak powerfully into all kinds of family dynamics, from toddlers to teens and beyond.

I currently work part-time for at my local church, supporting families in a variety of situations, and also for a charity that supports individuals with autism. These roles continue to deepen my understanding of the unique challenges many families face and strengthen my passion for helping parents grow in confidence, connection, and hope.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want to parent with more purpose and peace, I’d love to connect.

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