Certified Coaches | Connected Families

The passionate people bringing more families into grace and truth through the Framework

The team at Connected Families supports Christ-centered transformation in families by stewarding a growing worldwide community of parents, parent coaches, and ministry partners equipped with a 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 run their own practices or work in ministry settings and are certified to coach parents using the Connected Families Framework. Please reach out to these highly qualified Connected Families certified parent coaches directly. They are eager to hear from you!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PARENT COACH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

“I’m so thankful for the shift in perspective that coaching has given me. I view my children differently—more positively—than I ever have. The way I was viewing my kids was blocking our connection. Seeing my kids as called and capable with God-given gifts has allowed me to let go of trying to control them and modify their behavior.” -Kate

Have you noticed how many young families don’t have a great foundation? Not only that, but they often turn to Google rather than a trustworthy community for help.

I come alongside parents to process parenting challenges and build wise habits rooted in relational connection that is also brain science-informed.

My coaching is twofold: 1) CF foundational framework for families privately and 2) in order to multiply impact, I also coach churches. I serve as a missionary with the trustworthy engine of FamilyLife Canada and seek to partner with churches to build ministries and communities that offer help and hope for marriages and parents. My services are free because of a large team of generous partners.

I first discovered Connected Families when I was getting my master’s degree and met Jim Jackson in a class. As a young dad, I was struck by the power of modeling and relational connection for passing on my faith and building wisdom. As a pastor, I researched a lot of parenting curriculum, but nothing combined effective brain science with the heart of Gospel reconciliation like Connected Families.

I would be honored to coach you in building a more connected family on a strong foundation.

I am a mom of three amazing and energetic kids. My own journey of parent coaching began when the busyness of life was interfering with the joy I desired to experience in my family. I was frustrated. I needed God’s grace and unconditional love in my life. The Connected Families framework helped me turn from managing behavior to connecting and mentoring my children. I would love to come alongside you on an intentional parenting journey to discover your child’s unique gifts and guide them toward their purpose. Learn tools to communicate and connect with your child. Build a more connected and peaceful home. 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…

Certified Parent Coach Since: 2023

Corinne Downe is a certified parent coach with Connected Families who loves helping parents move from chaos to connection (with a few laughs along the way!). Proud of her strong Latin heritage, Corinne brings warmth, empathy, and a deep appreciation for family culture into every coaching session. She’s fluent in Spanish and passionate about serving both English- and Spanish-speaking families with grace-filled, practical tools that really work to unite the family. Whether navigating toddler tantrums or teen drama, she meets parents with encouragement, honesty, and hope. Read more…

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…

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…

I knew I wanted a shift in my parenting, but I didn’t know what else to do. I read the books, did classes, etc. and yet figuring it out with my family makeup felt elusive, that is until we began receiving coaching. I came into coaching (on the receiving end) ready to start at the top of the framework, and it has been such a beautiful journey to recognize how much more impactful, helpful, and wise it is when I start with the foundation. Parent coaching gave skin to the framework and walked us through our need for grace so that we could pass that on to our boys. As a mama of 4 boys, my husband and I have a busy household, yet when things go sideways (yes they still do!) I’m not at a loss. I know the questions to ask myself and strategies to use to get us through situations, and when I mess up, there’s grace to meet me and a second chance. The shift from behavior modification to heart transformation and building wisdom was both a challenge and a welcome relief. Jesus is still showing me toxic beliefs and grace-filled truths with which to combat them. I wouldn’t trade this journey, and I’d be delighted to join you and your family on your own journey of hope. I consider it an honor to walk alongside parents on their path with all its ups and downs. I am driven by the grace I have received in my own parenting and look forward to pointing others to that grace that can transform how they view everyday challenges in their own homes. We can connect virtually or in person. As a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, I bring 13 years of parenting experience to coaching, and also a degree in early childhood and elementary education. I have experience homeschooling and have a passion for helping families dig into spiritual formation (kid-friendly!). Read more…

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] Read more…

As an adoptive mama of sensitive and intense kiddos, I found Connected Families while searching for resources to help my family thrive. The Connected families framework is practical without being prescriptive. I love how it takes God’s Word and our relationship with Him and integrates the latest brain science to guide our relationships. When I feel stuck in a situation, I can use the framework to process the next steps. Since becoming a parent, I have learned how uniquely and wonderfully each child is made. What “works” on one child doesn’t necessarily “work” on the next. This framework takes the “what” and makes it personal for each kid. I have 3 very different children and find that my interaction with each one is unique, yet the principles behind them remain the same. I can help you apply the framework for your family. I understand the family dynamics of children with mental health issues, ADHD, and intense feelings/behaviors. And, after the loss of my husband to cancer, I know what it is like to be a solo parent. God’s grace is enough. He says that He has given us everything we need for life and Godliness. I believe the framework is one of those gifts. I am excited to help you unpack it! Read more…

I am a mom to three energetic kiddos (ages 3, 6, and 9). If you’ve ever felt exhausted and overwhelmed as a parent, I can relate! Early on in my parenting journey, I struggled with my strong-willed daughter. All the parenting strategies I used led to power struggles, big tantrums, yelling, anger, and ultimately disconnection with my child. When I discovered Connected Families back in 2019, I finally had the tools to forge new pathways of connection and peace in my family. I am passionate about generational healing. I would love to help you experience true transformation as you navigate parenting the family God has designed for you! Read more…

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 for helping children to fulfill their calling. I am always telling parents that parenting is not an option. The Connected Families Framework changed my attitude and approach to 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 in children’s ministry for Wycliffe Ethiopia Bible Translation Association. I am passionate about encouraging and empowering Ethiopian parents wherever they are to raise their children in God’s grace. Read more…