CF-Certified Parent Coaches | Connected Families

Welcome to the directory of Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches! All of these coaches have gone through extensive training and preparation to be able to serve you now as parent coaches trained in the Connected Families framework.

Find a parent coach

I’m Kate, and I’m a mom of one biological daughter and two stepsons. I know firsthand the rollercoaster of parenting. From navigating the complexities of trauma, sensory issues, anxiety, depression, and ADHD to embracing the highs and lows of raising kids who are sensitive and intense with big feelings, I’ve experienced a lot. Going through a divorce or co-parenting in a high-conflict situation? I’ve been there, too. I understand the challenges that arise when two co-parents have different approaches in their respective homes and how it affects the children involved. I would love the privilege of walking alongside you while you are on your unique parenting path. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, know that I’m here and ready to accompany you with kindness, understanding, and absolutely zero judgment. Read more…

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. Read more…

I found Connected Families at a time of desperation with my children, and I received the tools, instruction, and hope to forge a new path with them. After taking the DTC online course and receiving one-on-one coaching, there was an amazing trajectory shift in our family. I am a wife and mother of three teens, each of which is so different than the next! It is my desire to come alongside families that are looking for a better way to parent and help them make lasting changes. I want to extend the same hope that I received to those who are just starting the parenting journey as well as to those who, like me, found themselves in a broken place. I have experience working with ASD, ADHD, sensory processing, and strong-willed kiddos! I am currently not accepting clients outside of Kenmore Alliance Church. 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 coachingwithcourtneyd@gmail.com Read more…

I’ve spent over twenty years helping the next generation respond to God as a pastor and ministry leader. I’m passionate about equipping leaders of kids with grace-infused perspectives and practices that cultivate faith in families. As a CF Certified Parent Coach, I get to come alongside parents and church leaders to not only tell kids they’re loved by God, but show them! On the hardest days, the Connected Families framework helps me stay rooted in God’s love and offer his love to my kids, too. I’d love to help you steward the privilege of leading the kids in your family or church, especially in the messy parts. Read more…

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…

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 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. Read more…

Mara is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate with experience in play therapy and family therapy in addition to parent coaching. She enjoys walking with parents through the struggles and joys of raising children, especially children who have unique challenges or experiences. Mara has found help and hope in the Lord through the Connected Families teaching and she loves to offer the same help and hope to other parents. Mara lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and two children. She enjoys knitting, listening to audiobooks, and hiking with her family. Read more…

Having benefited so much from Connected Families courses and materials myself, I’m excited to support other parents in ministry who are also seeking to build healthy connections with their children, and to guide them, with love and grace, towards wisdom and responsibility. 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, missionary care, conflict resolution, debriefing, and trauma-informed classrooms. By marrying Andrew (an American who grew up in Peru) and becoming a parent to our three children, I’ve gained experience in cross-cultural marriage and raising Third Culture Kids! Read more…

Hi there! I’m Vanessa — a mom of two big-hearted and energetic daughters, a leadership coach, and a facilitator. I love working with families and communities to share the truth and grace of the Connected Families Framework, and God’s heart for all of his children. As a coach, I’m passionate about helping people break cycles, generate more awareness, and approach life with more intention and choice. I work with families of all faiths, and mixed-faith households. Our family is mixed faith, so I have personal experience parenting as a Christian while respecting other belief systems. If you think we could be a good fit for coaching or workshop delivery, I’d love to serve you and walk alongside you on your parenting journey! 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…