Certified Coaches

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!

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Many parents feel overwhelmed and stuck in patterns that just aren’t working. As a parenting coach, I help them confidently implement a grace-filled parenting strategy so they can relax, enjoy their families, and find new hope. My greatest joy is watching parents who have struggled in their relationship with their kids experience transformation through new skills, perspectives, and mindsets- whether in one-on-one sessions, small groups, or workshops. I’m a mom of two young adult children and “like a mom” to two other young adults who have experienced significant developmental trauma. Parenting has been full of ups and downs for me, and I often wish I had known the Connected Families framework when my kids were little- it would have made things so much easier and deepened our connection earlier. Even so, I’m grateful that today I enjoy connected, though not perfect, relationships with my kids. Along with my personal parenting journey, I am a licensed Family and Early Childhood Educator with more than 25 years of experience working with young children and their parents. I’ve also had the privilege of supporting and training teachers in the U.S., Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, including teaching the Connected Families framework at conferences and in schools. Because of my background and experiences, I especially love encouraging and equipping parents of young children, parents of young adults, parents of kids from hard places, and teachers. It’s an honor to walk alongside families as they discover God’s grace and truth in their parenting. Read more…

Uwera Astrida is a parenting coach based in Rwanda. She helps parents build peaceful, connected homes using practical, grace-based tools inspired by the Connected Families framework. With experience mentoring children of different ages and backgrounds, she brings deep empathy and an understanding of African cultural realities. Astrida equips parents to communicate with confidence, manage conflict, understand behavior, and raise children who feel safe, loved, and capable. Read more…

Dr. Douglas Kowieski is a compassionate parent coach, counselor, and educator dedicated to helping families build strong, faith-centered relationships rooted in grace, wisdom, and connection. With a background in pastoral counseling, trauma-informed care, and family systems development, Dr. Kowieski brings over two decades of experience walking alongside parents as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising children in today’s complex world. As the founder of Hope for the Family, Dr. Kowieski’s mission is to equip parents with the tools and insight to foster emotional resilience, spiritual growth, and Christ-centered communication within their families. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the value of using the Connected Families Framework to disciple children and teens, while helping parents move from reactive patterns to intentional, heart-centered guidance that reflects God’s love and truth. Dr. Kowieski has served as a ministry leader, counselor, and educator, developing programs for churches, schools, and community organizations. His experience with adoptive and foster families, first responders, and those in ministry uniquely positions him to understand the intersection of stress, calling, and family dynamics. He is also a frequent speaker and writer on topics such as faith-based parenting, boundaries, and emotional health in Christian homes. When he’s not teaching or coaching, Dr. Kowieski enjoys spending time with his family, mentoring leaders, and developing resources that empower others to live out their faith authentically within the home. Areas of Focus: Faith-based parent coaching Emotional and spiritual development in families Foster and adoptive parenting support Biblical boundaries and communication Marriage and family enrichment Pastoral and ministry-family dynamics 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…

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 have a master’s degree in early childhood special education and over 11 years of experience as an educator in special education, preschool, and early elementary. I spent several years as a stay-at-home mom when my children were young and currently teach kindergarten at a Christian school. I have special interests in both children’s and parents’ mental health and working with parents of children with disabilities, neurodivergence, and giftedness. I was honored to help adapt the CF Discipline that Connects course to a professional development workshop for educators and to pilot this program with over 30 kindergarten-8th grade teachers at my current school. I was also a guest on the CF podcast episode 202, “Practical Classroom Management Strategies that Work”. My mission as a Connected Families parent coach is to empower parents and educators with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to navigate the challenges of raising and educating children in today’s world. My husband and I came to Connected Families as clients in 2019 looking for a better way to parent our two sensitive and intense neurodivergent children. I was immediately impressed by how seamlessly the Connected Families Framework marries current brain research with Biblical truth. Connected Families has transformed not only how I parent but my professional work as an educator and teacher trainer, as well as my personal faith in Jesus. It would be my joy to partner with you as a parenting coach for your family or as a speaker and trainer for your church or school. I am available to coach clients in person in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota and worldwide via Zoom. I am available as a workshop speaker for churches and schools in the upper midwest. My prayer for all of my clients is that they will feel equipped to meet the children in their care with true unconditional love while also developing capability, wisdom, and responsibility. 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…

It is never too late for God’s grace and truth to change lives! In my early 60’s, I unexpectedly encountered Connected Families on the Internet and, even at this age, what I learned was so encouraging! I sure wish I had had Connected Families as a young mom! As I engaged with the framework through the Discipline that Connects online course, received coaching myself, and continued to engage with other Connected Families materials, I began to see a new richness in my life, my marriage, and even my extended family! This gave me a desire to share what I was learning by pursuing parent coaching certification. My husband and I have been missionaries with FamilyLife, a Cru ministry for over 30 years. We have had a heart to see families experience the hope and help they can find only in a relationship with Christ. As a certified parent coach, I now have another tool to offer families so that parents can experience God’s transforming grace and truth and share it with their kids. I am excited to walk with parents (or grandparents!) to discover God’s unique plan for their family! Exploring the Biblical, practical, neurologically sound approach to relationships that the Connected Families framework offers will provide you with a plan that could change your family for generations to come. Coaching can help you grow a family that is connected to God and to each other. You can have a family characterized by grace and truth in the ups and downs of real life. Read more…

I am a wife, a mom of two strong-willed and doubly gifted teenage girls, and have worked in Kids Ministry for over 15 years. I know that kids are a gift from God. I also know that their behaviors can be challenging and can lead to parent reactions that we don’t intend. I have been there! When I was introduced to Connected Families, I felt like I finally had language, tools, and hope to help me parent well and lead ministry well. One of my greatest joys is connecting with and supporting parents and ministry leaders. We all want to see our kids know Jesus deeply and follow Him with all their hearts. I believe that Connected Families gives us the resources we need to partner with God as He reaches the next generation. Read more…

Josh has been caring for, coaching, and inspiring people for two decades. He is a graduate of The Arrow Leadership Program, has studied family ministry at Briercrest College and Seminary, is a certified Parent Coach through Connected Families, and is trained in church trauma care through Crown College. He was a youth pastor and care pastor for 19 years and is currently the Spiritual Life and Advancement Director at Community Christian School in Willmar, MN. He is a 2 on the Enneagram and a High i on the DiSC profile. He believes deeply that everyone’s life has a unique purpose and loves helping people answer some of their biggest questions about God, family, and life. The Connected Families framework transformed the Keller’s parenting, and Josh loves helping others discover a new “baseline” and “framework”! Josh is the co-founder of The Freedom Center MN (freedomcentermn.com) in Willmar, MN with his wife Rachel and has been married to her for over 16 years. They have three kids- Elijah (15), Eden (11), and Zion (8). In their spare time, they love spending time playing four square, going on mountain drives/hikes, walking/relaxing on Siesta Key Beach, watching America’s Got Talent, Next Level Chef, & Lego Masters, and spoiling their English teddybear golden doodle Rocket! Read more…

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…