As a Health, Nutrition and Women's Health Professor for almost two decades at a local college, I watched the mental health epidemic unroll in real time on real people. At the same time — I saw this happening in my own family and community! The stuff I was witnessing was out of control. As I became more aware of the increased pressure on kids, I could see it was a contributing factor to the increased anxiety and depression in kids and damage to families. I was enlightened by my students’ comments indicating they lack HEALTHY coping techniques. I knew something had to change so I wrote a book called Tales from Swankville. This book caused such a stir I had Anderson Cooper begging me to come on his show! For many years, I felt alone in my work. Too many people for too long didn’t want to address mental health in kids. Tales from Swankville created controversy, but also struck a nerve in people. More and more people saw they weren’t alone and started to seek me out for support.I started to build a platform and organized panels and presentations for parents at schools and community events. I then went on to write a second book, which is a ten-step guidebook, Push Vs. Shove: A New Parenting Paradigm. The Flex-Able Minds coaching program is based on this book and the 10-step parenting paradigm.
My career spans over 30 years in the public health field with a breadth of experience educating very diverse populations on a vast array of health topics from chronic disease management and prevention to resilience and mental health coaching. I have taught various health topics in hospitals, clinics, and classrooms from preschool to college and every grade between. There isn’t a health topic, situation, or personality that I have not come across. This background contributes to my ability to be a passionate, empathetic, and experienced coach ready and capable of supporting you as we work toward a more peaceful parenting path for you and a joyful childhood journey for your child.