I’ve been mentored by a few great parent educators, notably Casey O'Roarty, of Joyful Courage-Sproutable, and Julie King, author of How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7.  I learned core parenting competencies from Ms. King over 10 years and Ms. O'Roarty for many years when my kids were teens.  In 2018, I completed a Master’s of Science in Education and a certificate in gifted education in a quest to better understand the needs of children with learning differences. My thesis research focused on twice-exceptional learners - a student with both learning disabilities and gifted abilities - and helped discern the vital role parents play in supporting their child’s academic trajectory and social & emotional growth. Before I had kids, I completed three and a half years of a clinical psychology doctoral program prior to the birth of my first child and left the program in good standing with considerable clinical experience and training. I have also served as the PTSA President at my teens' high school and have helped to promote PTSA-sponsored parent education programs throughout our county's public high schools as well as continue to advocate for county-wide school safety reforms.  Currently, I am receiving training in the Co-Active Coaching Model through Dina Emser, a Positive Discipline trainer, and working on receiving my coaching certification.