Name:
đź“Ť Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
I help overwhelmed and exhausted parents transform their family dynamics and create peaceful, deep, and joyful relationships with their children. I also offer guidance and support through workshops and courses that focus on practical parenting strategies and emotional regulation techniques. When I’m not teaching and cheering parents on in their journey, you can find me cuddling a cup of coffee and enjoying quality time with my family or going for a good run on the beautiful nature trails behind my house.
What moment or experience inspired you to start your business? What was your vision at the beginning?
I have been a child psychologist for over 15 years, studying under the most brilliant minds in the field. Through my work, I learned that effective parenting strategies hinge on a child's safe, secure, and satisfying relationship with their parents.
I started my business because I noticed recurring themes in my private practice: many parents struggled with strategies that actually undermined their child's need for connection. This realization inspired me to create a business offering simple, relationship-based strategies that support healthy brain development. I believe that parenting should become easier as children rest in the security of their parents' love.
What does a typical day for you look like?
A typical day for me begins with waking up and giving each of my kids and my husband a hug, reconnecting after a long night of separation—a vital practice for nurturing our family bonds. Of course, I also give treats to our dogs, who loudly remind me of their attachment to me too! I make coffee and start on my emails and YouTube videos alongside my husband working on his computer, while our kids play video games before breakfast.
After a couple of hours, I make breakfast for everyone and then spend the morning homeschooling my kids. Just after lunch, I spend about an hour working out as this is my own very needed self-care. Later, I step into my counseling office to meet with private clients. In the evening, we have dinner together, play to reconnect after a long day, and then my husband and I snuggle the kids to bed before enjoying our own quiet time watching TV together.
What unique routines or habits do you believe contribute to your success?
Key routines that contribute to my success and happiness include making sure I spend pockets of time throughout the day filling up my kids' love banks. It's essential to me that they feel loved, nurtured, and cared for, especially when things get busy.
They don't need a lot of time, but it needs to be consistent and involve activities they choose, so I am joining them in their world. This connection fills their hearts and helps when I am away, and it fills my heart knowing I've taken care of their love needs.
Two non-negotiable self-care strategies for me are having quiet coffee time in the morning and a quick workout midday. These practices keep my feet on the ground and my emotions in order, giving me the energy required for work and to fill everyone else's love bank.
Additionally, my faith is very important to me; I spend a few minutes each morning reading the Bible and praying to get close to God and set my focus right for the day. All of these habits help make my busy days feel amazing and fulfilling.
What's your workstation setup?
I do most of my work on the ground, reflecting my years as a child psychologist and play therapist. My computer sits on a small desk, surrounded by my favorite parenting books. The walls are adorned with motivational quotes from renowned child development researchers and drawings my kids made for me.
It feels like a cozy nest, creating the perfect environment for me to focus on my work.
Where do you go to look for inspiration?
I find inspiration by immersing myself in courses and presentations by my favorite child development researchers. Whether it's reading books, watching YouTube videos, or listening to their talks, I love diving deep into attachment and neurodevelopment research.
What core values drive your business, and how have they shaped your path?
One core value that has shaped my work is treating every person as if they are special and giving them my full attention and care. Whether in my private practice, through email, or in my online courses, I believe that everyone should feel valued and loved. It's crucial to me that no one leaves without knowing how important and unique they are.
What’s a challenge you’re currently working on in your business?
My biggest challenge right now is balancing homeschooling my kids, managing my private practice, and growing my online business. Wearing many hats throughout the day—creating courses, social media content, and writing weekly emails—can feel overwhelming. I try to time block each task so I can be fully present and focused, but some days are exhausting. Despite the challenge, I find that time blocking has been a huge key to my success.
What music do you listen to while working?
I actually don't listen to music while working. I listen to music while cooking, driving, getting ready for work, dancing in the kitchen with my kids, or just relaxing alone. I love music so much that I get completely into the lyrics, so if I listened while working, I wouldn't get anything done! Outside of work, I enjoy worship music or fun, upbeat songs to sing and dance to with my kids.
What’s one piece of advice someone gave you that you’ll never forget?
The best piece of advice I ever received was from the book The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller. It taught me that multitasking is actually a myth because switching between tasks wastes time and energy, preventing you from fully focusing on any one task. This is where I learned to time block.
I always ask myself, "What is the one thing you are focusing on right now?" If I'm trying to do more than one thing, I'm not giving my best to any of them. This approach has changed my life, making me more intentional with my work and giving me more quality time with my family.
Any advice for ambitious professionals in your field?
Focus on maintaining balance in both your professional and personal life. It's important to remain grounded in your values and to prioritize genuine connections, whether with clients, colleagues, or family. Make time for self-care and continue learning, as the field of child development is always evolving.
What shortcuts are you eyeing next on World of Shortcuts?
I'm considering checking out the following shortcuts:
