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My Philosophy and Work

At The Heartful Parent, it is my mission to ensure that every parent gets the support they need on their parenting journey. I believe that each parent is the expert on their own family and that as a coach, it is not my job to tell parents what works, but rather to help each family discover it for themselves. I believe that every child needs—and deserves—a sense of belonging and significance and that it is my job to help parents provide that in the most authentic and heartful way possible. I believe that parenting can be difficult, but it can also be fun—either way, it’s worth the effort! When we show up and are present for ourselves and our children, everyone thrives. And most of all, I believe that parenting should come from the heart, and it is my mission to help your parenting do just that.

In my work with parents, I have addressed everything from behavior issues, sibling rivalry, and defiance, to setting boundaries (for ourselves and our children), parenting effectively with our partners, self-care, and goal setting (personal and professional). I serve as a guide, a mirror, a cheerleader, an accountability partner, an advocate, and an educator with each of my clients depending on their individual needs. My clients love creating a vision for their lives, realizing deeply what is possible, and working toward that week after week. My clients have had children of all ages, and many of them are working parents who are trying to strike the seemingly impossible balance between being both the parent and the provider that they want to be. Regardless of whether I’m working with a mom, a dad, a couple, a working parent or a stay-at-home parent, it is my goal to help ensure that each family experiences more love, joy, and connection.

About Me

I am a licensed attorney in the State of Washington as well as being a Certified Parent Coach®. After spending nearly twenty years as a criminal prosecutor, where my specialty was prosecuting sexually violent offenders, I started The Heartful Parent, which encompasses Savvy Parents Safe Kids. In addition to providing individualized parent coaching services, I also present parent workshops and professional trainings on child sexual abuse prevention, consent and boundaries, and positive discipline. I live in the greater Seattle area with my husband and best friend, our two children, and a small bevy of animals. I am in the trenches of parenting with my clients and have seen first-hand how difficult, crazy, and beautiful it can be, all at the same time!

My qualifications

  • Wiper of tears, bedtime snuggler, and everyday superhero to two beautiful girls (aka Mom)
  • Certified Parent Coach®, Parent Coach Institute, credentialed through Seattle Pacific University  
  • Certified Positive Discipline Educator, The Positive Discipline Association
  • Certified Educator, The Gottman Institute
  • Completion of Professionals Intensive for Hand in Hand Parenting
  • Six-time leader and regular guest speaker with The Program for Early Parent Support
  • Owner and Coach, The Heartful Parent
  • Owner and Principal Presenter, Savvy Parents Safe Kids
  • Public speaker and group facilitator with 20+ years of experience
  • Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Colorado College
  • Juris Doctor, University of Colorado School of Law
  • Member in Good Standing, Washington State Bar Association
  • Former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, King County Prosecutor’s Office

What Parents Say After Coaching With Me

“Christy came to our family's rescue when we were in a place of true desperation. She brings compassion and professionalism to all that she does and is highly skilled at listening to the issues, distilling key information, and targeting them. We feel that we have left with an important mental re-framing and new tools in our toolbox. I now cherish my time with my wee ones, when previously I felt like I was drowning at times. We have increased our family bonding times and activities and have embraced the: ‘let me love you a little more before you're not little anymore’ mindset. Do we have more work to do? Absolutely. But are we better equipped? Definitely.”
Summer O.
Mercer Island, Washington
“Christy was there to help me get a better handle on how to communicate with my two daughters. Before our coaching sessions, there were lots of yelling and tears from all of us, and I didn’t know how to get through to them. Christy helped me understand that each kid required a different method of communicating, and it was ok to differentiate how each was comforted or disciplined. I was so busy trying to treat each one equally that I didn’t realize that what worked for one did not always for the other. My sessions with Christy give me tools that I have repeatedly gone to in my quest to be a mom who can connect with my two very different girls. Christy is a good sounding board for child rearing issues that can come up -listening and giving thoughtful advice. She provides a safe place to discuss the issues that are important to you - never judging and always very empathetic. I highly recommend Christy. She is a great resource.”
Catherine H.
Redmond, Washington
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