Dana Hirt

Dana Hirt, M.Ed.

Parenting: The Most Important Job You’ll Ever Have

I’m Dana Hirt, founder of Dana Hirt Parenting, and I truly believe that no job is as demanding, humbling, and rewarding as parenting.

My focus as a coach is on “Intentional Parenting”—a mindful approach that encourages moms and dads to trust their instincts…and let their core values guide their parenting decisions. The end result is children who grow into value-driven, independent, and responsible adults. Using this framework, I have helped many parents feel more confident in their decision-making and experience more joy—and less stress—as parents.

Next to the job of co-parenting three fantastic young adults, I can’t imagine a job more meaningful or more vital than being a parenting coach.

Working with me, both new and experienced parents can expect:

• A coaching relationship that promises that your parenting decisions will reflect your values
• A safe place to authentically share your strengths and challenges without judgment, along with the support and guidance to help you feel more capable, confident, and in control as a parent
• Sharing of experience and wisdom that deepens your understanding of the stages and typical behaviors throughout childhood development
• Empathy and understanding during the inevitable tough parenting times
• Identification of your parenting strengths and those of your support system—and strategies for optimizing them
• Prioritization of parental self-care to build your resilience
• Concrete skills, tools, and resources to improve your family’s communication and collaboration so everyone feels seen, heard, and recognized as vital family members
• Comprehensive email summaries of our coaching sessions to help you track your progress and reflect on your journey
• Levity! A sense of humor always makes parenting easier

My personal and professional journey

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a parent. While my professional aspirations fluctuated over the years, I absolutely knew I was destined to be a mom. Not surprisingly, my education and subsequent career turned out to be all about kids, too.

Along my parenting journey, I realized I had become the “go-to mom”—the one everyone called when they had a parenting question or concern. Friends, family, and colleagues gravitated toward my style of parenting, which has always been grounded in my core values—and the outcomes I wanted for my three kids, whom I successfully co-parented with my former husband and his wife.

My aptitude as a mom—and now as a parenting coach—are supported by both education and professional experience. I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology from Brown University, a master’s in Education, Human Development, and Learning from DePaul University and the Institute for Psychoanalysis, and a Certificate in Divorce Mediation Skills from Northwestern University. And, of course, my parent coach certification from PCI®!

Thirty years of experience in the field of educational psychology in clinical, school, and private-practice settings was a great professional training ground. I have taught in the classroom, consulted with parents, worked one-on-one with students, partnered with therapists and other allied professionals, advocated in schools, and led parenting workshops.

Since launching Dana Hirt Parenting in 2015, I have successfully coached parents through the ups and downs of raising children—a job that became even more challenging during the coronavirus pandemic. And I’m looking forward to coaching many, many more.

Remember-you don't have to parent alone! Help and support is only a phone call away. Please take advantage of my free 30-minute consultation to learn more about how we might work together.

I can’t wait to partner with you on your parenting journey!