Middle School Matters for Parents and Tweens/Teens

I help parents and their children navigate the transitions, challenges, and worries often experienced during these years of intense change. I share strategies to improve communication, thereby offering support for the entire family. I will show you how a family can thrive during the teen years by discovering and using your own strengths.

Monday Musings

Another newsletter? Nope! I will send you a brief email each week that will help you connect with your tween/teen and tips for family life, school life, and everything in between.

About Karen

Introduction

When I was a teenager, I tried some not- so- great ways to deal with my questions, insecurities, and anxiety. During my teen and early adult years, I had mentors who opened doors for me and changed the trajectory of my life. They listened and gifted me with tools that helped me decide how I wanted to show up in my life. I was well into my twenties when I began to find tools that helped me grow and understand how my thoughts were impacting my life.

These experiences led me to 30 years in the classroom teaching tweens/teens from diverse backgrounds and cultures in four states. Earning a Master of Education degree and working with parents and their children by helping them to work together and protect their relationships has been deeply rewarding. Mentoring secondary education students at The Ohio State, Vanderbilt, and Belmont Universities gave me a deeper understanding of what young people are currently facing. Having parented my two now adult children during those rollercoaster years, I grew through my own joys and moments of failures as a parent. The tween/teen years matter. I have recently completed a pastoral care program at Asbury Seminary and in addition, I am certified as a Life Coach at The Life Coach School in Dallas, Texas.

I live in beautiful Franklin, Tennessee, with my husband and two cats, Maisy and Abby. We are a blended family. Four of our six adult children and their families live close by and to add to our fun, we have 3 adorable granddaughters who bring us much joy! Travel, writing, coffee, and hearing the stories of those I meet are some of my passions.

Work with Me

Let's Connect!

Family life coaching can be a valuable resource to improve middle school behaviors and academic performance. These are the years to get ahead of what can grow into negative behaviors and dependencies that impact for years to come. I wish I had used a coach during the years that I was in the thick of parenting. I needed a safe and objective place to share my questions and solve problems.

I offer a free 30-minute virtual consult call to share what you can expect from me as a coach. Listening to your concerns will allow us to see how I can help you and your family achieve the success you want.

I look forward to meeting you!

Testimonials

Real Clients

Karen’s experienced approach and wise coaching helped our family to walk through some difficult days. Her warm personality made us feel safe to share our painful experiences with our tween. Our child found her easy to talk with and her practical feedback helped. As parents, we are improving in our active listening and reacting less. We are also using resources she shared with us and are working with a therapist to address specific concerns. We are in a much better place as a family than when Karen first found us.

The Carter family

Our daughter’s transformation has been wonderful to see. We have learned some healthier ways to communicate as a family. It has been reassuring to have Karen work with us. She generously helped us in communicating with our daughter’s teacher to create an even stronger support system. As a licensed teacher myself, coaching has helped me to break free from the shame and frustrations I was experiencing every day. Karen creates a safe space while listening and some laughter to keep it real. We valued her confidentiality as we are active in the music industry.

Emily V.

In the short time I have worked with Karen, I have learned so much about myself. She values my story. My coaching sessions with her feel as though I am talking with a trusted and honest friend. If you feel stuck and fearful as the parent of a middle schooler, I could not recommend Karen more to work with your family. I know I am more effective as a single parent because I am laughing more with my children rather than arguing. She has helped me through moments of crisis as my marriage ended and helped me keep life at home steady for my children.

Kristie B.

Is Coaching for you?

Schedule a 30-minute consult call at no cost to you and discover how coaching might be impactful and rewarding for your family.