As a mom, I've felt firsthand how challenging the transition to adulthood can be. My career has helped many young adults work through some troubled times. I understand the emotions that come with parenting during this time. I’ve made mistakes as a parent. I didn't know my actions were hurtful at the time. It is like stepping into uncharted territory, filled with uncertainty and a mixture of hope and speculation. We know we can’t change the past, but we can make amends, hope for resolution, and focus on what’s next. Hope nurtures change.

Throughout my career, I have worked with ascending adults and their families as they navigate this tricky transition to adulthood. I have worked in residential boarding schools, wilderness therapy, young adult residential treatment, and as a Certified Career Coach and a Certified Parent Coach. Over a decade ago, my partners and I developed an innovative model and co-founded Onward Transitions, a non-residential transitional program for young adults in Portland, Maine. I’ve moved on, but these experiences resonate. Tending Growth is a product of all of them.

I've noticed that much attention goes to young adults who are struggling, but parents also face their own challenges, often quietly and in the background. They often feel uncertain about what to do next or how to engage without overstepping. Many parents rely on each other for support but lack an outside, objective perspective. They might not always agree with their partners on parenting practices. While they try to hold onto hope, they may struggle to access the support they need or may simply not know where to look. Loving and committed caregivers can feel lost, frustrated, or even angry. Tending Growth coaching can provide that third voice and support, helping caregivers see the bigger picture and supporting the process for everyone involved.

Helping committed parents manage their feelings in a productive, actionable way is at the heart of why I created Tending Growth. Parents and caregivers benefit from seasoned support. The Tending Growth approach focuses on them and is practical, collaborative, strengths-based, and gender-affirming.

My goal is to work together to inspire more moments of connection within your ascending adult. One action at a time.

- One conversation guided in a more compassionate, constructive direction.

- One boundary explained more clearly with purpose

-One moment of “Oh, I see what you're saying.”

-One moment of shared discovery

- One moment when anxiety does not rule the conversation.

- One opportunity for your young adult to realize, "I can do this"…

-One “Thank you.”