So many parents struggle on a daily basis and don't know where to turn for help.
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In a courageous and vulnerable moment, you may ask family or friends for support only to then feel judged and shamed. Angry, scared and confused you either beat yourself up and conclude that you have to figure it out on your own or you feel so much hurt and angry that you pull away in self protection. And the cycle continues….
I am here with open arms and deep understanding, to break this cycle of isolation and provide the support and tools you've been missing.
Change your parenting, change the world.
lighten up because a kind and friendly approach will promote more fun and increase cooperation!
lighten up because being rigid and controlling increase fear and anxiety and don't work long term.
lighten up because too much anger and frustration is not what we want to be role modeling for our children.
lighten up because overly strict and controlling parenting does not build trust or feelings of safety.
lighten up because showing lightheartedness and flexibility increases good feelings in everyone!
Hi! I'm Amy, a mom to 3 kids, all close in age.
Like most parents, my journey as a mother has been a roller coaster, with plenty of highs & lows. In the early years, I naively thought I had this parenting thing under control. Ha! But after my second & then 3rd child came along, I was often in a state of exhaustion, overwhelm and frustration with very little support. To add further hardship, I was navigating parenting from a very different page than my spouse and I felt really alone. I found myself *reacting* to my to my children in ways I never thought I would. My reactions even took me by surprise! At the time, I didn't understand just how much stress and pressure I was under.
I was carrying so much shame and guilt. It was a dark and painful time and I was desperate for support. Thankfully, I had the bandwidth to ask for help and landed in the arms of some incredible mentors and parenting courses.
For the first time, I felt like someone was willing to truly listening and understood the stress I was under, without judgement. It was like someone gave me an oxygen mask and could finally take a full breath! I soaked up the information like a sponge and slowly began learning new skills and regained confidence in myself as a good mother!
I know intimately just how hard parenting work can be! Our societies are not set up well to support the work that parents do. It is my mission to help break the cycle of parent isolation, shame and overwhelm. I give parents the warmest place to land while receiving effective strategies, tools and support. I want every parent to feel confident with a full toolbox to support your family and navigate all the highs and lows that come with raising our amazing children.
certifications & trainings
Certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor
Studies with Dr. Shefali and Neufeld Institute, Gordon Neufeld PhD
Prior to working with Amy, I felt like a terrible mom. I was not enjoying being around my kids at all. I dreaded the weekends and after school cuz it was so hard. My kids fought all the time! Working with Amy helped shift my perspective and I never once felt judged by her. She was so supportive. She truly understood what we were going through! Amy helped me see what my kids were needing and how to supportive them individually and as a group. Now when I hear them arguing, I no longer panic. I'm actually able to help and not get mad! And they are so much kinder to each other now. Amy brought our family back together!
cassidy, mom of 4, santa cruz
Working with Amy was a game changer! She literally “cured” my daughter’s daily tantrums! My daughter used to get set off so easily and I had no more patience for it and didn’t know what to do, other than threats & bribes. I thought she was just being a brat and trying to manipulate us. Amy taught us to recognize signs that were leading up to a tantrum and helped us learn how to connect with her in different ways. I finally have my confidence back in being a mom to a highly sensitive child. My daughter and I are closer than we’ve ever been and I’m forever grateful for Amy’s guidance, expertise and her care.
stephanie, mom of 9 yr old daughter, santa cruz
Amy is simply a life saver! Every single time I feel overwhelmed and defeated by parenthood, and I reach out to her, she’s got me smiling within minutes of sharing her perspective(s). I go from hopeless to actually excited to implement the tools she provides. They are simple and effective. A whole new approach — one that really feels right and works! She has (and continues) to completely uplift and guide me through motherhood, positively impacting our whole family on every level. I could not recommend Amy more.
darcy, mom of 2, santa cruz
Our 7 year old son was getting progressively more aggressive with his younger sibling. My husband & I were not handling it well and the aggression was getting worse. Working with Amy, we learned what was driving his behavior and we finally got a handle on our own reactions. Amy was our lifeline during this time! Our son is so much calmer and rarely aggressive. The best part is that we feel confident in how to help him and bring him back into his sweet nature. Our home is peaceful again! We are so grateful for our time with Amy! She’s always our go-to parent support mentor!
katie, mom of 2 boys, santa cruz
Whenever I'm lost & confused with parenting, I call Amy. She's like our families 911 emergency support. For all issues! I don't know what we'd do without her.
scott, father of 3, sebastopol, ca
Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society. Even under the best conditions, parenting is difficult and overwhelming. Parents today are facing stressors that can be severe and prolonged and can have harmful effects on their mental health, which in turn also affect the well-being of the children we are raising.
I offer a therapeutic approach to parenting that considers parent, child and individual family systems. Lighten Up Parenting supports the parent first to develop a deep understanding of what lies beneath their child's behaviors and what those behaviors are desperately trying to convey. It further inspires the parent to become aware of and ultimately understand their own triggers and how they can cause confusion into how they are interpreting their child's behavior. It arms the parent with a diverse skillset to not only support their child in reaching their optimal potential but also raises awareness on the value and necessity of having support for themselves. This is an evidence based model backed by brain science that promotes best possible outcomes for all.
Why therapeutic parenting?
Dearest Parent, I feel so honored to work with YOU and together, we will untangle the knots to not only lighten your parenting load but to insulate you with more clarity, confidence, and even excitement in the role you play in your child's life!
