I’m passionate about supporting caregivers and improving child and family-serving systems.
I have worked and consulted in child and family services for more than 20 years. But things got personal when my young adult child came back home, wrestling with a serious mental health condition.
Suddenly, instead of observing and writing about social services from a distance, I was sitting in their waiting rooms, clutching a number. As I fought to secure the support my family needed, I was painfully aware that doing so required time, resources, and privilege that most families do not have.
I believe kids and their parents deserve better. I believe it’s time to stop blaming families for their challenges and start celebrating their resilience.
It’s time to stop expecting families to settle for a broken system. It’s time to build a better one.
Through my writing, coaching, and consulting, I'm dedicated to empowering caregivers and transforming systems to work better for all families.
Let’s create the support all families deserve
Meeting needs, not just correcting behaviors
Trauma-informed care focuses on understanding the root causes of behavior and creating a safe and supportive environment for healing. Too often, systems focus on punishment without considering the needs that children are trying to communicate. They may even overlook the impacts of systemic racism, generational trauma, and challenging life circumstances that make parenting harder. No matter the trauma, we can choose compassion and prioritize healing for children and families.
Adapting environments to work better for all
As a neurodivergent mom, I was frustrated by the lack of support that my child and I needed. We didn’t need more advice about how to make our family fit in. We needed help building our connection, learning new coping skills, and creating home and school environments that worked better for our brains.
A neuro-affirming approach celebrates neurodiversity and prioritizes listening, understanding, accommodation, emotional regulation, and connection.
Focusing on strengths and solutions
A solution-focused approach identifies, celebrates, and builds on the strengths of parents and children. It helps families build resilience, improve relationships, and create the future they want for themselves.
In organizations, a solution-focused approach gathers partners and champions to collectively envision a better world for children and families, and draws on organizational and community strengths to move toward that vision with confidence.
Testimonials
"Jill masterfully demonstrates the art of facilitation. She moved us along the day with seamless transitions, clear instructions, and grace. She knew what was needed in the moment to meet the needs of the group. Jill brought wonderful energy, wisdom and kindness to the meeting. I can’t wait to work with Jill again.”
Lisa
CEO
"After struggling for some time in my executive position, I was feeling pretty defeated when I reached out to Jill, who had recently facilitated a board retreat for my company. She seemed genuinely interested in walking through my discovery process with me. Jill provided feedback and guided reflection that helped me get unstuck and move forward.”
Dana
Nonprofit Executive
The person behind the passion
I love to be on the move—cycling, hiking, kayaking. In recent years, I’ve taken trips to India, Portugal, and Ireland. I also need a lot of recovery time, stillness, and quiet, which I often find through restorative yoga. My husband Scott and I have four young-adult children, all in various stages of leaving the “nest,” and I cherish time with them when I can get it.
I received a B.A. in English summa cum laude from Rice University, completed a fellowship at Cambridge University, England, and received an M.F.A. in poetry from Colorado State University. My coaching certification comes from Wholebeing Institute, and I am a certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator.
It’s time to stop expecting our kids to settle for less than they deserve.
A better future for families is possible. Let's create it together.