Career and Personal Transformation

Reena Morgan shared: “After being at the same institution [school] for nearly 20 years (and honestly, post-Covid/pandemic stress!) I was ready for somewhat of a change while still doing what I loved most – which is supporting educators and supporting teachers – so I started my own consulting and coaching business and am doing just that for both Chicago area schools and families!” 

For Kimberly Morrison, becoming a parenting coach was a natural progression in her career and personal life. As a parent of foster and adopted children, she recognizes the need for comprehensive support. By building a coaching business, she aims to extend her expertise beyond public education, assisting foster families as well. Morrison's experience as an educator and parent equips her with a unique perspective to support both children and families.

Shaella developed a new skill set that came in handy early in her certification: “After week three of the Jai program, I already knew how to use my voice and experience as an educator to truly support parents throughout the academic experience of their child(ren). I must add, I gained the secret sauce to supporting administrators too.”

Many educators and child professionals also come to Jai because they have an extremely high bar for their role as parents. 

Another educator-turned-parent coach, Ruth Clothier, shares that Jai “has been very helpful in my personal journey as a mother. I have created deeper connections with my children and applied techniques on how to improve my relationship with my boys and with myself. In my professional life, I have applied these principles with my preschool students and guided parents differently as they struggle to manage the relationship with their kids."

Utilizing the Jai Certification

Kimberly expresses her gratitude for being part of the Jai Institute and its impact on her personal and professional growth. Through her certification, she has gained a deeper understanding of herself and others, viewing children, teachers, and parents through empathetic lenses. Armed with knowledge about the science of the nervous system, she listens reflectively and approaches conversations with openness and curiosity. This newfound approach allows her to offer understanding and support without judgment or defensiveness.

Reena adds: "The Jai courses, content, and the overall journey has fit so beautifully into my work and my personal and professional experiences – I find it rounds out so much of what I do and what I believe in – empowering others and helping them feel confident, especially as it relates to caring for children! I truly believe this work has helped me to place on my 'oxygen mask more securely,’ which in turn, I can help other adults better place on their 'oxygen masks' – which in turn helps those adults better place the 'oxygen masks' on for the children in their care! And this course has truly made me a better mother to my own children!"

Incorporating Coaching into Career

Kimberly is already incorporating her learnings into her role as a principal. As she completes her training, she plans to establish a coaching business, merging her expertise as an educator and parenting coach. “When there are things I want to talk to teachers or parents about, I can approach it calmly and be ready to offer space for their reactions and feelings. I am better prepared not to feel defensive or to judge but to coach through the feelings to a place of understanding.”

As an educational consultant, Reena shares that much of her work is guiding and mentoring teachers. She will often talk about co-regulation with other educators. She also helps train other educators in helping them to identify their unmet needs. “When a teacher I am coaching is struggling with a child (who is often dysregulated through various behaviors), I will often dig deeper with them to help them understand the feelings that are under the child’s behaviors. Also, when coaching in the classrooms, I will often share grounding tools, breathing exercises, etc., for the whole class to practice (teachers and children)!”

Shaella has experienced a profound change in her classroom. Instead of yelling at her students, she sings to them, unleashing her voice in a new and empowering way. She shares, “I'm more aware of my own triggers, and now understand how important it is for me to be able to regulate my own nervous system in order to provide the best experience for my kids.” 

Advice for Educators Considering Parenting Coaching

Kimberly advises educators contemplating a career as a parenting coach to recognize the holistic nature of teaching. Teaching is about disseminating content, nurturing the whole child, and building relationships with families. By understanding the science of brain development, educators can meet children where they are and guide them back to the path of learning. She encourages fellow educators to find joy in being present during challenging moments. These instances serve as opportunities for children and parents to be heard, feel loved, and strengthen their relationships.

Eirini adds, "Becoming a parenting coach gives educators very useful skills and extremely important knowledge... An educator with the training of a parenting coach has the tools to cultivate a very close relationship with parents... when the two parts work together, they can create an environment, both at school and home, where children will get what they need to thrive!... So, I would suggest that every educator who really wants to make a positive, lasting impact on their students' lives should go for this wonderful training!"