Coaching for kids and teens facing pressure, setbacks and big changes.
Athletes are a specialty. Parents stay in the loop. I coach adults too.
You don't need a crisis or the perfect words. If something feels heavier than it should, that's reason enough to reach out.
On a walk, shooting hoops, face to face, by video or by text. In English or Spanish. También en español.
Do you use AI in coaching?
No. What you share stays between us. I never put sessions, texts or notes into AI tools.
Is this therapy?
No. Coaching focuses on goals, skills and everyday habits. If therapy would help, I'll tell you and help you find someone good.
Need help right now?
Call or text 988, the free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors answer 24/7. It's a national line, not my number. In an emergency, call 911.
Getting started is simple
- Free 20-minute callTell me what's going on. No pressure, nothing to sign.
- Pick your goalsOne to three things you'd like to change, in your own words.
- Meet your way50-minute sessions, weekly or every other week.
Under 18? A parent or guardian gives permission before we start.
What we can work on
Bring whatever's on your mind. These come up a lot.
Confidence and self-talk
Quieting the inner critic, on the field and in class.
Stress and overwhelm
Tests, tryouts, deadlines and busy seasons.
Big life changes
A new school, a move, a breakup or an injury.
Motivation
Building habits that stick, from homework to rehab.
Sleep and energy
Making room for rest so there's energy for what matters.
Hard conversations
Talking things through with a parent, coach or friend.
For athletes
Nerves before big games, fear of getting hurt again, sticking with rehab, and feeling like yourself when you're sidelined.
Ways to meet
Most kids and teens open up more easily side by side than across a table. That's why I like to meet on the move: walking or hiking a trail, playing catch, shooting hoops or kicking a soccer ball, whatever feels most natural for your child.
Video works too, for busy weeks or if your child prefers it. You can mix them or switch anytime.
On the move
Walk, hike, play catch, shoot hoops or kick a ball around. My favorite way to work with kids and teens.
In person
Face to face around Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa.
Video
For busy weeks, or from wherever you feel at ease.
Text
For anyone who opens up more easily by typing.
game friday and i keep thinking about tearing my knee again
That fear makes sense after everything you've been through. Want a 2-minute reset for warm-ups?
ok yeah
Breathe in for 4, out for 6, three times. Then pick one word to tell yourself, like "ready." Text me after and tell me how it went.
Good to know about texting
- Through a separate business number, never my personal phone.
- I reply during coaching hours, Monday to Friday, 3 to 8pm.
- Texting starts at age 12. For younger kids, only if a parent is comfortable with it, and a parent can always be on the thread.
- It's not for emergencies, and I may not see a text right away. In a crisis, call or text 988, the free 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's a national line, not my number.
Good to know about sessions on the move
- Public parks, trails and courts. Parents always know where and when.
- We meet there. I never drive athletes.
- An easy pace, not a workout.
- Coming back from an injury? We play once your doctor or physical therapist says it's okay.
- Bad weather? We move indoors or to video.
For kids and teens
Youth mentoring
Not every kid wants "coaching." Mentoring is a lighter, relationship-first option: a steady adult to check in with, often while we walk or shoot around.
- Confidence and self-talk
- Balancing school, sport and friends
- Life skills, like goal setting and handling setbacks
- Two sessions a month, plus texting in between
- The same safety rules as coaching, and parents always in the loop
New
Soccer training
1:1 sessions and small clinics for players 9 and up. We work on skills and confidence on the ball, plus the mental side of the game.
A 1-minute form. I'll reply with times, places and pricing. Spots are limited.
Rather talk first? Book a free call and mention soccer.
What it costs
Every option starts with a free 20-minute call. Not sure which fits? We'll figure it out together.
One session
$11050 minutes. Same price on the move, in person or by video.Try it out, or get ready for one big moment.
6 sessions + a parent session
$660Same price on the move, in person or by video.Time to build real habits. Your first session is a longer get-to-know-you. Most people start here.
Youth mentoring
$220 a monthTwo sessions a month, often on the move, plus texting in between.
Monthly coaching
$400 a monthFour sessions a month, plus texting in between. For steady, ongoing support.
Group workshop
$450–60060 to 90 minutes on stress and pressure, for a team, school, parent group or workplace.
I keep a few reduced-rate spots open for families who need them. Just ask on your free call.
Pay by Venmo, Zelle, Cash App or cash. I'll send you a receipt.
Need to cancel or reschedule? Let me know at least 24 hours ahead and there's no charge. With less notice, the session is charged.
In-person and on-the-move sessions are around Rohnert Park, Cotati, Penngrove, Petaluma, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa, at a public spot we pick together, like a park, track or court. Farther away? We can meet by video.
For parents
Your child's privacy and your peace of mind
Kids and teens open up when they trust their words stay private. You need to know they're safe. Here's how I balance both.
You'll hear
A short update every 5 weeks: attendance, what we're working on, and progress your child is okay sharing.
Stays private
The details of what your child tells me.
If safety is ever at risk
I'll call you that same day and help get your child the right care.
You're always welcome to call me first on your own.
How I keep kids safe
Permission first
A parent or guardian signs a permission form before we start, and a separate one before any texting.
Always in view
We meet in public places like parks, tracks and courts, where others can see us. You always know where and when, and you're welcome to come watch. On video, you know when we're meeting and an adult is home.
No rides
I never drive kids or ride alone with them. We meet at the spot.
Open communication
Texts go through a business number that keeps a record, during coaching hours only. No social media messages. You can join any thread, or ask me to stop texting your child at any time.
If there's a safety concern
If your child's safety is at risk, I call you that same day. If I believe a child is being harmed, I report it to child protective services.
Trained for it
First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Columbia suicide risk screening (C‑SSRS). See my training
Coaching and other support
Coaching helps with a lot. Sometimes a therapist or doctor is a better fit, and that's completely normal. I'll always be honest with you and help you find the right person.
Coaching helps with
- Setting goals and sticking with them
- Tools for tough moments, like breathing and self-talk
- Habits for sleep, stress and recovery
- Getting through setbacks and changes
I'll connect you with others for
- Diagnosing or treating conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders or trauma
- Medication and medical questions
Coaching can often continue alongside.
Common questions
Do things have to be really bad to reach out?
Not at all. Many people come when life just feels a little off. Reaching out early often makes change easier.
Will you talk to my child's coach or school?
Only with written permission from you and your child, and only about what you've agreed to.
Is texting safe for my child?
Yes. Texts go to a separate business number that keeps a record, never my personal phone. You give permission first, and the same safety rule applies. Texting starts at age 12. For younger kids, it's your call, and you can always be on the thread.
Does insurance cover coaching?
Not right now, so coaching is paid directly. As a National Board Certified coach, I meet the standard insurers and Medicare are starting to recognize, so this may change. If you have an HSA or FSA, ask your plan. Some accept coaching with a note from your doctor.
Do you coach adults?
Yes. Kids and teens are my focus, and I also coach adults through stress, confidence and big changes, including parents who want support for themselves.
What ages do you work with?
Ages 9 and up: kids, teens and adults.