Let’s get the credentials out of the way first:​ In addition to being a mom to two spirited boys, I’m a credentialed Moderate/Severe Special Education Teacher with a Master’s Degree, a Non-Attorney Special Education Advocate, and a Certified Life Coach.

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When I became a parent, I thought I was prepared.

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I had spent years in high-intensity educational settings handling daily behavioral crises, patiently guiding students through their development and promoting their learning. I prided my ability to stay calm, lead with compassion, and navigate even the most emotionally and physically challenging moments with grace and composure. If I can dodge chairs being thrown at me and de-escalate and co-regulate with a student who is experiencing such distress that they are destroying things and injuring themselves, I got this, right?

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Then I had children of my own… and reality is that I was not as prepared as I thought.

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Suddenly, I was overwhelmed, second-guessing myself, and stuck in shame when things didn’t go well or I became reactive.

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The truth is, I learned the hard way that no amount of training or experience can fully prepare us for the emotional depth and complexity of parenting our own children. Parenthood invites us (sometimes not so gently) to look inward. Our histories, values, beliefs, behaviors, even our unhealed wounds… it all comes up. Missing skills become clear, and we’re brought face-to-face with the raw, real, imperfect version of ourselves.

 

But my experience as a parent transformed when I realized that in this unraveling lies an opportunity to reparent ourselves as we raise our kids, to do the inner work, build new skills, and lead with compassion and connection.

 

The goal was no longer to parent perfectly, but instead became to parent with presence, intention, and a commitment to showing up for myself and my kids consciously. This is the key to thriving in parenthood, staying resilient through the challenges, and enjoying this wild ride.​

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Through my coaching and consulting work, I support parents and families on this same path. Whether you're navigating challenging behavior, conflicting parenting approaches, emotional overwhelm, burnout, or simply striving to parent with more calm and clarity, I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space to support your growth.

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In addition to parent coaching, I’m also a special education and transition specialist. I help families of teens and young adults with IEPs understand their rights, advocate for appropriate services, and plan for life after high school. From navigating complex IEP meetings to developing meaningful transition plans, I support you in making sure your child’s needs, goals, and future are at the center of the process. If you’re overwhelmed by the system or unsure how to support your child’s next steps, I’ll walk with you step by step with clarity, strategy, and care.

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Here’s what I aim to bring to and foster in every session:

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1. Unconditional Support
   You deserve a space free of judgment and shame, where it’s okay to make mistakes. I don’t expect you to be a perfect parent; I only ask that you show up with a willingness to self-reflect honestly as we work toward the version of yourself you want to be.

2. Self-Trust
   Together, we’ll help you get in touch with your parental intuition, clarify your family values, and create a vision for the family you want to lead. With clarity and confidence, you’ll be able to parent in alignment with your goals.

3. Practical Guidance
   I’ll support your parental intuition with effective discipline strategies, teaching and modeling techniques, and plans to create an environment where your child can develop essential skills for success.

4. Celebrating Your Family’s Uniqueness
   Your family is one of a kind, and your parenting approach should reflect that. You’ll bring your background, beliefs, and values, and I’ll bring my expertise to ensure you’re equipped to make empowered decisions that work for your family.

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Ready to get started? Send inquiries to liz@lizwyoung.com or submit a contact form. I can’t wait to connect with you!