Meet Erica
A certified life coach for parents, teens and young adults.
Background
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to working with young people. In college, I volunteered at youth shelters and worked as a nanny before getting a job at a local preschool. I was intrigued with child development and developed a love of teaching.
After earning my teaching credential, I ventured to London for my first teaching job. After two years, I returned to San Diego and started my career in Del Mar. During my years in the classroom, girls would often confide in me, sharing their struggles with self-esteem, body image, friendships, family dynamics, and school. They were afraid to turn to their parents for fear of being misunderstood and didn’t want to turn to their friends for fear of being gossiped about. They felt alone and unsure. I understood; I felt the same during my teen years. Knowing how different my path would have been if I had extra support, I felt the drive to do more. I discovered a passion for helping girls understand themselves and feel confident in handling the unique challenges of adolescence.
Credentials and Qualifications
- Over 15 years of coaching and teaching experience
- Certified Family, Parent, and Teen Coach through Academy for Family Coach Training
- Certified Teen Wisdom Inc. Life Coach
- Certificate in Foundations of Positive Psychology through University of Pennsylvania
- Master’s in Education
- Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies, minor in Child Development
- Credentialed Teacher and Administrator
- Featured author in San Diego Family Magazine, Good Life Family Magazine, and Kids Helping Kids book series.
Tipping Point
Shortly after writing my master’s thesis on relational aggression, which included a curriculum to teach girls about building their emotional intelligence and handling social challenges, I began to develop and teach yoga classes to teens and mother-daughter pairs. Then, I heard about Teen Life Coaching. It was described as a field devoted to self-discovery, action, and accountability. A profession that focuses on building personal strengths, setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and ultimately moving forward with confidence and intention. I thought this is it!
In 2012, my life turned upside-down. I suffered an unexpected heartbreak, ended my engagement, and started to wonder what would be next? With my future plans upended, I decided to take a risk. Although fearful, I left my full-time teaching job, became a certified Teen Wisdom Life Coach, and started my teen coaching practice.
Read more – Get To Know Your Coach
How I Work With Parents, Teens, and Young Adults
My personalized teen and young adult coaching programs are a unique blend of traditional coaching and teaching. We begin by identifying goals and desired outcomes. Then, in a safe, judgment-free environment, girls cultivate self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. They discover how to align their choices with their values and goals, and learn life skills that carry them toward their greatest potential.
My first year of coaching teens made me acutely aware that parents needed support as well. They were exhausted, frustrated, and extremely worried that their daughter might go down the wrong path. Similar to their daughters, they needed new tools and a fresh perspective. My parent coaching programs provide just that- a different perspective, realistic solutions, and new practices that lead to fewer battles, less frustration, better communication, deeper respect, and trust.
Ready to get started?
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