I’m a mother, wife, attorney, avid learner, and problem-solver. When there's a problem, I look for a solution. And I saw a major problem a few years ago when my own teen son was acting out in several risky and unhealthy ways. He and I could no longer communicate without anger, anxiety and hurt feelings. The power struggles and out of control emotions took over our family's life. Our son was in undeniable pain and my husband and I felt so alone and confused as we desperately searched for solutions.

Unfortunately, I was convinced it was his anxiety and behavior that needed to be "fixed". When I finally realized (close to his 18th birthday) it was me that needed to change my responses to his emotions and behavior, it was eye-opening and life-changing. We were able to totally change the family dynamic, including our son's behavior and trajectory. That's when I knew I had to share what I'd learned with other parents going through the same thing.

Since 2018, I’ve been researching and distilling the science of adolescence. I've immersed myself in neuroscience, neuropsychology, emotion theory, emotional intelligence, emotion coaching, mindfulness, and how all of it impacts parenting our teens and tweens. And I want to share what I've learned...because if we had known then what we know now, life for all of us would have been so much better.

 

A Little about my Background

I graduated from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama in 1994 and upon graduation moved to South Carolina with my soon-to-be husband, Steve. I practiced family law (custody, divorce, adoption, guardian ad litem, etc.) earlier in my career and was a stay-at-home mom for several years off and on after my son came along in 2000. I’ve been in-house counsel for a couple of healthcare-related companies in South Carolina and have been practicing healthcare law, solo since 2015.

In late 2018 we decided to move to Alabama to both care for my elderly mother and to change the scenery for our son. Since that time, creating neurogility has been a major part of my daily life as I've gradually limited my law practice.

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A little extra and unnecessary info (in case you really want to know me):

I was diagnosed with ADHD and generalized anxiety disorder in my mid-30s. I had an extremely difficult time in middle school with both issues. I'm a terrible "relaxer" and a major introvert. I believe in honesty, helping wherever I can, following the rules, social justice, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, doing what I say I will and being on time. I love deep conversations with my son, debating hot topics with my husband, being in the mountains, folk art, true crime podcasts, reggae music, chocolate, and dogs (my dog and all dogs!).

I’m at my desk every day, hair in a bun, no makeup, in my comfy sweats and a T-shirt with my dog, Leo, at my feet.