I have been counseling families with young children for over thirty years, helping parents to understand (and manage!) their children's behavior. My training began at UC San Francisco where I became one of the first Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in the Bay Area. working with children of all ages.

Then I became a parent myself. I discovered that in many ways I was just like all the parents I had been helping—I needed support, advice, and at times, professional guidance. I realized that parents wanted more time to ask their questions and discuss their worries than the usual short pediatric visits provided. They wanted knowledgeable care from someone who would listen to the details, ask the right questions, and help them find solutions, strategies, and sometimes the right referral for what was puzzling them.

From that need, I built my family consultation practice, helping parents with what I call “Solutions for Everyday Life With Children”.

I see families in my private practice for individualized consultations.  Some parents think of me as an infant sleep consultant,  a breastfeeding specialist, a toilet training guru, or a parent coach.  All of those descriptions are true, and I do a lot more!

Over the years I have worked in many settings. I have led parent groups, consulted with schools,  and trained other professionals-teachers, social workers, pediatricians and nurse practitioners- in audiences large and small. I’ve written four books for parents and write monthly columns for Parents’ Press, a publication for parents in the Bay Area. I’ve been a radio columnist and a media commentator. 

When my children were young I had days when I was “at home” and days when I “worked” and many days when I did both, giving me a understanding of parents who are in each of these roles. Parents know that when they come to consult with me about any issue related to their child that they will be talking to someone who understands them and will support them with the kind of insight that comes from years of experience and training.

For more about my education, training and experience, click here.