Meet Course Creator and Parent Coach,
                                                               Jackie Monahan

                                                                               Allow me to introduce myself...

My name is Jackie Monahan. I am a School Psychologist, Parent Coach and certified Special Education teacher.. I have worked as a school psychologist with students and their parents for the past 30 years and I love it. This is where my passion lies. 
I want you to know that I personally understand how challenging, confusing  and scary it can be to  parent kids with anxiety.

I am the mother of two boys who are now 20 and 22 years of age and attending college. Both of my son's are wonderful and unique in how they are maturing, and in how they are bringing meaning and creativity into this world. I adore them both with all of the passion in the world. But it wasn't always easy. 

I have been where you are now. One of my sons experienced elevated anxiety and worry. His anxiety impacted him academically and socially. At that time, my son sought comfort, escape and relief from his X-BOX. He went from playing soccer and being sociable, to slowly isolating from family and friends. 

I was terrified by his all of this. I have endless stories that I could share about my not so pretty escapades in trying to remove his X-BOX. Funny in hindsight, but terrifying in the moment.  While intellectually bright, my son's anxiety took a toll on him academically and socially. Not only did it take a toll on him, but it took a toll on all of us.  It wasn't always easy, but I knew that I needed to convey confidence in him. Confident that he had the ability. Confident that he would work through these challenges and with love, support, and guidance find his own path.
 
I needed to accept that my son's journey might not be exactly what I had initially envisioned for him. But, I knew that, if I could believe in him, that he would use his passion, skills,  challenges to create a path that would be perfect for him.  One that I could not have ever envisioned for him. Well, my son did, and he is well on his way toward his own personal journey of growth and self-discovery. I could not be prouder of both of my sons and how they are in the process of creating their own unique and individual pathways into adulthood. 

With the onset of the COVID pandemic, anxiety has taken on unseen proportions. Children have been isolated from each other, unable to participate in community and social events and typically unable to gather with friends or extended family members. During this time, our children have become increasingly dependant upon on the use of technology for education and for recreation.

I am passionate about sharing my knowledge, understanding and experience with parents who are currently on their journey of supporting their children with anxiety.
 
The good news is that anxiety is a disorder of fear and that is treatable.

Through coursework, community, and parent coaching we will work together to help your child overcome anxiety.

I have full confidence in you and I have full confidence in your child.

Together, we will do this!