Executive Board Members

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Chair - Amber Harkey, BCC

Amber is the owner of Carolina Family Life Coaching where she works with families going through divorce. Her specialty is in working with families going through the process of a Collaborative Divorce. She is also a graduate researcher and Master’s of Science candidate in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences at North Carolina State University. When she’s not working, you can find her in the mountains with her husband and fur baby, Finn.

Chair - Susan Holt

Susan is a Board-Certified Family Life Coach with a master’s degree in education and 30 years of teaching and coaching experience with both children and adults. Her expertise is in building connection in families and classrooms by developing social/emotional intelligence for healthier families and resilient children. In addition, she is privileged to serve as Director of Family Ministry for her church.

Vice Chair - Christi Howard

Christi is the owner of Me Time 4 Mom, a life coaching business for moms. When she works with moms, they team up to create achievable, actionable goals which focus on time allocation, stress management, positive motivation, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Once moms create time for themselves, they become fantastic examples for their families. Her goal is for moms to be the best living example of what they want their children to embrace and become in the world. She has a B.S. in Family and Consumer Science and is a Certified Professional Coach.

Treasurer - Alice Chen

Alice is a Youth, Family and Community Science student at North Carolina State and is originally from Taiwan. She is outgoing and enjoys helping people and participating in community services. She developed an interest in becoming a teacher and felt rewarded when she used her free time volunteering to teach basic economics, which she studied in college. She has been a teacher for six years and not only teaches her students professional knowledge but she also helps them to handle peer and family problems. Thus she decided to study further to strengthen her basic knowledge in the field of youth and families as well as to become a professional family life educator in the future.

Secretary - McKenzie Stokes

Dr. McKenzie Stokes holds a Ph.D. in Applied Social and Community Psychology and is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Developmental Psychology program at Virginia Commonwealth University. McKenzie devotes most of her time to her research, which examines how family relationships (e.g., parent-child relationships) intersect with racial processes (e.g., parent-child communication about race) to impact the wellbeing of Black and Multiracial-Black young people. McKenzie strives to implement her research findings into family coaching practices in order to foster healthy relationships and wellbeing among Black and Multiracial-Black American families. 

Executive Board Member-at-Large - Mary Peeso

I believe in the mission of FLCA and seek to help advance the vision of this organization. As a Family Life Educator, ICF credentialed life coach, certified mental health first responder and soon to be BALM family life recovery coach; my focus is a strength-based approach in working with individuals, families and communities who seek loving solutions to overcome heartaches, challenges and attain recovery by discovering lasting and proven paths for BEING FAMILY STRONG. I have been involved in fundraising activities for the past 10 years in my current position within the University of Rochester. While I do not have direct experience, I believe I have a unique background that would serve FLCA well. My desire is to share my skills and expertise in support of the greater good. I am look forward to the opportunity to support the mission of FLCA. Thank you for your consideration.

Immediate Past Chair - Kimberly Allen, Ph.D., BCC, CFLE

Kimberly Allen, Ph.D., BCC, CFLE is Interim Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs and Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NCSU as well as Co-Creator of the Family Life Coaching Association. Dr. Allen has over 20 year’s experience working with youth and their families and her research interests include student success, family life coaching, teaching with technology, parenting, and relationship education. Dr. Allen is author of the book Theory, Research, and Practical Guidelines for Family Life Coaching.

Executive Board Member-at-Large and Advocacy Co-Chair - Travis Bradley, Ed.D.

Travis directs the Bridge to Learning Project in the Early Life Stress and Resilience Program at Stanford University School of Medicine. He also works privately with adolescents and their families as a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral coach. Previously, he was a clinical researcher for five years studying school-based yoga and mindfulness education. Travis has a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of California, Davis, where he completed his dissertation on mindfulness curriculum development, a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech.

Secretary - McKenzie Stokes

Dr. McKenzie Stokes holds a Ph.D. in Applied Social and Community Psychology and is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Developmental Psychology program at Virginia Commonwealth University. McKenzie devotes most of her time to her research, which examines how family relationships (e.g., parent-child relationships) intersect with racial processes (e.g., parent-child communication about race) to impact the wellbeing of Black and Multiracial-Black young people. McKenzie strives to implement her research findings into family coaching practices in order to foster healthy relationships and wellbeing among Black and Multiracial-Black American families. 

Treasurer - Alice Chen

Alice is a Youth, Family and Community Science student at North Carolina State and is originally from Taiwan.  She is outgoing and enjoys helping people and participating in community services.  She developed an interest in becoming a teacher and felt rewarded when she used her free time volunteering to teach basic economics, which she studied in college.  She has been a teacher for six years and not only teaches her students professional knowledge but she also helps them to handle peer and family problems. Thus she decided to study further to strengthen her basic knowledge in the field of youth and families as well as to become a professional family life educator in the future.

Email: [email protected]

Interim Executive Director and Advocacy Co-Chair - Kimberly Allen, Ph.D., BCC, CFLE

Kimberly Allen, Ph.D., BCC, CFLE is Interim Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs and Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NCSU as well as Co-Creator of the Family Life Coaching Association. Dr. Allen has over 20 year’s experience working with youth and their families and her research interests include student success, family life coaching, teaching with technology, parenting, and relationship education. Dr. Allen is author of the book Theory, Research, and Practical Guidelines for Family Life Coaching.

Executive Board Member-at-Large and Advocacy Co-Chair - Travis Bradley, Ed.D.

Travis directs the Bridge to Learning Project in the Early Life Stress and Resilience Program at Stanford University School of Medicine. He also works privately with adolescents and their families as a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral coach. Previously, he was a clinical researcher for five years studying school-based yoga and mindfulness education. Travis has a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of California, Davis, where he completed his dissertation on mindfulness curriculum development, a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech.

Website: bridgetolearning.stanford.edu

Email: [email protected]

Board of Directors

Advocacy Chair - Treisha Peterson

Dr. Treisha Peterson is a Family Life Educator and Coach, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Adjunct Professor at Texas Woman’s University. Treisha holds a Ph.D. in Human Development, Family Studies, & Counseling and is passionate about the vital role that educators and coaches play in bridging the gaps between empirical literature and public scholarship. Dr. Peterson emphasizes the importance of a trauma-sensitive, shared language in her work with individuals, families, and groups where she infuses mindfulness practices, hope-cognitions, and adaptive story-telling in fostering positive well-being outcomes for families navigating significant life transitions, chronic stress, and trauma.

Dr. Treshia Peterson

Conference Chair - Bridget Walsh

Bridget Walsh, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, is the first author of Transforming Early Head Start Home Visiting: A Family Life Education (FLE) Approach. She is passionate about home visiting, FLE, and early childhood development.

Emerging Coaches Chair - Melissa James

Melissa received her bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Melissa is a Board Certified Coach and runs her own business called Your Life Helper, where she engages in coaching and educating those who are struggling with grief and adversity and want to learn to use their strengths more authentically.

Fundraising Committee Chair - Mary Peeso

I believe in the mission of FLCA and seek to help advance the vision of this organization. As a Family Life Educator, ICF credentialed life coach, certified mental health first responder and soon to be BALM family life recovery coach; my focus is a strength-based approach in working with individuals, families and communities who seek loving solutions to overcome heartaches, challenges and attain recovery by discovering lasting and proven paths for BEING FAMILY STRONG. I have been involved in fundraising activities for the past 10 years in my current position within the University of Rochester. While I do not have direct experience, I believe I have a unique background that would serve FLCA well. My desire is to share my skills and expertise in support of the greater good. I am look forward to the opportunity to support the mission of FLCA. Thank you for your consideration.

Marketing Co-Chair - Deidra M. Craig, M.Ed.

Deidra Craig is the Distance Education Coordinator for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. Her background includes instructional support, distance learning and training and strategic digital marketing and communications for higher education. Previously, Deidra was the Communications Specialist for the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Academic program. She is an active member of the Association for Communication Excellence ACE, a professional organization providing networking opportunities and resources to support those working in the field of agriculture and family science. Deidra received 2 bachelor’s degrees in English and Mass Communication Studies, a graduate certificate in Teaching, Training and Educational Technology and a master’s degree in Training and Development. She is passionate about online learning and improving the online learning experience through effective instructional design tools, online educational resources and creative marketing strategies. 

Deidra Craig

Marketing Co-Chair - Erin Richardson

Erin Richardson is a Raleigh, NC native and is currently employed with Triangle Family Services where she is the Coordinator for the Emergency Housing department. She has been in the field of Social Work for about seven years, following receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Livingstone College. Erin enjoys reading, traveling, being a mom and wife and she also LOVES coaching and assisting others reach their goals and aspirations. When she is not working her day job, Erin is also diligently running her Coaching Business “Reaching Destinies” where she is coaching those that she serves on life and transition, and working with them to find and practice the best technique to reach their destiny!

Membership Chair - Tina Feigal, M.S, Ed.

Tina is a parent coach and the Director of Family Engagement at Anu Family Services/Center for the Challenging Child in St. Paul, MN. A former school psychologist, Tina’s passion is bringing peace to homes, helping adults heal challenging child behavior. Her book Present Moment Parenting: The Guide to a Peaceful Life with Your Intense Child serves to support Tina’s coach trainees and clients and is available on Amazon and Audible.

Professional Enrichment Chair - Ali Tepper, M.Ed.

Ali is a certified parenting instructor, family coach, and Director of Curriculum at Read to Lead. She is a Fulbright scholar, holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education, and is a former classroom teacher. She has more than a decade of experience developing social-emotional learning curricula and game-based learning products for children and adolescents. She coaches parents struggling with challenging behaviors with their children and is passionate about strengthening the parent-child connection. She is a certified instructor through Hand in Hand Parenting and leads support groups where she teaches trauma-informed practices and listening tools that build confidence, cooperation, and security within the family. She lives in Austin, Texas with her hubby, two children, and Spaniel.

Research Chair - Luz Dalia Sanchez

Dr. LuzDalia holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, and her expertise includes qualitative research -phenomenology- and mixed research methodological approaches. In addition, Dr. Sanchez is an MD, with a master’s degree in Community Psychology. She is a certified Family and Parent Educator and Parent Coach from Minnesota. Dr. Sanchez loves children, and she is focused on supporting brain development and social- emotional development in young people through educating, mentoring, and coaching parents/caregivers. Currently, she is the founder and Executive Director of the Astounding Families Alliance in Houston TX.

Standards Chair - Margaret Machara

Margaret is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Sciences at Tennessee State University. She teaches research, parenting, development, and family relationships classes. Dr. Machara is also a Certified Family Life Educator and has worked in childcare centers, in group homes for children, and with families of children with severe emotional disorders.

Structure & Sustainability Chair - Susan Holt

Susan is a Board-Certified Family Life Coach with a master’s degree in education and 30 years of teaching and coaching experience with both children and adults. Her expertise is in building connection in families and classrooms by developing social/emotional intelligence for healthier families and resilient children. In addition, she is privileged to serve as Director of Family Ministry for her church.

Full Board Member-at-Large - Russ Smidt

Russ retired from pediatric medicine Jan 1, 2022. He now works full time at Faithful and True Ministries, Eden Prairie MN, as a Board Certified Coach and is a proud member of the Family Life Coaching Association since 2016. I see individual men, lead men’s groups, and see couples with my wife Susie Smidt LMFT (she does the therapy, I do the coaching). I’m excited to start working as a board member at large. I retain emeritus status with Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park, MN.

Conference Committee Chair - Bridget Walsh

Bridget Walsh, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, is the first author of Transforming Early Head Start Home Visiting: A Family Life Education (FLE) Approach. She is passionate about home visiting, FLE, and early childhood development.

Emerging Coaches Committee Chair - Melissa James

Melissa received her bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho.  Melissa is a Board Certified Coach and runs her own business called Your Life Helper, where she engages in coaching and educating those who are struggling with grief and adversity and want to learn to use their strengths more authentically.

Email: [email protected]

Fundraising Committee - Mary Peeso

I believe in the mission of FLCA and seek to help advance the vision of this organization.  As a Family Life Educator, ICF credentialed life coach, certified mental health first responder and soon to be BALM family life recovery coach; my focus is a strength-based approach in working with individuals, families and communities who seek loving solutions to overcome heartaches, challenges and attain recovery by discovering lasting and proven paths for BEING FAMILY STRONG. I have been involved in fundraising activities for the past 10 years in my current position within the University of Rochester. While I do not have direct experience, I believe I have a unique background that would serve FLCA well. My desire is to share my skills and expertise in support of the greater good.  I am look forward to the opportunity to support the mission of FLCA. Thank you for your consideration.

Email: [email protected] 

Marketing Committee Co-Chair - Erin Richardson

Erin Richardson is a Raleigh, NC native and is currently employed with Triangle Family Services where she is the Coordinator for the Emergency Housing department. She has been in the field of Social Work for about seven years, following receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Livingstone College. Erin enjoys reading, traveling, being a mom and wife and she also LOVES coaching and assisting others reach their goals and aspirations. When she is not working her day job, Erin is also diligently running her Coaching Business “Reaching Destinies” where she is coaching those that she serves on life and transition, and working with them to find and practice the best technique to reach their destiny!

Deidra Craig

Marketing Committee Co-Chair - Deidra M. Craig, M.Ed.

Deidra Craig is the Distance Education Coordinator for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. Her background includes instructional support, distance learning and training and strategic digital marketing and communications for higher education. Previously, Deidra was the Communications Specialist for the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences Academic program. She is an active member of the Association for Communication Excellence ACE, a professional organization providing networking opportunities and resources to support those working in the field of agriculture and family science. Deidra received 2 bachelor’s degrees in English and Mass Communication Studies, a graduate certificate in Teaching, Training and Educational Technology and a master’s degree in Training and Development. She is passionate about online learning and improving the online learning experience through effective instructional design tools, online educational resources and creative marketing strategies. 

Membership Committee - Tina Feigal, M.S, Ed.

Tina is a parent coach and the Director of Family Engagement at Anu Family Services/Center for the Challenging Child in St. Paul, MN. A former school psychologist, Tina’s passion is bringing peace to homes, helping adults heal challenging child behavior. Her book Present Moment Parenting: The Guide to a Peaceful Life with Your Intense Child serves to support Tina’s coach trainees and clients and is available on Amazon and Audible. 

www.parentingmojo.com

www.anufs.org

Email: [email protected]

Professional Enrichment Committee Chair - Ali Tepper, M.Ed.

Ali is a certified parenting instructor, family coach, and Director of Curriculum at Read to Lead. She is a Fulbright scholar, holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education, and is a former classroom teacher. She has more than a decade of experience developing social-emotional learning curricula and game-based learning products for children and adolescents. She coaches parents struggling with challenging behaviors with their children and is passionate about strengthening the parent-child connection. She is a certified instructor through Hand in Hand Parenting and leads support groups where she teaches trauma-informed practices and listening tools that build confidence, cooperation, and security within the family. She lives in Austin, Texas with her hubby, two children, and Spaniel.

Email: [email protected]

Research Committee and Board Member-at-Large - Luz Dalia Sanchez

Dr. LuzDalia holds a Parent Coach certificate from the Concordia University at St. Paul MN. In addition, she is an MD, with a Master’s Degree in Community Psychology and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. She has taught public health courses to medical students for over 20 years. Furthermore, she has been working with multicultural families for over 25 years and she focused on parenting coach. Currently, she is the founder and Executive Director of the Astounding Families Alliance, in Houston TX.

Links: https://astoundingfamiliesalliance.com/

Email: [email protected]

Structure/Sustainability Committee - Susan Holt

Susan is a Board-Certified Family Life Coach with a master’s degree in education and 30 years of teaching and coaching experience with both children and adults. Her expertise is in building connection in families and classrooms by developing social/emotional intelligence for healthier families and resilient children. In addition, she is privileged to serve as Director of Family Ministry for her church.

Email: [email protected]

Standards Committee - Margaret Machara

Margaret is an Associate Professor in the Department of  Human Sciences at Tennessee State University.  She teaches research, parenting, development, and family relationships classes.  Dr. Machara is also a Certified Family Life Educator and has worked in childcare centers, in group homes for children, and with families of children with severe emotional disorders.

Email: [email protected]

Board Member-at-Large - Sterling Wall

Sterling Wall, with his wife of 32 years, Natalie, are the parents of 5 children, grandparents of 4, and have been foster parents to over 20 children with varying ages and ranges of needs. With a Bachelors in Economics from Brigham Young University, Masters in Counseling from the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, and a PH.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University, Sterling continues his professional development with certification as a Parenting Coach from the Center for the Challenging Child. Currently in his 20th year teaching in the Family & Consumer Sciences department at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, “I can’t wait to get our UWSP family life coaching program certified by FLCA!!!”

Email: [email protected]

Committees

Advocacy

Focuses on coaching – related state and national politics and policies; lobbies for reimbursement for family life coaches; establishes partnerships with other entities to further FLCA mission and vision.

Conference

Works to secure a location, advertising, the pricing structure, call for proposals, keynote speakers and all logistics of the annual conference.

Emerging Coaches

Works to encourage and support students, new professionals and anyone new to the field of family life coaching, including collaborating with other committees to assist these emerging coaches.

Fundraising

Responsible for creating a holistic fundraising plan that may include special events, direct mail, social media, product sales, online programs grants, and other fundraising methods.

Marketing

Works to promote the FLCA mission and vision through branding, consistent messaging and advertising. Works in tandem with the Membership Committee to build membership.

Membership

Encourages and sustains membership in FLCA through promotions, connecting personally with each new member, connecting them with appropriate committees; coordinates and tracks memberships and renewals.

Professional Enrichment

Solicits, schedules and advertises webinar speakers on a variety of interesting and relevant topics; hosts the Book Club.

Research

Reviews and shares pertinent coaching literature; assists members in writing blogs and short articles; assists Advocacy in writing position papers and policy briefs; a long-term goal is to establish a Family Life Coaching Journal.

Standards

Currently developing a global certification and credentialing process and standards to be adopted by the Family Life Coaching Association.

Structure & Sustainability

Updates Bylaws, Handbook and Board Committee Summary; manage annual elections and provide Board training; analyze strategic planning.
Interested in joining one of our committees?
All committees are volunteer positions. To apply, please send your information to the Chair of the committee that interests you. Include your full name, email address, resume and a brief statement of interest. The Chair will contact you by email or phone. Thank you!