Kids Life Coaches

Adam Bloom

Coach, Pennsylvania

I am a certified kids life coach, and also have taught for over 30 years. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from The University of Delaware and a Masters degree in reading from Holy Family University. Besides being a teacher, I was also a reading specialist for 5 years. My life’s passion has been to help kids and now it is to coach them to become the best version of themselves!

Melanie Herway

Coach, Pennsylvania

I am thrilled to be a kids life coach! I have received training and certification through the Health and Life Coach Institute. I graduated with a degree in Dance Education where I began my journey of exploring and expressing emotion and imagination. For a few years I taught dance to kids from the ages of 3-16 in the school and studio setting, then I dedicated myself to my own children who are now 17, 14, 12, and 9. I love kids and I want to help empower them to believe in themselves, be able to handle the challenges they face, and take action to create their best life.

Kristen Brazofsky

Coach, New Jersey

I’ve been an educator for 25 years, teaching elementary school, high school and special education. Professionally, I have been writing curriculum and teaching students across various content areas and at many levels for about 20 years. One area I particularly enjoy teaching is the importance of executive functioning skills, self-motivation and personal development. I recently started coaching students, privately, and have seen success in working with them on an individual basis. I coach them to implement skills and strategies as they apply to their specific daily routines, workloads, work spaces, schedules, materials and stress levels. Just as every person has a unique personality, students also develop different learning styles and preferences for organization and resource management. I coach to meet their strengths but to challenge, and strengthen, areas of weakness. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Scranton and my Master’s degree in Special Education at the New Jersey City University. Additionally, I earned a certificate in Early Childhood development at Middle Tennessee State University. Outside of teaching, raising my 17 year old “kiddo” into a kind, funny, strong, independent, organized, very focused, driven and hard working young woman is by far, my biggest and most fulfilling accomplishment. Working with parents, children, and young adults on the small, incremental, but consistent steps to achieve their goals, is what gets me out of bed every day. My motto is “a little progress each day adds up to big results.”

Paula Branez

Coach, Texas

I am from La Paz Bolivia and discovered my passion for working with kids when I came to the USA to be a teacher. I taught bilingual kids for 11 years and have been coaching kids in Spanish and English since 2018.

The kids I have coached are kids that learned how to understand their inside world, their thoughts, their emotions and learned how to self regulate.

Kids and teens that develop these skills at a young age are more confident, comfortable with themselves, will develop more self control, self love and self respect, which leads to better connections and relationships, which leads to more connected families. That’s what motivates me every single day.

Julienne Kawai

Coach, New York

Hi! I’m on a mission to inspire and empower kids in every way! I have a background in psychology, business, and teaching English to non-native speakers. My current passions are coaching individuals, groups and teaching Leadership and Life Skills workshops. I also volunteer as an Assistant Scout Master for Scouts BSA (which now includes girls!). I have lived overseas as an adult in Japan and Brazil and I speak Portuguese, Spanish, and a little Japanese. I am currently learning Italian.

I am mom to 2 awesome boys- ages 12 and 16, who teach me daily about how to be a better parent. My certification in Kids Life Coaching has also helped me become more sensitive to the needs of parents who would like to smooth out the friction points of communication and behavior with their children. My coaching style aims to help children foster self-leadership skills by learning how to:

I love working with kids and I look forward to each coaching session, as it fuels my passion to help become the best version of themselves.

Laura Haigler

Coach, Texas

“I’ve always had a passion working with children and their families. This passion led me to obtain my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and to teaching Pre-K. I have also nannied professionally and love the mix of helping educationally as well as emotionally in and outside of the classroom. Through my own self development journey I learned how powerful life coaching is, which led me to become a certified Child Life Coach. I believe all children can benefit with someone in their corner helping them with mindful habits and techniques that help maximize their potential. Helping children develop a strong sense of self and emotional maturity is so rewarding for me. Outside of coaching I love to travel, stay active, take my dog on adventures and develop meaningful connections. I look forward to meeting you and helping your child thrive!”

Melissa Kelly

Coach, New Jersey

For the past 30 years, I have had the incredible opportunity to work as a teacher and school counselor, guiding children and young adults through their formative years. My driving passion has always been to ensure that every young person feels not only supported, but also truly seen and heard. Throughout my career, I’ve forged meaningful relationships that empowered my students to develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation necessary to thrive in today’s complex world. Navigating childhood and adolescence is no small feat, but I firmly believe that with the right tools and support, our youth can overcome any challenge they face to become the best version of themselves. I am thrilled to be working with Stars Kids Life Coaches! Together, we will cultivate a nurturing environment where our kids can flourish and celebrate their strengths and uniqueness. Let’s unite our efforts to help them shine bright!

Melissa Essue

Coach, Canada

Hello there! It is a pleasure to meet you. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Melissa N. Essue, a passionate and dedicated kids life coach. With a formal education in Behavior Science and Infant Mental Health, I have accumulated over 23 years of hands-on experience working directly with children facing special needs and other complex learning and life challenges. My mission is to help children thrive and overcome obstacles through fun, engaging, and child-focused instructional strategies.

Bio:

My journey as a kids life coach began with a strong foundation in Behavior Science and Infant Mental Health, laying the groundwork for my extensive experience in supporting children with diverse needs. Over the years, I have honed my skills and knowledge in various areas, including social skills, social communication, EQ education, and social-emotional learning.

By utilizing the best practices and child-focused instructional strategies, I have successfully established effective guidelines and learning strategies that resonate with each individual child. I firmly believe in the power of understanding the “why” behind behaviors, while using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practices, I promote positive ways to stay in control, lean on coping skills, and effective ways of communication.

For the past ten years, I have had the privilege of working in a school environment, where I focus on helping children navigate social situations, manage conflicts, and handle their emotions on a daily basis. I rely on Social Emotional Learning strategies and my Social Skills Training to provide real-time, in-the-moment assistance to students in need.

What sets my approach apart is the combination of various modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindful CBT Coaching, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Narrative Therapy, Emotional & Self Regulation, and Family Mediation Training. By drawing from this diverse toolkit, I create a unique and child-focused approach that helps each individual thrive.

As an ABA Coach, my mission is to support neurodiverse individuals through targeted, ABA-based behavioral coaching. I specialize in providing one-on-one support for individuals with autism and/or ADHD, catering to toddlers, children, teenagers, and their parents and caregivers. While working with individuals aged 17 and under, I ensure the involvement of parents or legal guardians during sessions to foster a collaborative approach to growth and development.

Some of the key areas I focus on include developing vocational skills for neurodivergent adults, supporting emotional regulation during times of distress, identifying preventative strategies to avoid meltdowns, and assisting with executive functioning skills such as time management, impulse control, planning, and organization. I take a keen interest in improving social communication skills needed to set the stage for success in their future.

Kim Mullins

Coach, North Carolina

I am an academic library professor for over a decade. Before this, I was a New York K-12 certified school library media specialist and a corporate trainer/instructional designer/technical writer. I have worn many hats! This varied experience provides insight into what children need to be successful as lifelong learners, starting from pre-kindergarten through adulthood. As a mom of three Division One athletes (currently a West Point graduate, medical school student, and public health graduate student), I understand the struggle and joy of raising happy and productive children! My goal is for the kids I work with to expand their toolbox of strategies that will contribute to successful personal, academic, and professional lives!

Matt Mount

Coach, Pennsylvania

For the past 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of being a passionate and dedicated teacher. Throughout my tenure, I’ve taught students from kindergarten through fifth grade, witnessing their growth and potential firsthand. My mission as a kids life coach? To ignite curiosity, foster resilience, and empower each child to reach their maximum potential. I have a bachelors and masters in Education with years of experience working with special education students. My approach is simple, Caring: I believe that genuine care lays the foundation for meaningful learning. When kids feel seen and valued, they thrive. Supportive: coaching isn’t just about one aspect; it’s about nurturing the whole child. I provide a safe space where kids can express themselves and explore their unique abilities. I aim to inspire, motivate and build confidence in kids and teens. As a member of the STARS Kids Life Coaches team, I’m excited to extend my passion beyond the classroom. Let’s empower our children to shine like the stars they are!

Heather Milican

Coach, Florida

I began my teaching career in Florida, after graduating from the University of Central Florida in 1997, and haven’t stopped working alongside youth, families, and our community to support students in becoming the best versions of themselves. I have taught students from PreK3 to 12th grade in reading, English, study skills, and learning support. Several years ago, I added the role of youth coaching to allow me to support students outside of school in cultivating a mindset of resilience and growth. I deeply believe that the teaching and learning cycle through coaching allows youth to make strides towards towards their best self!

Nicole Hayes

Coach, Florida

Nicole Hayes brings a wealth of experience and passion to the STARS Kids program. Residing in the picturesque St. John’s County, Florida, Nicole holds a master’s degree in Special Education and is currently in her fifth year of teaching. Her dedication to empowering and supporting children is the cornerstone of her work.

Outside of her professional life, Nicole is a devoted mother to two beautiful girls and a loving wife. Together with her family, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors through hiking, swimming, and creating delicious meals in the kitchen. Nicole’s enthusiasm for life’s adventures and her commitment to nurturing young minds make her an invaluable asset to the STARS Kids team.

Jennifer Tracy

Coach, Pennsylvania

As an educator for more than 20 years, I have always had a passion for helping children be the best versions of themselves. Throughout the years as a special ed and general ed teacher for students K-6, I have found that mental health and social skills must work alongside academics. When children feel good about themselves, when they feel like they belong and are comfortable, when they can persevere each day, that’s when they are ready to be successful. Taking the time to give young people the tools that they need to be confident, strong, and resilient as they learn to navigate their world is essential. I am beyond excited to start this next journey as a STARS Kid’s Life Coach and be able to reach a new group of children in a different way than I am able to in the classroom.