Hi, I’m Kaela.
I’m a Parenting Empowerment Partner and psychologist with a passion for helping families live authentically & intentionally, and make what matters happen.
My Story
I founded Parenting, By You, because I love being a parent and exploring the art and science of parenting. I’m a big believer in authentic, intentional parenting, because life is short and there is so much magic and joy to be found in the relationships we get to have with these incredible little people!
I’m passionate about partnering with people on their journey to living their best lives - authentically and intentionally - which is what originally led me to pursue my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology focusing on child development and parenting.
I have 5+ years of experience as a therapist and consultant helping individuals and families from diverse backgrounds make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives by building collaborative partnerships and understanding their unique needs and experiences.
In addition to my family consultation experience, I have 10 years of research experience, working with world renowned experts to understand key aspects of child development and I have published 6 peer-reviewed articles on parent-child relationships and children’s emotions.
I also have experience as an educator, teaching undergraduate university courses in psychology, on topics such as behavioral principles, emotion, romantic relationships, and more. I’ve also guest lectured for various seminars and courses, including for the Interpersonal Psychotherapy Institute.
On a personal note, I’m a fellow parent. I know what it’s like out there in the real world, though I don’t know what it’s like in your world. That’s why our collaborative relationship is so important! I’m originally from the USA, but now live in Munich, Germany. In my free time, I love being with my family, traveling, reading, biking with my toddler, and photographing flowers. All of the flower pictures, and actually all of the website pics except those of me, are my own. I love flowers (which is probably obvious), but sadly I have to stick to photographs and fake flowers at home, since I’m allergic to them!
professional qualifications
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Title: Psychologist (M.A.) with expertise in Clinical Psychogy & Child Development
Master of Art’s Degree in Clinical Psychology — Kent State University, May 2015
*Degree recognized as equivalent to a Master’s Degree in Germany by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen - KMK
Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology - Kent State University, 2015-2018
Bachelor of Art’s Degrees in Psychology and German — Luther College, May 2012
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I spent 10 years in various psychology research labs, collaborating with experts on various aspects of child development, especially parent-child attachment. My published works explored under-recognized areas like the crucial role of fathers in child development. Passionate about early emotional well-being, I also investigated the interplay between parent-child attachment and emotions. My research collaborations and clinical experience also provided a deep understanding of perinatal depression and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. These topics are all integral to the work I do in supporting parents now.
Child Development Publications (click for links to articles)
Family Processes In Child Anxiety: The long-term impact of fathers and mothers
Attachment and Emotion in Middle Childhood and Adolescence
Parent–Child Attachment And Children's Experience And Regulation Of Emotion: A meta-analytic review.
Children's Emotion Understanding And Mother–Child Attachment: A meta-analysis.
Pet Dogs: Does their presence influence preadolescents’ emotional responses to a social stressor?
Other Publications
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I was an undergraduate instructor at Kent State University for two years. Courses I taught covered subjects such as learning & behavior, emotion, romantic relationships, health, and personality. I enjoyed connecting with students and was proud to receive feedback that my teaching style helped students personalize information and apply it to real world scenarios. I have also guest lectured for several university courses and for the Interpersonal Psychotherapy Institute.
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During the 5 years I trained as a therapist, I empowered individuals and families across diverse backgrounds (racial/ethnic, socioeconomic) in hospitals and community clinics. My work with children, families, perinatal women (pregnant and postpartum), and adults yielded positive client outcomes including improved communication, enhanced coping with child behavior challenges, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. My ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and personalize treatment consistently garnered praise from clients and supervisors.
I received specialized training in several evidence-based psychotherapies (see below), all of which inform the work I do now:
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Positive Parenting Program (PPP)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)