About Me
Welcome
I'm Jenifer Kasten. My goal is to provide parents with the type of support I needed when I first became a mother in 2001. I needed empathy and understanding from someone who had walked in my shoes, but that wasn't all. I also needed concrete strategies, resources, coping skills, and advocacy training. More than two decades later, I am deeply honored and gratified by the opportunity to share my knowledge and compassion with those who are struggling.
My Background
I grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., the daughter of a civil rights attorney and a clinical psychotherapist. From as far back as I can remember, I have felt a deep personal calling toward helping people who are marginalized and struggling.
While in college, I became interested in the study of both psychology and of government as a means toward solving human problems, and eventually I chose to pursue a law degree. After becoming a mother to two high need children, I began to direct my professional efforts to advocating for students with disabilities.
After almost two decades as an advocate, however, I came to an important realization. Although securing appropriate school services and supports may be necessary, it is not necessarily the most important way to help disabled or neurodivergent children over the long haul. Equally critical is nurturing positive, healthy relationships between parents and children. As a coach, I focus both on empowering parents to become advocates themselves while simultaneously providing the support they need to foster positive, secure, parent-child relationships.
For additional information about my education, experience, writing, and other accomplishments, please visit my LinkedIn profile.