RETAIN Parental Leave Certified Coaches
RETAIN Parental Leave Certified coaches use evidence-based methodologies and practical tools to help support working parents and managers to navigate the 3 phases of the parental leave transition smoothly and sustainably. Coaches can be hired directly by the new parent or their employer. The direct and personalized support that RETAIN Parental Leave Coaches offer has been shown to decrease stress at work and home, increase communication with key stakeholders, support more equitable divisions of labor, improve sleep strategies, increase uptake of existing workplace resources, increase employees sense of mattering, improve health and wellness (including perinatal mental health), and ultimately help create a better experience for all.
Kimberly Andre is a RETAIN Parental Leave trained, certified Coach. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Florida. She obtained her Master’s degree from Florida International University in 2013. She has over 10 years of clinical experience in the field empowering and uplifting clients from diverse backgrounds to be the best version of themselves with evidence-based care. Mrs. Andre is a certified perinatal mental health professional and a certified lactation consultant. She has over 7 years of experience working with mothers experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Mrs. Andre provides virtual sessions only. Her work focuses on helping women to heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. This is achieved by providing her patients with a neutral safe space, listening to their concerns, and customizing an individualized treatment plan or action steps plan based on client’s needs.
Hello, my name is Hillary Aponte-Chimelis and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and established a private practice, H. Aponte-Chimelis Counseling LLC, located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. I am trained in family and trauma informed therapy. I am also certified in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International (PSI). I developed a passion for the perinatal population due to my own experience with recurrent pregnancy loss and my transition to motherhood during the global crisis (COVID-19). I am devoted to creating awareness on the importance of perinatal mental health and the transitions to parenthood.
Ayo is a business and family life strategist and consultant with a practice that supports women through by far, one of the biggest life transitions – Matrescence.
Sonya is a seasoned clinician and coach with over 20 years experience serving families from diverse background. Sonya received her BA in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University and her Master’s in Social Work from San Jose State University. Sonya is Gottman trained and a Bringing Baby Home Educator. Sonya prides herself is working collaboratively with clients to build healthy relationships that fully supports their personal goals where they can thrive.
Mollie is the Founder/Director of a Private Psychotherapy Practice , Mindful Power LLC, for the past 13 years. She has extensive training in CBT, REBT, Perinatal Mental Health, and Fertility Counseling. During her work as a therapist working with new parents- she has witnessed the value in having adequate support during the transition to becoming a working parent. Mollie utilizes an empathetic, solution oriented, flexible, and realistic approach when working with her clients. She is grateful to be able to help her clients tap into their inner strengths and their organizational assets to create a smoother and successful transition!
In addition to being a RETAIN Parental Leave Coach, I am also a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Pediatric Sleep Consultant, and Childbirth and Breastfeeding Educator.
Whitney specializes in helping everyday women who seek to improve their ability to cope with their daily challenges. As a woman herself, she understands society’s pressures on women as they attempt to navigate their careers, family dynamics, relationships, and everyday life.
Jennifer Cunningham has been a Human Capital Management professional for nearly 20 years. The last 10 years she has created programs in the workplace to support parents and caregivers. Her passion is coaching women and men on their transition out on parental leave and back to work. Jennifer’s goal is to guide her clients in attaining a successful and fulfilling professional and personal life. She has her Masters in Social Work, is a Certified Transitional and Leadership Coach and a RETAIN Parental Leave Coach.
I know it’s possible for new parents to feel fulfilled and valued at home and at work, but that it requires careful planning and strategic support. My life’s work has combined corporate communications, workplace wellness and personal development, expertise I use to create career strategies that allow parents of young children to thrive.
I am passionate about working with people who are growing their families. I love supporting them through all stages of this incredible transition. As a licensed marriage & family therapist and a RETAIN Certified Parental Leave Coach, I can assist you in confidently stepping into your role as a working parent and having the fulfilling life of your dreams!
Sarah Hess is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified perinatal mental health provider, certified advanced grief counselor, certified RETAIN parental leave coach, and Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator. She specializes in working with women’s issues, peri and post natal issues, anxiety and depression, grief, phase of life and adjustment issues, and family and couple issues.
Claire is the Founder of Mama Collaborative and a Maternity Leave Coach who helps women embrace working motherhood with confidence, grace and a plan. Through one-on-one coaching programs, impactful workshops, comprehensive online courses, proprietary resources and a supportive online community, Claire shares the critical mindset shifts, strategies and encouragement working moms need to succeed – especially in the early days of motherhood.
Qef Johnson is a nurse, childbirth educator and highly experienced doula. She is passionate about supporting families and building communities. Her love for perinatal health developed during her studies at Howard University, in which she majored in Biology; while her devotion to supporting birthing families began through her own experiences during pregnancy and postpartum. Qef has been in private practice as a full spectrum doula since 2015 and has provided childbirth education to parents for the last 6 years. She has supported families in a variety of birth places, birth choices and birth circumstances. Previously, Qef worked as a nurse in acute patient care and in corporate quality improvement for over 12 years. Recently, Qef Johnson became a Certified RETAIN Parental Leave Coach to support parents through the transitions of balancing parenthood and careers. Qef lives in Brooklyn, NY and is a mother of 4 children. In her spare time, she loves to dance, eat Ethiopian food, and most of all travel.
Crystal Jones has served in the US Army for over 24 years, and is married to another Soldier. Both consider their biggest leadership role – being parents to their three daughters. Her experiences as a mother and desires as a leader have been the catalysts for her passion in this field. Crystal has served in various military, professional, and community roles that have resulted in policy and cultural changes related to work-life interaction, balance, and integration. In addition to this, she has also contributed to, coauthored, and facilitated courses and training related to emotional intelligence. As a Doctoral Candidate at North Central University, Crystal is currently conducting a study related to this field and these topics, specifically examining the role of emotional intelligence in the transition to a working mother. This course has expanded her ability to better understand and integrate the changes of fathers into her future work.
He transitioned out of the military in 2007 and began the hardest battle of his life, trying to find my place as a Veteran, business owner, leader, and family man.
Ed is a coach, consultant, and trainer in job title but identifies his work as wanting to make the work place more generative and healing. He works with individuals and teams to align their intentions to the impact they want to have. He finds joy in helping leaders and teams clarify their north star and utilize emotions as critical data points as they make decisions and lead themselves and others.
Joanna has spent the last decade in public education teaching music and fitness and is skilled in creating safe, equitable, and inclusive environments for the spaces she is in. It wasn’t until becoming a parent that she became painfully aware of the lack of support for new working parents. Joanna’s grounded, empathetic, and instructional approach is informed by her many experiences and certifications centered around child development, leadership, and social emotional learning. She lives in Austin, TX with her husband and their daughter and son.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California practicing as a therapist and paternal leave coach. I specialize in maternal mental health and I’m passionate about supporting individuals through their perinatal and parenting journey.
Elke is an executive coach, experienced HR leader, and mom of two amazing teens. Throughout her career, Elke has worked to realize her vision of a world where leading with humanity and compassion is table stakes for organizations. She understands just how critical the parental leave transition period is to new parents and the employee/employer relationship. In addition to supporting dozens of expectant and new parents in the workplace, Elke has led organizational culture shifts to be more inclusive and family friendly.
Leila D. Lewis started her birth-worker journey more than 10 years ago; having trained with an array of organizations and diverse peoples from health professionals to reproductive health advocates to reproductive justice warriors. Leila’s journey has led her to the present where she serves growing families as a Family Wholeness Advocate in her community. As an advocate, Leila’s work and partnerships serve the sole purpose of ensuring all families are empowered by their natural right to make educated decisions for themselves and their families.
Kielyr comes from a large background of supporting and educating individuals, families, and groups in the realms of trauma, neurodivergence, pregnancy, and postpartum. She is a clinical social worker and supervisor. She owns Soteria Coaching and Consulting and Soteria Mental Health. Her drive for supporting the perinatal period comes from her own experiences in pregnancy and parental leave and her drive to make that process better for other parents.
Nicole is the owner of New Motion Wellness and a board-certified health and wellness professional with an extensive background in organizational wellbeing and behavior change. She is responsible for driving positive culture shifts in organizations and providing award-winning wellbeing programs. Working in many industries across the country, Nicole has a wide range of experience in whole person wellbeing. Previously, she was pre-natal and post-partum master teainer. Most recently, Nicole was certified in Perinatal Mental Health which has advanced her opportunity to work closely with pregnant women and new moms, expanding her coaching practices to work with women from all walks of life starting the adventure of motherhood. Nicole was a master trainer and educator in Los Angeles and New York City fitness markets. She was also a performer on both the national and international stage. Exercise science, corporate wellness, dance, and fitness programming are still among Nicole’s strengths providing insight to her coaching practices.
Anna McKay is a sought-after Return to Work and Leadership Development coach and the founder of Parents Pivot. She’s on a mission to help parents successfully navigate career transitions and lead with confidence in careers they love.
Heike Mitchell, PhD is a consultant and psychologist specializing in working with physician leaders and other healthcare professionals in navigating parenthood while building a fulfilling and successful career. Her expertise in stress/burnout prevention and career development was honed through her time as an Employee Assistance Professional at the University of California-San Francisco. She is skilled in supporting LGBTQ folx with their unique family building journeys and follows a solution-focused and research-based approach. Dr. Mitchell provides services virtually, as well as in-person around the San Francisco Bay Area.
John Wayne Mullins began studying leadership early in his Coast Guard career, which launched him on a path where he now coaches, speaks and trains leaders on how to better engage and equip their teams. With over 23 years, John still serves as a Coast Guard Reserve officer. John has a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a focus in Coaching and Mentoring from Regent University.
Bi-cultural working mom who values community and education. I am a passionate advocate for creating a better future centered on Justice, Equity, and Belonging. My pronouns are she/her and they/them.
Jen O’Rourke has more that 16 years of experience working as a Clinical Psychotherapist, Parent Educator, and Parent Coach. She holds a Bachelors in Child Development from Purdue University, as well as a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Jen is a licensed psychotherapist currently workings in private practice and specializing in perinatal mental health, as well as infant and toddler mental health. Beyond private practice, Jen also owns a consulting and coaching business that is dedicated to helping parents find concrete solutions to their parenting dilemmas and move them closer to a peaceful parenting practice. Although her clinical experience with children and families is vast, nothing taught Jen more than the school of life. As a working mother of 2 young children, Jen knows first-hand the unique struggles that working parents face, as they try to balance work and family life. As a coach, Jen brings a unique warmth and humor to her sessions, while simultaneously helping parents take action and stay goal directed.
Emily has over 10 years of experience in the Learning and Development field, including work within major hospital systems, medical device manufacturers, and academia. Her dual career as both a Corporate Trainer and a Birth and Postpartum Doula informs her practical and wholehearted approach to Parental Coaching. She is a certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Prosci Change Management Practitioner. Using these skills, she guides new parents in cultivating their confidence, tuning in to their inner wisdom, and allowing space for vulnerability during a beautifully messy time in life. Emily particularly enjoys working with first-time parents and those with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). She has given a TEDx talk on her experience with PMADs after the birth of her first baby. Emily lives in Bloomington, Indiana with her husband Tom and their two young children.
Charity Quinn has over two decades experience helping expectant and new parents. Charity has a formal background in social work and has focused her career on giving support, advocacy, education, and resources to families in crisis. For 8 years, Charity shifted her energy to being a full-time parent to her two young children. She rejoined the workforce in 2019 accepting a job at First Chance for Children, a nonprofit providing basic needs and education at no cost to families with young children. Charity coordinates the Lend and Learn, a hub for play, learning, and social interaction for hundreds of children and families in Central Missouri. She leads an inclusive, compassionate community of families to experience less stress and more joy in daily life.
Marny Requa is an Associate Professor at Georgian Court University and the owner of Shift Work Life Consulting LLC, a coaching and consulting firm specializing in parental leave, executive leadership, and organizational culture and policy. Marny has held leadership and mentoring roles in higher education and has a passion for gender equity in the workplace and DEI work, including support for POC and LGBTQ+ community members. As an academic researcher she focuses on gender and the law and comparative law. At the core of her coaching practice is trust in a client’s vision and competencies, and she loves supporting clients to orient their work lives toward strengths and values and navigate significant life changes. She has personal experience with NICU stays and T1 diabetes care. Marny is an elected school board member and lives on the Jersey Shore with her husband and two children.
As a Certified Retain Parental Leave Coach, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, and Marriage and Family therapist, my specialties lie in supporting individuals and families through the perinatal period, the transition to parenthood, and the challenges and joys of early parenthood. My target audience includes expectant parents and new parents.
Emily is a mom of 4 kids, a veterinarian, an author, and a certified RETAIN Parental Leave Coach. Throughout her experiences navigating pregnancy, parental leave, and working parenthood while working as a veterinary professional, she saw the lack of information and support for new and expecting parents in her field and in general. She set out to find answers to her questions and help others who would face similar struggles. As a result, she authored Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team, a comprehensive manual for working in veterinary medicine during pregnancy and as a working parent.
Megan built her career in corporate finance and was deeply impacted by her life transition of becoming a working mother. Always passionate about a robust career, she was unprepared for the equivalent passion that she felt when she became a mother. This intense drive for career and motherhood led Megan to experiment with different models for herself and also pioneer several resources for working mothers and parents at large, including a New Moms group, a Mentor Mom program and a Working Parents Employee Resource Group (“ERG”) at her Fortune 500 employer’s world headquarters. She is experienced in leading teams, interfacing with executive leadership and influencing outcomes.
Anne Welsh, PhD is clinical psychologist, certified executive coach and parent of 4 kids. Her therapy practice focuses on women’s mental health, including a specialization in perinatal mental health and anxiety. Her coaching practice focuses on working parents and leadership roles, women in STEM and law, and improving team dynamics and emotional intelligence. Prior to starting her private practice, Dr. Welsh worked at Harvard University.
Jessica Wilen, Ph.D. is an assistant professor at the Yale Child Study Center and serves as the inaugural Director of Professional Standards, providing in-house organizational development and leadership consulting across Yale School of Medicine.
Elizabeth Wood began her career as a US Nuclear Navy officer, after graduating from the US Naval Academy with a degree in Physics and an advanced degree in Engineering Management. Her early career consists of nearly 15 years in the Nuclear Energy Field as a nuclear Naval officer and civilian with Arizona Public Service at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating station. After the arrival of her two children, she shifted gears in an attempt to create a healthy balance of family-time, meaningful employment and volunteer work. She currently juggles work as an Organizational Development consultant, founder of Matrescence: 4th Trimester Planning and Support as well as her various volunteer positions: Postpartum Support International (PSI) – AZ Chapter Board Chair, AZ Department of Health Services Maternal Mortality Review Committee Member, and a Certified Maternal Mental Health Peer Support Coaching. Elizabeth has also represented the USA in two field hockey Masters World Cups.