Name a couple of organizations that you belong to
Isabelle: The International Coaching Federation, Northwest Coaching Association, TASH, Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse (CAICA)
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Name one event that has singlehandedly influenced you most
Isabelle: Learning tens of thousands of American children are spending a great part of their youth away from home, locked behind closed doors in facilities locacted in the US and outside the US. Learning many have been abused, neglected, and that some have died as a result of the negligence of others. And learning it is parents who are choosing to send their kids to these places without realizing the teen-help industry is not even regulated.
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Who or what do you aspire to and why?
Isabelle: I aspire to let the world know that the teen-help industry exists and that it is unregulated. I want parents to understand what they are signing up for. And most importantly, I aspire to give parents options through coaching. I believe parents have the ability to parent their children and teens and that often the issues can be resolved at home. I realize this is not always possible, but often it is. I think it's worth a try.
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If you could give the world one piece of advice, what would it be?
Isabelle: Keep your children and teens close.
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Name two aspects of your career that you are most passionate about
Isabelle: Helping parents and helping kids.
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Describe your most significant on the job success in the last five years
Isabelle: For me it would have to be making the decision to change careers. Founding an organization, the Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse (CAICA), building a comprehensive website that has been used by researchers, government officials, college students, media, parents, lawyers, etc. Knowing I am helping parents and teens. Founding Positive Family Solutions, where I plan to make a difference in the lives of families who need my support.
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Do you love what you do? Why?
Isabelle: Yes, I love what I do. I have worked with children and familes in different capacities my entire teen and adult life. While what I do can be stressful and demanding at times, it is my passion. There is nothing I would rather do than help families who are in need. It is satisfying to hear a parent tell me I've made a difference in their family life, to know I've helped them during their darkest hours with their children.
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Despite your success, what do you still find difficult in your career?
Isabelle: The undercurrent - people in the world who claim to advocate for parents and teens when in reality they have their own hidden agendas. People who truly want to help families must rise above this and not allow the undercurrent to bring them down.
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