In response to community demand, (YES) has added a parenting specialist, Jennifer Watanabe, to its team of youth counselors and chemical dependency professionals. A telephone survey conducted in 2009 found that parents were in need of support and education and wanted YES to provide this service.
Watanabe brings more than 14 years of experience teaching parenting classes at Bellevue College, where she will continue teaching part time, as well as for other community organizations. She has also completed Seattle Pacific University's Parent Coaching Institute’s certificate program.
“Jennifer has an extensive understanding of parenting issues and specifically issues relevant to Eastside parents,” said YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan. “She is a longtime Eastside resident who has raised her children in this community, has worked with hundreds of parents, and understands what parents are going through.”
As the YES parenting specialist, Watanabe will offer parent education classes and individual support via parent coaching.
As YES’ first parent coach, she will be available to provide one-on-one encouragement and guidance to parents who need help implementing positive and effective parenting practices.
“I look forward to partnering with YES staff to help parents create loving, encouraging and positively structured homes where mutually respectful relationships can flourish,” said Watanabe. “Parents can increase the odds of their child’s success and teaching parents to parent well is what I love to do.”
Parents interested in learning more about parent support at YES are encouraged to contact Watanabe at JenniferW@YouthEastsideServices.org, or sign-up for the e-newsletter at www.YouthEastsideServices.org which offers helpful parenting tips and lists upcoming programs.
-- Information from Youth Eastside Services
