From Academia to Coaching: Dr. Calvina's Journey to Transforming Parenting
Dr. Calvina's transition from academia to becoming a thriving parenting coach encapsulates the power of passion, education, and community support. Her journey began with an academic foundation, but her real growth came through embracing the practical challenges and joys of parenting, both in her personal life and through her business, Ellerbe Essentials.
Bridging Academia and Real-World Parenting
Dr. Calvina's journey started in the classroom, where she noticed gaps in the life skills of her college students. As a professor, she saw firsthand how many young adults struggled with self-identity and resilience, issues she believed stemmed from their upbringing.
“I was watching a lot of students who started out as pretty good kids get lost in trying to fit in because their sense of self was not as deeply connected as it should be. I knew that was the role of a parent to help them learn an identity that doesn't change based on the circumstances.”
This realization fueled her desire to directly support parents, leading her to pursue certification as a parenting coach with her husband's encouragement. Her academic background as a family demographer provided a solid foundation, but she knew that most parents wouldn't benefit from academic articles and complex theories. Instead, they needed practical, accessible guidance.
Launching Ellerbe Essentials
Ellerbe Essentials was born out of a desire to help families return to the basics of love and connection. Dr. Calvina aimed to empower parents to connect deeply with their children and create thriving family environments. Becoming a parenting coach wasn't a decision made lightly. With the support of her husband and her own experiences raising five children, she embarked on this new journey.
Her approach to coaching is rooted in compassion and understanding. She believes that parents often do their best with the information they have, but they can benefit greatly from additional support and new perspectives. This mindset has allowed her to connect with parents without judgment, offering them the tools they need to foster independence and self-confidence in their children.
Growing the Business
One of the pivotal moments in Dr. Calvina's career was her decision to lean fully into parenting coaching. This shift was facilitated by her certification through the Jai Institute for Parenting, which provided her with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in this field. The comprehensive curriculum and the supportive community of fellow coaches helped her transform her academic understanding into actionable coaching strategies.
"Jai prepared me to be a parenting coach by walking me through the curriculum, using research, and spending time working through each module. The instructors were super engaging and comforting, providing a lot of information. It was just super helpful,” shares Calvina.
She continues, "Being able to go on that journey with my cohort and processing how our parenting may need to be transformed before we transform other parents was extremely rewarding.
It made me comfortable to say, 'I'm a parenting expert. Do you have any questions?'"
Jai's program didn't just offer certification; it provided a pathway to building a successful business. Dr. Calvina appreciated the hands-on approach, where she learned about parenting techniques and the business side of coaching. This support included pricing strategies, marketing, and structuring her services in a professional and approachable way.
From One-on-One Coaching to TEDx and Beyond
Dr. Calvina's confidence grew as she began working with individual clients. Initially, she had three consistent clients who reinforced her belief that she was on the right path. These early successes propelled her to seek broader platforms to share her message. Applying for and delivering a
TEDx talk on becoming a “child whisperer” was a significant milestone. Her talk has garnered over 132,000 views, amplifying her reach and solidifying her reputation as an expert in the field.
Recognizing the need for scalability, Dr. Calvina developed a self-paced course for parents. This course allows parents to work through the material at their own pace, with the option to engage with her directly for additional support. This model provides parents flexibility and helps Dr. Calvina manage her time more effectively, balancing her roles as a professor, coach, and mother.
Building a Professional Brand
Dr. Calvina utilized Jai's business-in-a-box package post-certification to establish a professional online presence. This package included a polished website and streamlined booking systems, making it easy for potential clients to find and engage with her services. By leveraging tools like Calendly and creating professional marketing materials, she was able to present herself confidently as a parenting expert.
Calvina adds, “Jai helped me think more in a business mindset, showing me how to build a business, think about pricing, promote myself, and structure the course. It really helped to streamline the process and make it less confusing."
“Business success begins with gaining a robust certification from a reputable program like Jai, which provides comprehensive training and hands-on experience. Utilizing support systems, such as the business-in-a-box package they offer coaches when they graduate, ensures that the business presents professionally from the start. Engaging with the community through free workshops and talks helps build an initial client base.”
Listing her services in Jai's registry also brought in new clients, further expanding her network. However, she didn't stop there. Dr. Calvina continued to push her name out into the world, understanding the importance of visibility in growing her business. Her proactive approach led to writing opportunities, including a blog for
Psychology Today, where she shares her insights on parenting.
The Emotional Rewards of Coaching
For Dr. Calvina, the most rewarding aspect of her work is witnessing the transformations in her clients. She describes it as the most fulfilling experience outside of raising her children. Watching parents shift from feeling overwhelmed and inadequate to confident and capable brings her immense joy. Her mission is to help parents see parenting as a career, complete with a mission and goals. This perspective shift helps parents approach their role with purpose and positivity.
“I’ve had the opportunity to really believe in myself and push myself past the limits that I have set for myself with Jai. When I found Jai, my husband said, ‘You have to do a business. You should be helping as many parents as you can.’”
Every success story, every parent who feels empowered, and every child who benefits from improved parenting is a testament to her impact. Dr. Calvina's journey underscores the idea that healing parents can lead to healing children and, ultimately, healing families. Her work is driven by the belief that informed, confident parents are essential for creating a better world for future generations.
In conclusion, Dr. Calvina's journey from academia to becoming a successful parenting coach highlights the transformative power of education, support, and community. Her ability to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical parenting advice has allowed her to touch the lives of many families. As she continues expanding her reach through speaking engagements, courses, and writing, Dr. Calvina remains dedicated to helping parents heal, knowing that this is the key to creating thriving, connected families.
READ MORE:
