Blog Layout

From Education to Empowerment: Jeri-Ashley's Journey to Becoming a Parenting Coach

Jai Institute for Parenting • July 22, 2024

In the world of education and parenting, few transformations are as compelling as that of Jeri-Ashley DeLeon Bremer. As the owner and founder of the Mindfulness Co., Jeri-Ashley has dedicated herself to supporting families, organizations, and companies to be more mindful and intentional in their interactions. Her work impacts how families function and also influences the educational environment for thousands of students in Texas. Jeri-Ashley’s journey, deeply rooted in her passion for children and education, has seen her grow both personally and professionally, now informing her role as a parenting coach.

The Calling

Before entering the world of parenting coaching, Jeri-Ashley had a robust career in education spanning over a decade. Her role transitioned from working directly on campus to managing a grant program that took a holistic approach to student success. This shift allowed her to see the value of integrating family services to support the whole child. It was around this time that she began her journey with the Jai Institute for Parenting.

Jeri-Ashley's time at Jai coincided with her realization that collaboration between teachers, parents, and support systems was crucial for a child's development. This insight sparked a deeper understanding of how to support children not in isolation but through a collective, intentional effort. Her educational background and her Jai training blended seamlessly, equipping her with tools to foster stronger relationships and better learning environments.

Integrating Jai Learnings

The principles Jeri-Ashley learned at Jai profoundly influenced her approach to education and parenting. A pivotal moment came when she reflected on her past use of a reward chart in the classroom.

Initially, she believed the chart was the driving force behind her students' motivation. However, Jeri-Ashley realized, “It was my relationship with my students that really impacted the dynamics in my classroom and motivated them.” This epiphany reshaped her coaching conversations with teachers, shifting the focus to the adult's role and their beliefs about students.

Now, in her role overseeing middle and high school campuses across Texas, Jeri-Ashley uses her insights to coach education leaders and create professional learning opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of peeling back layers of internalized beliefs and assumptions that hinder effective teaching and student motivation. By fostering genuine connections and understanding between educators and students, she advocates for a more empathetic and supportive educational environment.

Personal Growth and Family Impact

Jeri-Ashley's work with Jai didn't just transform her professional life; it deeply impacted her personal life and relationships. She speaks about the profound changes in how she shows up as a parent, a partner, and even a daughter. She shares, “When I think about the work with Jai and how this has unfolded, it's impacted so much more than just how I show up as a parent. It's impacted the way I show up as an entrepreneur. It's impacted my relationships with friends, my family, and my husband, and the dynamics we have.”

She continues, “And I think one of the most beautiful things is seeing the ways in which this has impacted my relationship with my parents and their relationship with my sister and I, and even the ways in which they interact with my kids.” One touching example is how she navigated a moment of emotional distress between her mother and her child. Instead of rushing to fix the problem, she held space for both her mother and child to feel their emotions, fostering understanding and empathy. This approach of validating feelings and holding space has become a cornerstone of her interactions with family and clients alike.

Expanding Horizons: From Coaching to Curriculum Development

Beyond her personal growth, Jeri-Ashley has expanded her professional reach by developing new programs and curricula. She has created courses like Empowered Motherhood, designed to support stressed and overwhelmed moms in finding calm and compassion. This program integrates her knowledge from education, her Jai parenting coach training, and additional mindfulness and meditation studies. Her goal is to provide quality resources to organizations, particularly nonprofits and school districts, at low costs, ensuring accessibility and impact.

Jeri-Ashley's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop at individual coaching. She also developed a group coaching program and a curriculum specifically for parents of tweens and teens. Her vision is to make these resources available to a broader audience, addressing the unique challenges of different parenting stages and needs. She shares, “Jai played a huge role when I envisioned what I wanted that space to look like. It embodies and encompasses that.”

Addressing Market Skepticism

When asked about the market for parenting coaches, Jeri-Ashley confidently affirms its potential. She encourages aspiring coaches to focus on the needs they see in their communities, emphasizing that there are countless parents and individuals struggling with similar challenges.

She says, “I think sometimes we get caught up in these ideas and containers of what it should look like, and there's so much flexibility. I would say focus on the need that you see, the need that you had when you were starting too. You started, you took that leap of faith, and you made that decision because you had a need.”

By providing spaces for sharing and support, whether through one-on-one coaching, workshops, or community meetings, parenting coaches can make a significant difference.

Conclusion: A Testament to Belief and Impact

Jeri-Ashley's journey from an educator to a parenting coach and entrepreneur highlights the power of belief and the impact of intentional support. Her story shares the importance of relationships, both in the classroom and at home, and the transformative potential of mindful, empathetic engagement. As she continues to grow her business and touch the lives of families and educators, Jeri-Ashley exemplifies the profound change that comes from understanding, compassion, and dedication to making a difference.

Her advice to those considering a similar path is simple yet powerful: believe in the need you see and the solutions you offer. There is a vast community of parents and educators seeking support, and with the right approach, the impact can be monumental. As Jeri-Ashley continues her work, she changes lives and also inspires others to join her in creating a more connected and compassionate world for children and their families.