Welcome!
I'm Laura
I'm the founder of Extra Roots Coaching & Courses. I’m also a mother of three small children, juggling a career, multicultural marriage, and life abroad.
I was called to this work when I sensed a shift in my own home, an increase in tough times, and a decrease in my own capacity. Like many, this was triggered by the pandemic. But I knew there had to be a way to change this- and the parenting books just weren’t helping. No matter how much I read late into the night.
Knowing I needed a shift, I sought workshops, classes, and other learning and growth opportunities as I was deeply committed to shifting dynamics in my own home, where I hoped to parent with greater ease. As I saw my home transform immensely under transformational parenting principles learned through the Jai coaching program, I had a profound realization that parenting did not have to be so hard for me, or for anyone.
Once I understood how it was possible to build a relationship with children based on mutual trust, through promoting kindness and compassion through curiousity- unpacking behaviors as a means of communication, I became committed to supporting other parents to also find their way in their parenting journey.
What makes me unique from other parenting coaches?
I've been living abroad for 15 years working in international development and have both built a community in each place I go, as well as raised my children in multiple cultural contexts. I have vast experience supporting third culture families and multicultural families and am fluent in English, French and Portuguese. I have experience navigating cultural nuances and supporting parents to co-parent more peacefully, with more ease, and based on grounded, loving, connection.
I understand the demands of managing a career abroad. I can hear your concerns and empathize with you as you navigate building your nest, a home away from home, so your family can feel safe, and ultimately thrive.
I also support teachers and schools. As a former educator and having worked in education systems strengthening at regional and national levels, I see the power of this work in the teaching profession and recognize how important it is for teachers to feel empowered in their journey, and in the classroom. Teachers are often faced with challenging circumstances, new terrain, and even new curriculum that they need to quickly adopt and implement. This is not always easy. From the pandemic to environment-related hazards (including pollution season, political strife, shifting climates), to managing digital devices in the classroom, teachers need to be equipped more now than ever. Empowered teachers support safe, inclusive, and peaceful classrooms, which research shows us, lead to increased learning outcomes. Empowered and engaged teachers are a win for schools, parents, learners, and teachers themselves.