Sam is the parenting coach and teen expert that every parent needs. What makes working with her so incredibly helpful is not *just* that she has tremendous experience and insight into the teenage brain, adolescent development, and peer influences… Sam also understands and relates to parents. She truly “gets it” from both angles.
I’m so grateful for the support, insights, and tools Sam has offered to our family over many years. She’s helped us navigate a variety of situations and challenges. She leads with compassion and humor and backs it up with incredible knowledge and in-the-trenches experience.
-Elizabeth H.
Sam listens, empathizes, and provides guidance that is easy, logical and makes me feel like I am not alone. As a divorced mom of teenage girls, I find that my ability to navigate and parent gets tested daily. And, if I am honest, the way my girls are wired and act is different from me, which brings doubt, frustration, and anger into many interactions. I have consistently found talking to Sam brings me back to center. Any time I bring her a situation regarding my children, she is quickly able to assess the situation and provide critical advice. I walk away feeling more empowered and confident in my next steps. I know that, when I am more balanced, my kids get a better version of myself. Working with Sam has reminded me of how to do this and how to let go of some control to give my girls space to thrive.
If you are someone that wants to talk through situations and get perspective, get coaching and affirmation, Sam is the right person for you!
-Robyn F.
I was incredibly impressed by the tools, techniques, and activities that Sam uses to help the youth in her programs open up to themselves and their peers. The activities were designed to build confidence and to think critically about who each person is as an individual and who they are in relation to those around them. There was no shame even when tough topics were discussed, the program is pure empowerment from start to finish.
-Jillian A.
Samantha Straub’s workshops/parenting parties are wonderful!! We have done a few in my neighborhood with tweens to work on friend dynamics, when parents should get involved, as well as helping our kids transition to middle school. As a parent, I have found it very helpful learning where and when to intervene with the girls vs. when to step back.
-Dawn H.
Sam and I have worked together as school counselors for the past three years. In that time, I have had the privilege to observe her working with teenagers, as well as parents, in a variety of capacities. She has the ability to connect with each one of our students and truly understand where they are coming from. Every interaction she has is thoughtful and intentional. Her knowledge of teenage development is unrivaled. She is able to bring this understanding to staff and parents/guardians with humor and in a way that makes sense, creates community, and leaves all of us feeling like we can manage any challenges ahead. Her years of experience working in a school setting, as well as the private sector, and her own experience of being a mother to two teenagers have shaped her into a champion of adolescents and their families. I feel honored to have had the chance to work along side of her and learn from her.
-Lilly K.
I have a background in mental training in sports so many of the concepts covered [during Sam’s teen workshop on stress management] were familiar. While I’ve tried to help my child with the knowledge that I have, we all know that children do not listen to their parents. It is 100 times more effective having this information come from another voice. Sam’s voice and message were incredibly helpful!
-Parent of a teen workshop participant
Sam is engaging and warm, and quickly builds rapport with kids.
-Parent of a teen workshop participant