Our Founder
Hi, I'm Sarah.
I’m a King County native and West Seattle local and mom to two feisty young daughters.
Tidepool Coaching and Educational Services was born from both my personal experiences as a neurodivergent mother and my passion for applying the science of behavior to everyday life. I've been the overwhelmed parent searching for answers, and I've sat in special education meetings wondering how to best advocate for my child's needs. Those experiences shaped not only the work I do, but the way I do it.
Before starting my motherhood journey, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Social Work, where I developed a strong foundation in family and environmental systems, case management, community resources, and school-based support. My early career included working in elementary schools, developing and facilitating social skills programs, and helping connect children and families with needed services. That perspective continues to shape the way I work today—looking beyond individual challenges to support the whole child within the context of their family, school, and community.
With a Master's degree in Psychology specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis and years of experience partnering with families, schools, and interdisciplinary teams, I've dedicated my career to providing practical, compassionate support that creates meaningful change.
My experience spans parent coaching, educational collaboration, preschool consultation, behavior assessment, care coordination, and case management. I believe the most meaningful outcomes happen when parents, caregivers, educators, and providers work together toward shared goals. My goal is to help every family and educator feel heard, supported, and confident as we work together to create meaningful opportunities for growth.
Our Philosophy
At Tidepool, we believe meaningful growth happens through collaboration. Just as a tide pool is shaped by the many living things and natural forces that exist within it, every child develops within a unique ecosystem of family, educators, caregivers, providers, and community. When that ecosystem is supported, connected, and working toward shared goals, children are given the opportunity to thrive.
Rather than focusing solely on changing a child's behavior, we strive to strengthen the environments and relationships that surround them. This perspective is deeply rooted in social work systems theory and the person-in-environment perspective. We recognize that a child's experiences are shaped by the dynamic relationships between their family, school, community, and the broader systems they interact with every day. Lasting change happens when we work together to create environments that are supportive, responsive, and built around each child's strengths.
Tidepool Coaching and Educational Services’ work is grounded in compassionate, evidence-informed practices that respect the dignity and individuality of every child. We believe every child deserves to be understood, their preferences respected, and their autonomy honored whenever possible. We recognize that all behavior is a form of communication and that every child communicates in their own way, whether through spoken language, AAC, gestures, actions, etc. Using assent-based, trauma-informed approaches, we prioritize trust, safety, and meaningful participation while seeking to understand the needs behind a child's communication rather than simply changing their behavior.
Parent and caregiver coaching is guided by principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping caregivers respond to challenges with intention, compassion, and values-driven action while building relationships rooted in connection. We believe supporting the adults in a child's life is one of the most meaningful ways to support the child themselves.
Whether partnering with a family in their home, collaborating with a preschool program, or supporting caregivers through the IEP process, our goal remains the same: to foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and empower the people who surround each child with practical tools, confidence, and compassionate support.
When families, educators, and communities work together, even small changes within a child's ecosystem can create opportunities for meaningful growth.
Ready to Connect?
Send us a quick note, and we’ll get back to you within two business days.