Note to Parents
What to Know Before Working With Me
Before we speak or decide to work together, I believe it’s important to make sure we’re a good fit. I have a clear philosophy and approach to career counselling, and I work best with families who are comfortable supporting this approach.
Below are the principles that guide my work. I encourage you to read through them and reflect on whether they feel right for your family.
Principle One:
Your child’s interests, personality, strengths, and values guide my recommendations.
My goal is to help your child find a direction in which they can genuinely flourish.
I do not prioritize status, perceived prestige, or the belief that certain fields of study or educational pathways are inherently superior to others.
STEM disciplines, the arts, humanities, business, and skilled trades each offer meaningful and viable futures. Similarly, university, college, and apprenticeship pathways can all lead to fulfilling and financially sustainable careers.
What matters most is alignment between the individual and the path — not societal assumptions about which paths are more worthy than others. This also means that, while parents understandably have hopes and expectations, the process remains centred on your child’s exploration of what genuinely fits them. I believe long-term confidence and satisfaction are built when a young person chooses a path that is authentic to them.
Principle Two:
The goal is the next best step — not a lifetime blueprint.
Some programs, such as nursing or engineering, lead directly to a defined profession. Many others provide a flexible foundation that can support a variety of future directions. I support young people in choosing studies that engage and excite them, while also strengthening their skills, interests, and confidence.
Careers are built progressively over time. Direction often becomes clearer as young people continue to learn and grow.
Principle Three:
The process begins together and continues one-on-one.
I strongly encourage parents to attend the first meeting, where I invite you to share your observations about your child’s development, interests, and strengths over time. Your insight is valuable.
After the initial meeting, sessions are held one-on-one with your child.
This allows them the space to think aloud, explore ideas freely, and speak honestly without feeling observed or influenced.
At the conclusion of our work together, I provide a comprehensive written report outlining assessment results and recommendations. Parents are asked to review this report and are welcome to follow up with any questions.
Principle Four:
Financial considerations are part of the conversation — not the whole conversation.
It is entirely appropriate to think about earning potential when exploring post-secondary options. However, projected salary figures rarely tell the full story.
Long-term earning potential is often shaped by engagement, competence, and growth over time. When a young person is motivated and aligned with their work, they are more likely to develop expertise, take initiative, and pursue leadership or entrepreneurial opportunities — all of which can significantly influence income. Careers built on intrinsic motivation and genuine engagement tend to produce stronger long-term outcomes than those driven primarily by reluctant compliance.
Principle Five:
The process requires readiness and engagement.
Career exploration is most effective when a young person is genuinely willing to reflect, participate, and consider possibilities.
Ultimately, motivation needs to come from the teen themselves.
If a teen is feeling overwhelmed, uninterested, or not ready to think about their future, that is not a failure — it may simply mean the timing is not right. When a young person is ready to engage, the work can be powerful. Without that readiness, it is unlikely to be productive.
If these principles resonate with you, I would be happy to speak further about how I might support your teen.