Hear how one Minnesota church partners with Connected Families for family ministry ideas that truly equip and support their families. In this episode about partnerships, Stacy Bellward (host) and Cindy Wilson (Connected Families Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager) are joined by special guests Justie Vavra and Megan Thorp to discover how the transformative Connected Families Framework is available to anyone to bring to their communities. If you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or ministry leader, listen in to learn how you can make an impact in your sphere of influence.

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This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Megan Thorp:
As a parent coach, Megan helps parents gain confidence and create homes where everyone feels valued and connected. She’ll equip you with skills to build lasting relationships with your kids and bring more peace and joy into your family. Megan has a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and is a Certified Parent Coach through Connected Families. She enjoys time with her husband and 3 kids. Connect with Megan at: [email protected] or here. Connect with Megan at: [email protected] or here.

Justie Vavra:
Justie Vavra is a devoted mother of three (ages 8, 10, and 11) and has been married to her husband Chris for 15 years. A former elementary school teacher, she now serves as Executive Pastor at Mercy Hill Church, which partners with Connected Families. Justie is passionate about guiding the next generation and nurturing connection and growth within her family and community through God’s grace and truth.

© 2025 Connected Families

Our 8-session online course, Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart will guide you through each level of the Framework. If you’re looking for a grace-filled way to parent, this course is for you!

Take the 8-session online course Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart .

¡Escucha este nuevo episodio en español del pódcast de Familias Conectadas! Esther Reich conversa con Luisa Wendt acerca de una de las herramientas para entrenar a tus hijos. Esta herramienta te ayudará a tener ojos de fé en medio del mal comportamiento de tus hijos y encontrar los dones que Dios ha puesto en ellos.

Descubre más recursos que te apoyarán en la crianza.

¿Te pareció útil este episodio? ¡Por favor compártelo con tus amigos!

Este podcast fue hecho posible por miembros de La Mesa, cuyo apoyo mensual crea un efecto multiplicador de cambio para futuras generaciones. ¡Nos encantaría que tome un asiento en La Mesa!

Aproveche el Imán del Marco de Referencia de Familias Conectadas para ánimo en medio de sus desafíos diarios.

Esther Reich es Asesora de Crianza Certificada por Connected Families. Ella es enfermera profesional especializada en asesoría de lactancia materna y ella y su esposo, Roberto, tienen tres hijos y sirven como misioneros con Serge en Guatemala desde 2018. A través de enfrentar retos en la crianza de sus hijos acudieron a Connected Families para recibir coaching/apoyo. El apoyo que recibieron de Chad Hayenga y de Lynne Jackson les ayudó a ver cambios significativos en ellos mismos y en sus hijos. Todavía hay mucho espacio para crecer como familia, pero la diferencia de antes y después de la intervención de Connected Families es significativa. Además de servir con otros ministerios en Guatemala (Sigo Vivo y Servant Harts), apoyan a padres e iglesias a través de talleres y coaching/apoyo individual para los que enfrentan retos en su crianza de sus hijos incluyendo los que son muy sensibles o intensos. El correo de Esther es [email protected]

Luisa Wendt es Asesora de Crianza certificada por Connected Families nació en Bogotá, Colombia y vive en Iowa con su familia. Luisa y su esposo Jarrett tienen seis hijos, tres en el cielo y tres en la tierra. Dos de sus hermosos hijos llegaron a su familia a través de la adopción. Durante un momento muy complejo en la crianza Connected Families los asesoró y continua asesorandolos y guiandolos en el camino de una crianza basada en la gracia de Dios y la confianza y conexión con sus hijos. Jarrett y Luisa tienen un ministerio que se llama Built on Rock Parent Coaching que nació con el gran deseo de compartir esas enseñanzas con tantas familias como sea posible. Te invitamos a seguir su canal de YouTube, donde todos sus videos tienen subtítulos en español: https://www.youtube.com/@builtonrockparentcoaching Para más información acerca de su historia, ministerio y unas lindas fotos de su familia pueden visitar su página de internet: www.builtonrockparentcoaching.org. En este momento toda la información se encuentra en ingles pero si desean contactarlos para más información o asesorías de crianza en español pueden escribirles a [email protected]

© 2025 Connected Families

Whether you’re just learning the Four Messages of the Framework or have been at it for years, the Parenting Reminders Bundle can help you parent the way you want to parent!

Youth sports are shaping our kids’ lives in profound ways. Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, join us in today’s conversation to explore how parents can transform the youth sports experience into powerful discipleship moments that align with God’s design for our families. Whether your child is a budding athlete or just loves to play for fun, this conversation will equip you with biblical wisdom to help sports strengthen your kid’s character.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. His latest book is Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife, Amy, have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio. Ed can be found at: X: @uszynski32 Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3

Brian Smith is the author of several books including his latest Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies from Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids.

© 2025 Connected Families

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

Back-to-school stress is a real thing! Lynne Jackson sits down with Certified Parent coaches, Jason and Jewelia Jacobs, to encourage us through this back-to-school season. Parents themselves, the Jacobs’ know firsthand the various stressors this season can bring to families. Packed with resources, this episode is one you’ll want to have your pen and paper ready for as they fill us with hope in communicating to our kids: “You are Safe, Loved, Called and Capable, and Responsible!”

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

Parents of three girls, Jason and Jewelia Jacobs, found Connected Families after trying many other parenting approaches and resources. Jewelia brings a background working with families of children with special needs in both professional and ministry spaces. Jason is experienced in training and working with children, families, and teachers. They both work to bring grace and healing, while helping families lead with confidence and intentionality.

© 2025 Connected Families

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

In today’s podcast we offer many practical tools and back-to-school transition tips for sensitive children. Whether it’s you or one of your kids, we all know someone who has woken up on the “wrong side of the bed.” Hear from Stacy, our host, and Occupational Therapists Lynne Jackson (Connected Families Co-Founder) and Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, as you discover how to think through your daily rhythms in unique ways to help balance the sensory needs of your family this back-to-school season.

Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist (OT) with a background in pediatrics and home health. She is also a homeschooling parent, and her company, Homeschool OT, was established in 2019. She focuses on helping parents make the match between the homeschool and their children’s current skill set, all while working toward what their children specifically need and want to do to occupy their time. She does this by consulting, teaching, building community, and communicating at conferences.

Lynne Jackson is one of the Co-Founders of Connected Families. As a parent coach and mom of three intense kids herself, Lynne has walked alongside hundreds of parents to encourage and bring hope. She is also a research enthusiast and loves leaning into the brain science and research to better equip parents and caregivers. Most importantly, as a follower of Christ, she brings biblical wisdom, abundant grace, and a “no shame” policy.

© 2025 Connected Families

Parenting isn’t easy, but when you’ve got an extra INTENSE or SENSITIVE child with big feelings… it’s even harder.

The Sensitive and Intense Kids online course will equip you to parent well, even with these unique kiddos.

In this exciting episode, we explore how Connected Families has evolved from a Minnesota-based ministry into a global parenting resource for families worldwide. Host Stacy Bellward, along with Chad Hayenga, Connected Families Education and Equipping Director, is “visiting” other countries to share with you the impact the Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches are having on a global scale. Listen in to hear the testimony of how grace-centered, gospel-focused parenting translates across cultures.

Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Chad Hayenga joined Connected Families in 2005. He is married to Carma and has three adult daughters and two sons-in-law. Chad oversees parent coaching and the Parent Coach Certification Program, which continues to grow in its reach across North America and worldwide.

© 2025 Connected Families

Join The Table, our monthly donor community, and become part of a dedicated group committed to spreading the same hope and healing you’ve experienced to countless families worldwide.

Predictable support helps us plan effectively and reach more struggling families with life-giving resources.

Everybody needs conflict resolution skills, but it shows up particularly for kids during the summer when they’ve got more free time to hang out with siblings and neighbors. What does conflict resolution for kids look like? Today we’re welcoming back Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Nicole Gillette and Lyssa Stoyko to discuss how to view summer as an ideal opportunity to teach your kids conflict resolution skills. They walk us through the practical, four-step peace process that takes the overwhelm out of conflict. In this episode, you’ll learn how to guide your kids from crazy mountain to reconciliation meadow!

Check out this video preview for what you’ll learn in this podcast.

Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Lyssa Stoyko is a wife, foster, and adoptive mama of three children who are six, six and a half, and seven years old. Her house is active and noisy! She is also a Connected Famlies Certified Coach. Along with her parent coaching company, she hosts the podcast “Moms Take Ten.”

Nicole Gillette is a teacher, Connected Families Certified Parent Coach, and founder of the non-profit Raising Wonder, with experience supporting educators, families, and children. After working for over a decade in a wide variety of schools, Nicole now focuses on equipping adults with tools for connection, communication, and confidence as they raise and love the kids in their lives. She is also helping lead a local nonprofit that offers an indoor playspace designed to foster community and play-based learning for young children and their caregivers. Nicole is a mom of two kids! You can also find Raising Wonder on Facebook and Instagram.

© 2025 Connected Families

Join The Table this month and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sibling Conflict online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family.

Through today’s podcast, feel equipped with parenting ideas that transform chaotic summer days and summer boredom into opportunities for family connection and growth. In this episode, host Stacy Bellward interviews Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Nicole Gillette and Lyssa Stoyko. They share real-world and practical wisdom for summer success with kids at home during the break.

Check out this video preview for what you’ll learn in this podcast!

Visit our website for additional resources to support your parenting needs.

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Lyssa Stoyko is a wife, foster, and adoptive mama of three children who are six, six and a half, and seven years old. Her house is active and noisy! Along with her parent coaching company, she hosts the podcast “Moms Take Ten.”

Nicole Gillette is a teacher, Connected Families certified parent coach, and founder of the non-profit Raising Wonder, with experience supporting educators, families, and children. After working for over a decade in a wide variety of schools, Nicole now focuses on equipping adults with tools for connection, communication, and confidence as they raise and love the kids in their lives. She is also helping lead a local nonprofit that offers an indoor playspace designed to foster community and play-based learning for young children and their caregivers. Nicole is a mom of two kids! You can also find Raising Wonder on Facebook and Instagram.

© 2025 Connected Families

Join The Table this month and enjoy FREE access to our popular Sibling Conflict online course PLUS a free enrollment to share with another family.

Homeschooling can be delightful, beautiful, and an amazing privilege! It can also be hard. You can move beyond homeschool stress and experience peace in your home. Today we’ve got Marni Love and Amy Nyvall, homeschool moms and Connected Families certified parent coaches, here to address the real challenges homeschool families face daily. From sibling conflicts, pushback during lessons, and the toxic beliefs about ourselves and our children, they share vulnerable stories and practical strategies for creating a peaceful learning environment.

This episode serves as an introduction to their upcoming LIVE Homeschooling Webinar “Homeschool Discipline: 4 Ways to Cultivate Calm, Connection, and Confidence“. In the webinar they’ll dive deeper into practical tools for homeschool families seeking to apply the Connected Families Framework.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Marni Love is a former public school teacher who has been a home educator for 14 years. She is a Homeschool Mentor, a Certified Connected Families Parent Coach, and an instructor for CF coaches-in-training. Marni enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their three sons in the beautiful mountains and beaches of Northern California. You can connect with her through her website, marnilove.com.

Amy Nyvall is a Connected Families Certified Parent Coach who lives near Portland, Oregon, where she homeschools her kids ages 14,11, and 9 and leads a vibrant Charlotte Mason Education Community. Contact Amy at [email protected] or learn more about her here: https://connectedfamilies.org/coaches/amy-nyvall/. Amy is available for coaching and speaking on the Connected Families Framework.

© 2025 Connected Families

Are math lessons causing meltdowns?
Is your homeschool calendar overwhelming everyone?

Join experienced homeschool moms and Connected Families Certified Parent Coaches Amy and Marni for a transformative webinar designed to help you move beyond daily power struggles by fostering genuine connection and nurturing your child’s confidence.

Learn how to connect before you correct, coach your kids toward responsibility, and create a peaceful, joy-filled learning environment.

In honor of Father’s Day, Jim Jackson and Mike Tobie have a conversation about empathy. Mike Tobie shares his authentic journey in developing grace and empathy with his family. This powerful conversation explores how showing God’s grace and empathy can be applied in equipping our children and how that models Christ to them. In this episode, you’ll discover the transformational healing that can happen when parents move toward their children in a way that connects with their hearts.

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Rate this podcast to help others discover the show easily!

*This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!*

Born and raised in Chicagoland, Mike has been in Sacramento, CA for 10 years. He has been married to Kelly for 9 years, and they have three children, ages 1, 3, and 6. Mike has been in full-time sport ministry for the past 3 years, and is preparing to move to Guatemala this summer to launch a sports ministry. He is currently in Phase 2 of the Connected Families Parent Coach Program.

© 2025 Connected Families

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