MY STORY
When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them I’m a Sleep Coach and a Behavior Specialist who helps parents and teachers.
BUT WHAT I REALLY WANT TO SAY IS…
I show people how to create a family and home life they love. I serve moms, dads and caregivers who desperately want a well-rested child and a happier family life. I also teach classroom teachers and administrators how to build a more supportive classroom and school for ALL of their students, no matter what needs they bring.
I’m Katie Holloran, and helping others solve challenges with children with actionable and clear strategies is my jam. Families and teachers I work with are ready to learn new tools and to try things consistently while getting input and coaching along the way. I serve as my client’s loudest cheerleaders while also providing clear, tough-love feedback anytime it’s needed. We laugh, we cry if we need to, but most importantly : we get through it together.
I give moms, dads and teachers the tools to have more rest while sprinkling in a little fun. I show them how to have more structure while creating their own version of joy. With clear, supportive strategies and tools that don’t take reading 45 books and earning a PhD to start, I have helped families and teachers all over the globe to get exactly what they want — kids who feel rested, happy, safe, and supported by those who love them most.
I have a Masters in Special Education and have worked as a teacher or supporter of teachers and families for over 20 years. On top of that, I have a National Board Certification in Behavior Analysis, which means I understand all aspects of human behavior - which is defined as anything we do in our environment. (That’s pretty much everything from sleeping to pooping to learning new things!) I teach others how to organize home and school lives to create positive behaviors while honoring their personal needs, beliefs, and priorities.
When I’m not busy sharing a new strategy with a family or helping a teacher learn the why behind a student’s behavior, you can find me singing, playing guitar or piano, playing baseball with my kids (I have two boys who are 9 and 12), or walking my sweet rescue dog, Zoey.
It’s only a problem if it’s a problem
I believe that there is no “one size fits all” in terms of how children and families should interact, play or sleep! I’ve had the opportunity to work with many families who are tired, but committed to co-sleeping with their youngsters. We have found ways to incorporate a family’s priorities — NOT MINE — to create the best home life. I do not define what a “problem” is, I ask you want the problem is, and help you navigate options as you come to the best solution for your own lives. Your family culture and belief system is what matters, not mine.
honoring {and owning} the past helps us move forward
I believe this in a larger sense about my own life, and about the world as well. Now especially, living in the United States, I see how important it is to be honest about one’s past as the best, and only, way to make forward progress. As a coach, I will remind you that any decisions made in the past that served to help or to hurt progress are all valid, important decisions that will teach us how to move forward. If something happened that didn’t serve you in a positive way, we can explore why; and if something occurred that was helpful but didn’t give you as much success as you hoped, we’ll chat about it and figure out where to troubleshoot.
come as you are
It has been my honor and privilege to work with a diverse and varied set of parents and families in my career thus far. I believe all families deserve to live their own personal best lives, whatever that means to them. And this means that families of all shapes, sizes, races, backgrounds, beliefs, religions, and gender identifications deserve support in whatever way they need it.
Come as you are. Be who you are. I will support you.
CURIOUS TO KNOW MORE?
Here are 5 more things to know about me…
In 2001, when I was a middle school music teacher, I was on The Oprah Show. Seriously. Ask me about it!
I love musicals - anything from Disney to Newsies (hands down the best musical of all musicals ever) to classics like White Christmas and The Sound of Music.
I’m a “social introvert” or “extroverted introvert” who loves making personal connections with people and sharing stories and experiences. But, I also love cancelled plans. My husband couldn’t be more opposite, and while it takes work to make sure we continue to understand and hear each other, I love the balance and respect we have between us.
I work hard to make my local community a better place for all kids and families. I started the Challenger Division of the Capitol Hill Little League in DC to expand baseball opportunities for kids with unique developmental, physical, emotional, social and cognitive strengths who didn’t feel that the other baseball opportunities were a fit. Heading out on the field with these kids and families is my favorite part of every fall and spring weekend.
I make space regularly to work in solidarity, not charity with my neighbors - those who are housed, and especially those who are unhoused. My family and I spend much of our time delivering food and supporting other projects that our local Mutual Aid society organizes.