Real-world perspective.
Proven experience.
Practical solutions.
Our Story
The Coparenting Cooperative was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to help families navigate life’s hardest transitions with clarity, respect, and a focus on the future.
I began my career in education, spending ten years in high schools, first as a Spanish teacher, then as a dean. Those years taught me how to communicate across differences, guide hard conversations, and keep people focused on shared goals.
After a decade in schools, I served ten years as a police officer. That experience reinforced calm under pressure, clear structure, and practical problem-solving when stakes are high.
When an injury ended my law enforcement career, I turned to mediation and parenting coordination to keep serving my community in a cooperative, cost-effective, and respectful way, without the adversarial pull of the courtroom.
As someone who is not an attorney, I offer a fresh, real-world perspective rooted in lived experience and practical solutions.
Our Approach
At The Coparenting Cooperative, our process is grounded in empathy, structure, and practical solutions. Everything we do puts families first.
Drawing on my experience as a high school Spanish teacher, high school dean, and police officer I create a calm, focused environment where productive conversations can happen.
My role is to guide discussions, ensure both parties feel heard, and keep the focus on workable outcomes that last.
When you work with The Coparenting Cooperative, you can expect:
Empathy – A safe, respectful space where everyone feels heard
Structure – Clear processes that keep conversations productive and on track
Solutions-Focused – Practical, workable agreements tailored to your situation
Child-Centered – When children are involved, their best interests are at the heart of every discussion
BACKGROUND
& AFFILIATIONS
Education & Credentials
Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
Parenting Coordinator (court-approved in Cook,
McHenry, and Kane Counties)
Divorce Mediator
Experience, Skills, & Memberships
10 years in education; 10 years in law enforcement
Extensive de-escalation training, including Crisis
Intervention Team (CIT) certification
Bilingual: English & Spanish
Member, Association of Family and Conciliation
Courts (AFCC)