Kirsten Knight Mom of 3, master gardener, wellness coach

I am a childhood abuse, neglect, and sexual assault survivor. I know how lonely, scared and angry those experiences can leave you. I have learned that feeling safe and heard, unconditional love, understanding and support, and safe affection are not automatically something we all experienced as children. When your first relationships don’t nurture you, basic things like trust, communication, connection and honesty are all foreign concepts and keep you circling in survival mode with no way to comfort or calm yourself. I know what it is like parenting without a road map; without any realistic example of what healthy parenting looks like. You can learn as you go. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you do have to put in the effort. Patience and compassion go a long way, and don't forget you need that for yourself too. Parenting ourselves and others simultaneously can feel really unfair and exhausting and this can build resentment and in turn guilt and shame. I can help and give advice on how to handle really extreme situations and gain back your clarity and power. I can also answer questions and give advice on gardening, landscaping and tree care; slow food, cooking, baking, and food prep; health and wellness, nutrition, and finding ways to move your body in ways that make you happy. If nothing else, I would love to listen to anyone who feels like they don't have someone to talk to at all or about a subject they can’t be completely honest with the people closest to them out of fear of judgment. Life is tough; we can talk about it.