Julie Johnson, MA

Julie (she/her) holds a Master’s degree in Education and is a certified Parent Coach with 25 years of experience as a teacher, researcher, and coach. Her extensive background includes teaching middle and high school students, leading support groups for teens and adults, and now working as a parent coach. Julie’s current work focuses on helping parents manage their children’s challenging behaviors while developing strategies to reduce their own stress, anger, anxiety, and worries, fostering a deeper connection with their children.

Raised by a therapist, Julie’s passion for social and emotional education began early, finding inspiration in the psychology section of bookstores as a teenager. Over the years, her coaching has become increasingly therapeutic, rooted in the belief that parents willing to explore and work on their own emotional patterns often see the greatest positive changes in their children. Julie is driven by the joy of witnessing families move from merely surviving to truly thriving.

Julie resonates with Wonder’s holistic approach to supporting the entire family system. Her coaching emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and regulation for both parents and teens. Trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples, Julie incorporates these methodologies to address family dynamics and conflict. She also integrates Polyvagal exercises to help parents manage emotions such as anger, anxiety, shame, and fear.

Known for her warmth and empathy, Julie creates a safe, non-judgmental space for parents to explore their challenges. She values listening deeply and reflecting in a de-shaming manner, recognizing the hard work of parenting and respecting parents as the ultimate experts on their children. Her extensive toolbox includes practical strategies to help parents navigate their children’s big emotions, build closeness through special time and play, and foster effective communication that strengthens the parent-child bond.

Outside of her professional life, Julie enjoys long walks along the California coast, writing, and baking—with plans to try her hand at bread-making. She has a teenage son and a stepdaughter in college. Julie’s life experiences, both personal and professional, infuse her work with compassion and a deep commitment to supporting parents on their journey.