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Episode 5
Relationship and Strength‑Based
Coaching for Parents
About This Episode
In this episode, we welcome Janet Harder and Michaela Jelen of JHMJ Consulting, two highly experienced ESDM therapists and trainers who have worked extensively in early intervention, Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), and parent coaching. Together, they share the story behind their innovative Relationship and Strength‑Based Coaching (RSB) framework — a model designed to place the heart of the coaching process squarely on the relationship between professionals and parents.
Both Janet and Michaela bring rich professional and personal perspectives to the conversation. Janet is a speech‑language pathologist and BCBA with deep expertise in autism interventions, holding multiple specialized trainings including ESDM, CERTS, and JASPER. Michaela, who has supported children with developmental needs since her teens, holds advanced degrees in disability studies and early intervention, and recently completed her PhD focused on parent coaching. Her lived experience as a parent of a medically complex child adds a unique depth to her understanding of the challenges families face.
Relationship and Strength‑Based
Coaching for Parents
Dr. Michaela Jean & Janet Harder
About Our Guest Speaker
Dr. Michaela Jean & Janet Harder
Janet Harter, SLP is a Speech‑Language Pathologist, Behaviour Consultant (Category A), and member of the MCFD Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). Based in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, she runs a busy private practice collaborating with professionals and community organizations to support the unique needs of each child and family. Guided by the belief that parents are both the experts and lifelong advocates for their children, Janet is deeply committed to family‑centered, collaborative care, with parent coaching at the heart of her work. A certified Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) trainer and therapist, Janet is also a parent coach trainer and contributed to the Parent and Child Early (PACE) Coaching Project, a multi‑site randomized controlled trial through the Universities of BC and Alberta.
Michaela Jelen, PhD has been practicing inclusion‑based intervention since 1998, supporting children and youth with developmental disabilities across home, school, and community settings. A behaviour consultant, parent coach, and certified Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) trainer and therapist, she combines extensive practical experience with advanced training, including a PhD in Educational Psychology. Michaela played a key role in the Parent and Child Early (PACE) Coaching Project, which inspired her doctoral research and the development of the Relationship‑Strength Based (RSB) coach professional development model. Based on Vancouver Island, she is dedicated to helping families, professionals, and communities create inclusive, strength‑focused environments where children thrive.
Show Notes
In this episode, we welcome Janet Harder and Michaela Jelen of JHMJ Consulting, two highly experienced ESDM therapists and trainers who have worked extensively in early intervention, Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), and parent coaching. Together, they share the story behind their innovative Relationship and Strength‑Based Coaching (RSB) framework — a model designed to place the heart of the coaching process squarely on the relationship between professionals and parents.
Both Janet and Michaela bring rich professional and personal perspectives to the conversation. Janet is a speech‑language pathologist and BCBA with deep expertise in autism interventions, holding multiple specialized trainings including ESDM, CERTS, and JASPER. Michaela, who has supported children with developmental needs since her teens, holds advanced degrees in disability studies and early intervention, and recently completed her PhD focused on parent coaching. Her lived experience as a parent of a medically complex child adds a unique depth to her understanding of the challenges families face.
Episode Highlights:
From PACE to RSB – How their work training professionals in parent‑mediated ESDM during the PACE Study in British Columbia laid the foundation for RSB.
What Makes RSB Different – How the approach isolates and refines the pure coaching component, going beyond principles to teach the “how” of building strong, trust‑based relationships with parents.
Core Pillars of RSB – Drawing on parents’ strengths, focusing on their own priorities, authentic listening, and meeting families where they are in their learning journey.
Why Relationship Comes First – How authentic, trust‑based relationships lead to more relevant, effective, and sustainable intervention strategies.
Lessons from Lived Experience – Michaela’s story of valuing the professional who listened and played alongside her family during a challenging time, rather than pushing tasks, and Janet’s shift from “polite and smiley” to truly empowering parents.
Practical Advice for Professionals:
Seek ongoing feedback and mentorship to refine coaching skills.
Listen to and believe parents, even if you haven’t observed what they describe.
Be kind to yourself and comfortable with vulnerability — it’s okay not to have all the answers.
Surround yourself with trusted colleagues for honest reflection and continued growth.
Episode Resources
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