<< more testimonials on page 1
"I have known Melody Elder for about 5 years, since my daughter, Marley, was an infant and I was fortunate enough to enroll in her parent education class. When I walked into her class, I knew I had found a sacred place, an oasis. Melody's warmth, compassion and understanding pervaded the room as she shared with us her wisdom and offered us her unwavering support. That class was a blessing. I had known since Marley was born the way I wanted to parent on an instinctual level, but I had found little support for it and consequently felt quite alone. In Melody, I found a mentor and friend who validated with decades of experience and knowledge that my instincts were correct and that I needed do no more than listen to them. What a relief! What might be even more impressive, though, is how she handled those parents in the class who were not parenting in the way she might think would be most beneficial to the child (and family). Her nonjudging, gentle guidance in the midst of divisive, hot-button issues was truly remarkable.
After attending several of Melody's parenting classes, I then participated in her emerging "home visit" program. We sat in my living room for an uninterrupted hour talking about some of the questions I had about things that we were experiencing with Marley, and she helped me work through some of the places where I felt stuck. What a gift. She came armed with extremely helpful handouts, having asked me the general topics we would be discussing ahead of time. I still have those handouts, along with the ones she distributed in her classes, and I frequently share them with friends of mine who are struggling with the same issues.
Melody embodies everything that one could hope for in a parent educator: understanding, compassion, caring and dedication, love for children and their mamas, passion, and an incredible life's work of knowledge and experience. Knowing Melody has unquestionably changed my family's life and I feel very fortunate to have her on my side as I make this journey called parenting."
~ Gail Goldman, mother of Marley, age 5
"I cherish Melody's presence in my life. She inspires me so much to become a better person and parent. Daily I think..."What would Melody do?"
~ Lesley, mother of Kiki, age 4 and Quin, age 2
"Melody gently helped me re-frame some negative messages I was giving myself as a parent and guided me toward making important connections with my children. Because of Melody, I was reminded that these connections are often what my kids are seeking through disruptive behavior which dissipates when we connect with compassion. Working one on one with Melody also enabled me to identify the source of what was causing my discomfort. I could share my darkest moments as a parent without shame as Melody approaches every obstacle without judgment and creates a safe environment that foster's self reflection and love."
~ Lisa Todd-Givot
"Melody Elder provided parenting coaching services to me after a difficult divorce. Melody was knowledgeable, effective and personable. She provided study materials and worked with me to understand fundamental theories and techniques. Melody provided more than just parenting coaching; she offered a spiritual yet grounded approach to moving forward after my divorce, combined with implementable strategies for being the best father I could be for my 2 year old son."
~ Shawn Thompson, Los Angeles, CA
"I am very grateful that Melody has been part of my parenting journey. I
was
fortunate enough to attend her parent education classes, where I found a
unique wisdom and compassionate understanding regarding the dynamic
relationship between child and parent. This led to Melody coming to my
house for "home visits." This allowed me to share my frustrations and
challenges while at the same time, she shared her innovative strategies and
approaches to overcome them. Melody's understanding about how a man could
raise his children has been insightful. She has made it possible for me to
express my feelings and emotions towards my children in a gentle and loving
manner. My family and I are truly blessed to have Melody part of our
lives."
~ Jonathan Siao, Father of Jennifer, age 6, Amanda, age 1 and Erika, age 1