Amanda Kaiser

MA LMFT, C-PICD, C-IFS

Experience/Qualifications

• 20+ years child care experience

  • 10 years in classroom settings

  • 10+ years in home settings

• 6 years providing mental health services to children, adults, and families

• Certified Postpartum and Infant Care Doula (C-PICD)

• Certified Infant Feeding Specialist (C-IFS)

• B.A. in Sociology and Families Studies

• M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Family Psychology Concentration

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

• RIE® Foundations Graduate and Practicum Student

• 1st Aid and CPR Trained

I have always been passionate about giving children the best start possible to their lives.  While I earned my Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Family Studies, I worked at the campus Child Development Center in infant through preschool classrooms, as well as volunteering at local elementary schools. During this time, I imagined I would eventually work in relationship education: teaching skills and sharing knowledge with young folks on how to cultivate healthier and happier relationships. After graduation, I returned to the Child Development Center full time: initially in the toddler classroom, then in the infant room for 5 years.  It was incredible to witness the development of so many children from birth through preschool, and be a supportive resource for parents. During the first five years, a person's brain is its most flexible, making this a pivotal period for learning and growth, and laying the foundation for future relationships, happiness, and success. 

Once I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a Family Psychology Concentration, I transitioned to the mental health field for 6 years: focusing primarily with families of generational abuse, neglect, and poverty. It was affirming to meet many parents who wanted to learn to do better, for themselves and their children. Science shows that children living in chronic stress, abuse, or neglect in the early years are at higher risk for experiencing lifelong negative effects from this initial, constant exposure. Thus, I was drawn back to my desire to do preventative work: supporting families in the early years. 

In 2017, I moved to Los Angeles to learn more about caregiving styles, attachment, and early childhood development. I studied Magda Gerber's Resources for Infant Educaring (RIE®) Approach, learned more about Emmi Pikler's Pedagogy, Parent Effectiveness Training, and more. My work is also inspired by The Gottman Institute, Dan Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson, Brené Brown, Social Emotional Learning/Emotional Intelligence, Conscious Parenting Methods, and more.

In 2021, I moved back to Minnesota and started Flourishing Families to combine my passion, experience, and education in early childhood development, caregiving, relationship building, and preventative mental health strategies.

I have witnessed first-hand families from diverse backgrounds experience similar struggles in relationships and parenting. You are not alone. Flourishing Families provides tailored coaching to parents and caregivers on child development, respectful caregiving, and authentic relationships. I look forward to helping you on this journey!