More About Us
Vicki Hoefle
Creator of Parenting on Track and Parent Educator
- Member of NASAP, North American Society of Adlerian Psychology
- Member of ICF, International Coaching Federation
- Strategic Partner to the Adler International Learning
- Completed ICASSI training at Wheaton College
- Workshop presenter at the Florida Adlerian Society Conference
My story:
Twenty years ago, I was running a day care in Seattle, WA. Every week, I was revisiting the same issues with the children in my care. So I knew that something was missing at home. Using Jane Nelson’s book, Positive Discipline, I began offering a 6-week Parenting Class to the parents of kids in my program.
Pretty soon, I was getting calls for my classes. And so my career as a Parent Educator just seemed to take off from there.
I had been studying Adlerian Psychology on my own and began bringing aspects of his psychology into the parent education realm. This needs to be redone. For the next 15 years, I taught and worked one-on-one with parents to help them improve their relationship with their kids. Eventually, I became an Adlerian Certified Coach.
I began teaching parent education classes throughout Vermont. The response from Vermont families has been incredible. We began developing the at-home program in response to an overwhelming request from class attendees for a “take-home” version of the 12-chapter program.
During the first part of my career, I was busy raising five children and chose not to pursue teaching outside of Vermont. But now that my kids are older, my desire and passion to spread Adler’s ideas globally — through one-day events and the at-home program — is finally being realized.
What I do:
My role is to hold the vision of the company and to communicate that vision to everyone we work with, teach, and come into contact with. I see myself as the visionary of the company — an integral part of the team that brings that vision to life.
As a Parent Educator, I think that I’m able to bring a comedic view, at times, to an otherwise very sensitive subject. My job is to witness and acknowledge what’s going on in a family or in a parent/child relationship — not to change it. Once I’m able to connect with the parent and where he or she is at that moment, then, together, we can step back and look at the situation from a new perspective.
Why I do it:
I love every single minute of my workday. And I love that I get to do something that I love. For me, it’s such an honor that parents invite me to come into their homes — their kitchens, dining rooms, and goodnight routines — by virtue of sharing their stories. There’s no bigger honor than being invited into someone else’s story.
I love being part of the team of women I work with, that I’m contributing to a healthier planet in a real, tangible way, and that I can share stories that make people say, “Ah-ha!”
What else?
I have five teenagers, ages 15 – 20. For me, family comes first. I love traveling with them and talking with them about the next phase in their lives. I also love to play tennis and read. But, whatever it is that I’m doing with my time, it’s all about being happy and present in the moment.
Where I am as a Mom:
The point of connection for me as a parent is the space where my kids and I can be who we are as individuals — and yet share the experience as a family unit. I believe that we’re all a part of something much bigger than ourselves, and I apply this outlook on life to my relationship with my children, as they become more and more connected with the outside world.
Jennifer Nault
Director of Business Development and Managing Partner
Jennifer(at)parentingontrack(dot)com
Education:
B.A., University of Vermont, 1990
Mother of Four
What I do:
I primarily work behind the scenes at Parenting on Track™. I create a space where Vicki can hold the vision of the company and move it out into the world. And a big piece of realizing the vision is communicating it to a team of people.
Why I do it:
I love that my work is completely tied to what I value most in life — helping to build strong families. What’s important to me in my life is important to me in my business. I get to do it all the time. Nothing makes me happier than to bring the foundation of the program and the foundation of the company together with the foundation of who I am with my family.
How it began:
Eight years ago, I took one of Vicki’s classes, and it had a huge impact on my family and life. I embraced the whole concept and shifted my life to work the program. When Vicki and I, later discussed working together, I liked the idea of helping other parents discover a program that had worked so well for my family. And I also was drawn to the idea of being part of something bigger than myself.
What else?
My four children are 13-, 11-, 8-, and 5 years old. It’s all about being with my family and doing the things we love together. In my spare time I also enjoy running, knitting, gardening, and camping.
Where I am as a Mom:
I’m discovering that everything is connected in life. Whatever I’m learning in the moment with my kids is preparing me for something that’s going to come up in my business or in my life.
I’m constantly gaining new perspective and understanding of the relationship that I’m cultivating with my family. It’s about trust, mutual respect, and learning. I encourage my kids to participate in their lives and to be independent. And, in this way, my children are my greatest teachers.
Emily Bradbury
Public Relations Consultant
emilybradbury(at)mac(dot)com
Education:
B.A., University of Vermont, 1996
Mother of two
My story:
I am a public relations consultant with experience designing and executing local, regional and national campaigns. My professional experience includes five years as a partner at Boardman Davis Communications, and four years as both Director and Vice President of Public Relations at Paul Kaza Associates. Prior to joining Paul Kaza, I held communications positions at Harvard Medical School and in the Washington office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy.
What I do:
I oversee both media and community relations, which involves telling the story of Parenting On Track™ and explaining the program to people who can help us get the word out. I am also trying to spur the word-of-mouth marketing among moms.
We want every parent to have enough information about the program to make an informed decision. Whether it’s through an article in a magazine, a presentation at a local community center, or through social media outlets, my goal is to make sure that Parenting on Track will be there as an option when moms and dads are looking for answers to the challenges all parents face.
Why I do it:
I really enjoy representing a product and an individual that I believe in. With Parenting on Track, it’s not a matter of pitching or selling a story — it’s telling others about this great program and then letting them discover it for themselves. I am committed to working with products that I believe in and with clients whom I’d have at my dinner table on a Friday night. I’d have Vicki move in, if I could!
Why Parenting on Track™?
My kids are four and six years old. I still want to be home with them as much as possible, and Vicki supports the personal and professional balance that I’m looking for. It’s just incredible to have the opportunity to work with a company that I believe in and that enables me to pursue my professional interests without taking away from my family.
What else?
I enjoy politics and try to find ways to stay involved on the local and national levels. Outside of that, I just like to be outside (hiking, skiing, gardening). My husband is an outdoors-lover too. Now that our kids are a little older, we can start incorporating them into this part of our lives.
Where I am as a Mom:
My kids are so different from one another. Like night and day. One has to be pushed out of the nest at every step of the way, so I’ve been challenged with helping him build a sense of self-confidence. My other son is a force of nature. As a mom, my challenge is to help him define himself and understand how to manage his emotions. One isn’t easier than the other. Using the program has given me the tools to manage both personality types.
Everyone’s so busy. For us to enjoy the time we have together — this is huge for me.
Kristin Neibert
Project Manager
kristin(at)parentingontrack(dot)com
Education:
B.A., Central Michigan University, 1990
Mother of two
My story:
I am a project manager with over 20 years of experience. I’ve worked in a variety of industries, including biotechnology, software development, real estate, biomedical, and web communications. Organization and administration are what makes me tick.
What I do:
As Project Manager, I make sure that all of the projects that are going on at any given time keep moving forward. I help Vicki, Jen, and the rest of the team stay on task so that nothing falls off the radar. There are so many ideas that are being generated by the team at any given time, and I try and make sure that none of them get lost in the shuffle.
Why I do it:
I really enjoy working with such dynamic personalities who are all so passionate about parenting —particularly this style of parenting. We’re all coming from the same place.
Why Parenting on Track™?
After I connected with Vicki and Jen, I spent some time reading through the information that they gave me about the company, as well as all of the program information on the website. I knew right away that I wanted to work with them. I think that our personalities and work styles are a really good match.
What else?
I have two young kids, eighteen months and four years old. So I’m really busy with them. My husband and I are athletic, so we enjoy running, hiking, and going to the beaches around San Diego, where we live.
Where I am as a Mom:
We’re still in the “trenches,” with a child still in diapers and one getting ready to start school. I feel like we’re at the beginning of grasping the Parenting-on-Track philosophy. But I’m moving towards getting a foundation started – with the ideal in mind of having my kids be self-confident, with their life skills in place, by the time they leave our home 15 years or so from now.
Kathy Haskell
Director of Promotions & Publicity
kdhaskell(at)gmail(dot)com
Education:
B.A., University of Colorado at Boulder, 1995
Mother of three
What I do:
I connect with people — in communities across the country — who are interested in supporting the program. This might entail anything from booking classes and coordinating with product testers to simply establishing relationships with parents who are involved in their communities.
Why I do it:
I love connecting with people. I love talking about the program. And I can stand behind the product 100%. I live and love it every day. For me, it’s like eating breakfast.I’ve taken the class nine times — first in an educational setting and then every year as my kids have gotten older. As a certified teacher, I support the message it’s sending to help moms and dads enjoy their kids and their relationships, instead of being goalkeepers.
My perspective as a teacher:
I am a certified K-6 teacher, but I’ve taught 2nd through 11th grade. I met Vicki during an in-service day during my first year of teaching in Vermont. She stood up in front of us and said, “Time-out was invented for adults.” And I thought, “You’re crazy. It’s the only behavior management tool I know!”
But not long after that, I actually called on Vicki to save me from an out-of-control classroom. She came in and observed my classroom for a week. In the meantime, someone gave me a tape recording of one of her talks. I listened to it every day in the car going to and from work. I began adopting the approach as a teacher and within three weeks, I had a different classroom. In two months, my students were running the classroom (in a productive, efficient way).
When my classroom was running well, I was finally able to start teaching. As teachers, we spend so much time on classroom management that we don’t have time to teach.
All we learn in graduate school about behavior management is “1, 2, 3” and “Time-out!” The Parenting On Track™ approach worked for me in my classroom, so I know it will work for other teachers.
Where I am as a Mom:
When I was pregnant with my first child, I started taking the Parenting On Track™ classes again. I now have three children, ages four, three, and six months.
I’m very active, as a biker, skier, and mountain climber. But my entrepreneurial spirit is important to me, as well. With three young kids, I can’t go back to teaching right now. But I’m looking at motherhood as an opportunity to reinvent myself. What will be left for me when the kids grow up and move on? I believe that if I’m stimulated intellectually and physically, then I’m able to be a better mom.
Lee Genung
Director of Marketing
leegenung(at)me(dot)com
Education:
B.A., University of Vermont, 1997
Mother of two
My story:
I grew up in Seattle but have lived on the east coast since college. After college, I attended Maine Media Workshops’ Photography Residency program and soon thereafter started a business, with a friend from high school.
For seven years, our company produced handmade photo albums, guest books, and address book and sold them online and in over 60 stores across the country. We were featured in a number of publications, including InStyle, InStyle Weddings, Country Living, Vermont Vows, and Us Weekly. We closed the business in 2008, when I decided I wanted to spend more time with my family.
What I do:
As Director of Marketing, I oversee the marketing plan and strategy. Developing a strong social media presence is an important piece of our overall marketing plan. My job is to get the Parenting On Track™ name out there by finding the best ways to promote our product and reach our audience.
Why I do it:
The way that we connect and share information has changed so much in recent years, and I enjoy trying to figure out the best way to talk to our audience. A big piece of this equation is having an idea of how we think as parents. What information are we looking for? How do we look for that information? Parenting is so personal, so private. And it’s interesting work for me, because it’s my life!
Why Parenting on Track™?
I noticed a huge change in my daughter after taking Vicki’s class here in Vermont. When Vicki and I later began talking about working together, her primary concern was how my job would work with my family. The company founders understand that family comes first, so that really appealed to me. I’ve also seen the program and I know that it works, since I’ve witnessed its success with so many different types of families with different values and goals.
What else?
When I’m not working, I’m with the kids or doing laundry or dishes. I have two young children, ages 5 and 2, so we stay really busy with them.
Where I am as a Mom:
At this point, I just want my 5-year-old daughter to grow up to be confident and kind. So I’m trying to understand what that means for a little girl in this world. My two-year-old son is just starting to become a little person, so I’m trying to help him gain self-awareness and confidence. As a family, our focus right now is just spending time together and creating opportunities for our kids to develop into their very best selves.
Lisa Shappy
Office Manager
lisa(at)parentingontrack.com(dot)com
My story:
I was a stay-at-home mom with my kids for 12 years. When my youngest went to school, I took a part-time job at College of St. Joseph in the business office doing their accounts payable and payroll. After that I went to work part-time for Vicki as an office manager at her office in Rutland, VT. As my kids grew and demands on my time diminished, I decided to get my real estate license. I have been selling real estate now for several years. Over lunch one day, Vicki gently planted the seed that she and Jennifer would love some help, if real estate wasn’t enough for me. With that door opened, I walked through.
What I do:
My jobs are still being defined but for now I am keeping the books. I expect that my added tasks will shift and change with the workload the office experiences.
Why Parenting On Track™?
There is nothing better. It is a program that teaches us to be thoughtful parents and gives us the tools to be respectful, loving and creative in our disciplines and relationships.
What else:
I have been married to my husband, Vic, for 26 years. I love my role as Hospice volunteer and have been doing that for the last 5 years. My hobbies include exercising, reading, spending time at the Lake and walking my sweet dog. My guilty pleasure is that I am a huge General Hospital fan.
Where I am as a Mom:
My three children are grown now; 23, 22 and 18. Of course they are the lights of my life. Though they are very so different from one another, each has grown into an independent, thoughtful and loving adult. Each continues on his/her journey, having successes, making mistakes, trying new things, deciding who they are and who they are not in this world. It is no fluke that they have grown up so wonderfully, but rather the result of the thoughtful, purposeful parenting and guidance learned through the program of Parenting On Track™.
Kim Markworth
Creative & Design Services
inquiries(at)markworth(dot)com
My story:
My intent since grade school was to be a surgeon, and so I entered college with a medical major and writing minor. But I switched first semester to natural inclinations — photography, writing, and graphic design. I then left school to pursue a career in hotel and resort marketing and advertising.
Although I enjoyed my time in the hotel and resort world, I eventually decided to focus solely on advertising. I worked as the Art Director for a boutique design firm and the Creative Director for an ad agency before embarking on a new journey as a freelance Creative Director. Markworth Creative has been operating without fail for ten years.
Why Parenting on Track™?
I respect the principles of the program. I feel particularly connected to Vicki and believe in what she’s teaching. I like the general “vibe” of the company — the hands-on touch.
What else?
I’m single and happy. I have a huge bucket of friends that are like family to me. Although I’m very social, I also really love my work. It’s everywhere. When I’m in my office, I’m always producing. I’m outside the rest of the time and am very involved in my community. I think that I’m so happy and stress-free because I love what I do.
Meghan Olsen
Managing Editor
Meghan(at)parentingontrack(dot)com
Education:
B.A., University of Vermont, 1993
M.A., St. Michael’s College, 1995
Mother of two
What I do:
I have been working as the Managing Editor for Parenting On Track™ since 2008. I use my teaching background, constantly evolving knowledge of Adlerian Psychology, and experience as a wife and mother as inspiration for my writing and editing.
My primary responsibility is developing ideas and stories for the e-newsletter. I’ve also been involved in a number of other writing projects, including e-books, Web events, and the workbook.
Why Parenting on Track™?
I love to write, and I love the freedom and flexibility of working with Parenting On Track™. As a mom and a writer, it’s great to be writing about subject matter that is part of my day-to-day life. It keeps me up to date on my own parenting goals by always revisiting the ideas and strategies of the program.
What else?
I have two small children, ages five and three. My life is about running around with them — playing, hiking, skiing. We’re an outdoorsy family.
Where I am as a Mom:
I feel like we’re just past the baby stage in our house, and things are getting a lot easier. The kids don’t need me quite as much. We’re in a good groove as a family. And I’m also feeling more freedom as a person and am beginning to look beyond my kids to find a space for myself as they get older. I’m learning a lot about the kids and myself as I go.
Through the Parenting On Track™ program, I also feel like we’re well on our way to our kids becoming increasingly independent. And I’m enjoying these milestones … as they figure out all of the things that they’re able to do by themselves. I feel like we’re heading in a good direction.
As a bonus, being part of a great network of moms helps me remember that my challenges are everyone’s challenges.
Lolly Otis
Proofreading Services
lollyotis(at)yahoo(dot)com
Education:
B.A., University of Central Florida, 1989
M.A., University of Central Florida, 2005
Mother of two
My story:
I’ve been proofreading “unofficially” for most of my life, but started doing it professionally in 1994, when I took a job as a proofreader for a community newspaper. It has been part of my professional life ever since, either as my own business (I started Get it Right Copy-editing Services in early 2008) or for an employer (I currently work for a company that publishes scientific, medical, and technical journals).
What I do:
I proofread copy for the Parenting On Track™ monthly Articles and Tips Sheets.
Why I do it:
I enjoy reading the information in Vicki’s articles. I find it helpful, not only in terms of parenting, but as it applies to social interactions and relationships, in general.
Why Parenting on Track™?
I love working with words and tweaking writing for clarity, grammatical correctness, and smooth flow. When I was contacted about proofing articles for the company, I was happy to take on work that would involve enlightening and informative ideas.
What else?
I work a full-time job doing project management for a company that publishes scientific journals. When I’m not working, I spend time mothering my 17-year-old daughter, bike-riding, walking, writing, playing guitar, and listening to music.
Where I am as a Mom:
I am thrilled to see the young adults my children (son, age 23 ½; daughter, age 17) have become. I enjoy watching them as human beings, apart from me, move through the world, making their own way. It’s interesting to see how they define and express themselves through life experiences, chosen activities, and in their interactions with me and with others. I am proud of the presence they bring to the table—wherever that table happens to be—and I’m especially thankful for the gift of their presence in my life.
Amanda Kuhnert
Special Writing Projects
Amanda(at)fourfoldpress(dot)com
Education:
B.A., St. Mary’s College of Maryland, 1996
Mother of two
My story:
I am a freelance writer and editor, with over a decade of experience working with publishers, businesses, and Web designers. When I launched my company, Fourfold Press, in 2008, I decided to specialize in online communications, including writing and editing Web content, e-newsletters, and business blogs.
I really enjoy writing for the Web, but I also continue to write articles for regional magazines. Recently, I embarked on a new business venture (Fourfold Legacy Services) — audio recordings of personal and family histories (life stories). At the heart of it, I am really interested in people and in the messages they have to share with the world.
What I do:
I have written a chunk of the content that is currently being used on the website.
Why I do it:
In my line of work, I have the privilege of working with business owners in a very intimate way as we try to communicate who they are and what they have to offer to the online public. This process usually involves a bit of research. I need to know a thing or two about the product I’m helping to sell.
Why Parenting On Track™?
The great thing about working with Parenting on Track is that I already “get it.” Parenting is my life.
I love working with a company, and a fantastic group of women, who compliment who I really am — not just what I do. The work is meaningful. And I believe wholeheartedly in the product. It’s not a refrigerator or a piece of property that we’re selling … it’s a better way of living, as both humans and families.
What else?
First and foremost, I am a mom. My kids are 3 ½ and 6 years old. We are just getting into the whole school routine with first grade and preschool looming around the corner. I’m trying to find a comfortable space for myself and for our family, where my growing and evolving work life is an “add on” and not a “take away” for our family.
Where I am as a Mom:
With first grade and preschool just on the horizon, our family is going through some really amazing changes. The kids are finding their own little “spaces” in the world — and so is their mom. When I first began my business, I was afraid that my work would interfere with my relationship with my kids. But I think that it’s actually enhancing that relationship, most of the time. I sense that we’re all learning to appreciate and respect each other’s individuality within the whole of the family. And that feels good.