About Me
Stephanie Akin
Certified Parent Coach
Hi! I’m Stephanie, the founder of Heart in Hand Parenting, a Certified Parent Coach, and a mom who cares deeply about raising emotionally healthy, connected kids.
For over twelve years I have been a practicing intentional parent to two incredible humans, our 12-yr old son and 10-yr old daughter (the lights of our lives). Parenting them has been the most meaningful and humbling work I've ever done.
My Story
My passion for parenting and psychology began as a child, long before I had kids of my own.
I grew up in a home where emotional health, child development, and personal growth were discussed in everyday life. Books, conversations, therapy, philosophical discussions…from a young age I found myself participating, fascinated by it all. I couldn't help but notice how deeply parenting shaped not only me, but the children around me - and the adults we would later become.
That early curiosity would stay with me and only grow stronger with time.
My mother worked in early childhood education at a Parenting Center & Preschool in our community, and through her work I had the unique opportunity to spend over twenty years attending parenting talks and learning from leading voices in parenting & child development.
Still, nothing truly prepares you for becoming a parent yourself. :)
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When I found myself in the thick of parenting — loving my children deeply while also feeling overwhelmed, unsure, and stretched — I realized something important:
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Loving our children is easy.
Parenting them is hard.​
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And trying harder wasn’t the answer.​
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What changed everything for me was learning how to slow down, understand what was happening beneath the surface, and respond with intention — especially in the moments that felt hardest.
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That realization brought me back to my roots and reshaped my life’s work.
Over time, parenting became less about perfection and more about presence. Our home grew calmer. My children felt seen and safe. And while parenting remained real and imperfect, it became much more sustainable — and infinitely more joyful.
Parents naturally began turning to me for support. They were looking for clarity, steadiness, and a space to feel seen, not judged.​
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This led me to where I am today. I am a Certified Parent Coach through the amazing global Jai Institute of Parent Coaching, with degrees in Communications and Psychology, and years of immersive study in attachment, child development, neuroscience, parenting, and trauma-informed approaches —integrated through ongoing personal work and real-life parenting practice.
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I am here to help you make sense of the parent you are, and work with you to ensure it aligns with the parent you want to be.
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This is deeply meaningful work that can bring more harmony, clarity and connection into your home. It fills my soul to make a difference — one parent, child, and family at a time.
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I'm so happy you are here, and I cannot wait to work with you.
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With gratitude and lots of love,
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Stephanie
How I
Support
Parents
Through my work as a parent coach, I offer parents a place to slow down.
A space to reflect, make sense of what’s hard, and respond with clarity and confidence — without pressure to get it “right.”
My work is rooted in secure attachment, emotional regulation, and compassionate, evidence-based support. There are no quick fixes here. Just thoughtful guidance, small meaningful shifts, and steady support over time.
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Being a parent myself, I understand how real these moments can feel. I practice this work every day with my own two children, and more often than not, I can personally relate to the challenges parents bring into our conversations.
An Invitation
You don't have to have it all figured out to begin.
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If parenting sometimes feels heavier than you expected, or you find yourself wishing for more calm, clarity, or connection at home - you're not alone, and you are in the right place.
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Should something here feel grounding or supportive, I'd love to connect - in a way that feels right for you and your family.
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Parenting was never meant to be done alone. The right support can make all the difference.