Dana Hirt

About Me

My focus as a coach is on “Intentional Parenting”—a mindful approach that encourages moms and dads to trust their instincts…and let their core values guide their parenting decisions. The end result is children who grow into value-driven, independent, and responsible adults. Using this framework, I have helped many parents feel more confident in their decision-making and experience more joy—and less stress—as parents.

Next to the job of co-parenting three fantastic young adults, I can’t imagine a job more meaningful or more vital than being a parenting coach.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a parent. While my professional aspirations fluctuated over the years, I absolutely knew I was destined to be a mom. Not surprisingly, my education and subsequent career turned out to be all about kids, too.

Along my parenting journey, I realized I had become the “go-to mom”—the one everyone called when they had a parenting question or concern. Friends, family, and colleagues gravitated toward my style of parenting, which has always been grounded in my core values—and the outcomes I wanted for my three kids, whom I successfully co-parented with my former husband and his wife.

My aptitude as a mom—and now as a parenting coach—are supported by both education and professional experience. I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology from Brown University, a master’s in Education, Human Development, and Learning from DePaul University and the Institute for Psychoanalysis, and a Certificate in Divorce Mediation Skills from Northwestern University. And, of course, my parent coach certification from PCI®!

Thirty years of experience in the field of educational psychology in clinical, school, and private-practice settings was a great professional training ground. I have taught in the classroom, consulted with parents, worked one-on-one with students, partnered with therapists and other allied professionals, advocated in schools, and led parenting workshops.

Since launching Dana Hirt Parenting in 2015, I have successfully coached parents through the ups and downs of raising children—a job that became even more challenging during the coronavirus pandemic. And I’m looking forward to coaching many, many more.