Rachel Gutow-Ellis

Principal

As a mother of two grown children, I deeply understand the anxieties and challenges that come with finding the right schools and resources for your child's unique needs. When my son was diagnosed with severe autism and multiple learning disabilities at age two, our family embarked on a journey that was filled with therapies, interventions, social groups, and, most importantly, finding the right fits. What once felt like a race to find a cure became a journey of growth and discovery. Through the support of a specialized boarding school and continued learning support, my son went on to travel, graduate from college, and now lives and works independently. His path was different than we initially imagined, but it taught me invaluable lessons on how to navigate this complex journey – where to turn, whom to trust, and how to discern the best advice.

As an independent educational consultant, I am dedicated to guiding families through similar journeys. I continuously expand my expertise by visiting programs nationwide, attending professional conferences, and collaborating with a network of trusted colleagues. My approach is always client-centered and compassionate, ensuring that your child’s needs are met with care and understanding. I do not accept payments from any program, and my sole focus is on what’s best for your family.

In addition to being a certified parent coach, I am here as a supportive guide, ready to walk alongside you and your loved ones as we discover new opportunities together. Please reach out, and let’s begin this journey together.

Kathy Marino, LPC

Clinical Intake Coordinator

Driven by a passion and an innate desire to help others, I embarked on a career to achieve my goals at a young age. After graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, I began my professional journey over 30 years ago and have spent my career working with adolescents and their families in residential treatment settings. My career started as an intern, and over time, I served and developed in various clinical and program management roles. I continued my professional development by obtaining my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have spent the last 12 years as a member of the Management Team for an adolescent residential treatment facility in the role of an Admissions Director and spent my time working directly with families to get their loved ones the treatment they desperately needed. In addition, I provided individual, group, and family therapy to the adolescents and their families. Throughout my career, I have worked with clients who have a variety of clinical issues, including Anxiety, Depression, Behavioral Difficulties, Suicidal and Self Injurious Behavior, Substance Use, Trauma, Attachment Difficulties, Loss, Abandonment, and Family Issues, and clients who are Neurodivergent.

Coming from a single-parent background and having lived for years with a substance abuser, I know firsthand the challenges of parenthood and family relationships. Having raised a daughter, I am all too familiar with the daily complexities our teens deal with. Later in my life, I remarried and joined a family that has an adult child with Autism. This young man taught me many incredible life lessons and the importance of adjusting and adapting to meet every person where they are in their life journey. Through my professional and personal experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of how difficult it can be to bear witness to the struggles of those we love and to ask yourself, "What have I done wrong?" Let me offer you this......there IS hope, and things CAN change.

I strive to be compassionate, present, honest, committed, trustworthy, genuine and kind. These are the things I value the most. I strongly believe in a sense of community and feel we all need the support of a village. I believe in collaboration and empowerment. I draw from my personal and professional experience and values to support and guide our clients and their families with unwavering commitment and integrity.

I look forward to working with you, your loved one, and your family as we navigate this journey together.

Values

I am thorough, process-oriented, and supportive. Time is at the core of my philosophy and my practice. It takes time to make progress. It takes time to heal. While I work with families in crisis and want immediate results and fixes, I try to slow everyone down, take a deep breath, and make a plan with a key component of time. Changes do not happen overnight. I possess the patience to guide a family to the point of progress that will create a stronger, better foundation for their loved ones.

I take inspiration from the hummingbird. As it traverses from Canada through the United States and into South America, the hummingbird has a different perspective than other creatures. It flies high above the fray. It is agile. It is persistent. My approach is thoughtful, steady, and deliberate.

Hope

When I meet people with compassion, they feel more hopeful.
As parents, we plan for our children to grow happy and healthy. We expect them to attend school, make friends, and prepare for college or the next steps. Fear, frustration, and sadness take hold when our plan goes sideways. By listening to the challenges you face with compassion and empathy, I am able to provide hope for a plan that will enable the client to embark on a better path.

Honesty

When I am honest with people, they trust me.
My integrity is at the core of who I am. I am clear, concise, and resourceful. I will share what is appropriate for options based on each client. I will offer thoughtful insight and perspective and ensure you understand every step of the process. I am able to do this through a thorough research process that is detail oriented and focuses on priorities, best practices, and keeps my client's progress at the forefront.

Commitment

My commitment to a client-centered practice creates a place for people to feel cared for.
The moment we agree to work together, I commit myself wholeheartedly to the care and well-being of my client. My connection to my client is the most important part of ensuring they feel heard and supported. I take that responsibility seriously and always remain in the mindset of, "If this were my child, what would I do?"

Credentials

I am a Certified Parent Coach with the Approved Coach Specific Training Hours recognized by the International Coach Federation. I am trained in coaching parents of struggling teens and young adults. You may struggle with feelings of isolation, helplessness, and confusion. I will use my coaching skills to help you navigate your role as a parent while your loved one does their own work…whether in school or treatment.