When former elementary school teacher Bronwyn Bergen noticed kids lacking social and emotional skills, she became inspired to fill in gaps for developing confidence, self-esteem and resilience. In 2019, Bronwyn launched STARS Kids Life Coaches, its mission conveyed by the tagline, “We teach kids to reach for the stars.”
Mental health and life coaching are typically offered to adults, something Bronwyn wanted to change. “I want to put kids’ life coaching on the map,” says the organization’s founder/president. “It’s no longer taboo to talk about these topics. We help kids become the best versions of themselves.”
Bronwyn designed her coaching programs to be flexible for clients’ needs. In addition to two physical locations in Newtown and Captiva, Florida, virtual coaching is offered, with coaches residing in and working from various states. Each coach completes a thorough certification process.
The STARS founder emphasizes each child is strategically paired with the coach who best matches their needs. “It’s important to foster a true connection with your coach. If not, the child won’t feel comfortable enough to share their struggles,” she explains.
Bronwyn regularly hears from parents about positive results. One girl in particular struggled with social anxiety and panic attacks, so learning she’d implemented the strategies she’d been taught was truly meaningful for Bronwyn. “By giving her coping skills, it’s been life-changing for her.”
Above all, Bronwyn adds, “I enjoy watching kids build their self-esteem and confidence, become comfortable in their own skin and feel ready to tackle the world.”
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Based On Belief Of Lifelong Learning
Bronwyn has 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher of diverse groups of children. She earned an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a master’s in education and psychology, followed by a life coaching certification through the Kids Life Academy. She’s invested in 65 additional course credits on topics that help her address various coaching challenges. They include specialized training in social skills, conflict resolution, mindfulness, anxiety disorders and cognitive and behavioral awareness.
Individual Coaching
Through private one-on-one coaching, STARS Kids Life Coaches tailors an individualized program for children’s unique needs based on an initial diagnostic assessment. Sessions may focus on topics that include building confidence and developing a growth mindset to help kids change negative thought patterns. “Our goal is to instill such confidence in the children we work with that they are able to say no and feel as if they have nothing to prove,” explains Bronwyn.
Mindset Coaching For Student Athletes
The Mindset Coaching for Student Athletes program developed from Bronwyn’s individual work with student athletes. She saw a need to expand the program when she had multiple athletic organizations and parents of student athletes reach out to her about needing the help of a mindset coach. The enhanced program, she says, will see student athletes working with experienced athletic coaches, such as Nick Massari, vice president of STARS Athletic Mindset, who have relevant backgrounds in both coaching and playing various sports.
Parental Counsel
Parental counseling helps develop a plan for the parents requesting assistance for their child. Bronwyn says parents have many reasons for reaching out to her, whether their child struggles to navigate social situations or needs help developing emotional resilience. At times, she says it’s beneficial for parents to become more involved in their children’s coaching so they can learn new perspectives and strategies to shift negative behaviors and “ensure their family dynamics stay in place.”
