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Tara Mallon Parent Coaching

Practical solutions for confident & joyful parenting

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South Orange, NJ · Virtual sessions

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01 — Why Parent Coaching?

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"Kids do well when they can — and so do parents."

As a longtime educator, I believe kids do well when they can. Our kids thrive when they have the skills to confidently meet expectations and excel doing the things they love. As a coach, I've learned the same goes for parents. We thrive when we trust ourselves, feel prepared to embrace the next parenting frontier, and when we have joy through it all. My process uncovers the core challenges present, uses your unique strengths and parenting style to increase your capacity as a parent, develop skills, shift dynamics and perspectives, and leaves you feeling energized and empowered. Together, we'll create solutions that are practical, accessible, and sustainable. Together, we'll create transformational change that will help you rediscover the joy of parenting.

My parent coaching process has the power to help you navigate parenting challenges big and small, ongoing or temporary. We can discover ways to respond to challenging behaviors, hold big feelings and understand poor self-regulation. We'll develop ways to support your child's neurodiversity, ADHD, or other learning disability. My process can help your family navigate a big transition, solve sleep struggles, or conquer battles with technology, so you enjoy family time again. Parent coaching helps you nourish relationships, set up systems and rework patterns that allow all family members to feel seen and thrive. My approach is values-aligned, strengths-based, and places you and your family at the center.

More capacity, less spiraling.

More joy, less frustration.

More connection, fewer battles.

Parenting with confidence.

02 — The Process

  1. Intake

    We start here to get a clear sense of your current challenges. You’ll get the chance to put everything you’re struggling with on the table. Typically one session.

  2. Discovery

    We’ll discover, or rediscover, the strengths, the good, the life within your situation. I promise they’re there! We’ll gain clarity and appreciation of what’s working, so we can use it to tackle the challenges. Typically one session.

  3. Dream

    We’ll paint a vivid picture of your preferred future as a parent. We’ll identify goals and develop a clear sense of how this new reality will look and feel, so you can anticipate it as we move forward in coaching. Typically one session.

  4. Design

    Now comes the work! We’ll generate do-able action steps to help move you toward your goals and vision. This phase typically takes 4–8 sessions.

  5. Destiny

    We’ll recognize and celebrate all the growth that took place and reflect on the strengths, skills, and strategies that were used to find resolution. You’ll leave with an understanding of how to sustain the positive changes. Typically one session.

03 — Our Services

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Parent Coaching

Shift dynamics, build skills and increase capacity, confidence and joy through my strengths-based process. I provide comprehensive support or a targeted coaching package. Get in touch for more info.

Educational Advocacy

Ensure your child is getting the educational support and services they need through Levy Educational Advocacy's compassionate and professional approach. Get in touch for more info.

Learning Specialist School Consulting

Tailored support for teachers, students and educational programs to meet diverse learning and social-emotional needs. Consultation includes records review, case meetings, observations, targeted action plans, and coaching. Get in touch for more info.

04 — How I Got Here

Portrait of Tara Mallon

I’m a longtime special educator and school leader in New York City and New Jersey. I started my career teaching elementary aged students in special education and inclusion settings, in both private and public schools. For nine years, I led the lower division of Aaron School, an independent, special education school in Manhattan. Most recently, I was the primary school learning specialist at Montclair Kimberley Academy in New Jersey. In addition to parent coaching, I serve as an educational advocate for families through Levy Educational Advocacy. Throughout my career, I’ve used best practices to center the child in determining courses of action that support families in enabling their child to thrive.

I am extensively trained in Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, as well as the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading, Social Thinking, the Greenspan/DIR model, and Responsive Classroom. I received a Bachelor of Arts from American University in Sociology and Education, a Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University in Early Childhood Special Education, and an Advanced Certificate from Hunter College in School Supervision and Administration. I am a certified Parent Coach through the Parent Coaching Institute.

I find I’m always doing the work of using curiosity and compassion to help relationships grow and systems work better, whether it’s with my own family — I’ve got a wonderful partner and two incredible children; or in my community — I’m an engaged participant in local activism and a community organizer. I also prioritize time for dear friends, music, movement, and good books and good food!

05 — Additional Information

Tara Mallon with her family

How much does coaching cost?

$150 per 50 minute session, tailored to each parent, couple, or co-parents.

How many sessions does it take?

While my process is individualized to each parent, couple, or co-parents, it typically takes 8–12 sessions.

How do we meet?

All sessions are conducted virtually to allow for flexibility and ease for busy parents.

How do I get started?

Get in touch to schedule a 30 minute free consultation. Looking forward to connecting!

Get in touch
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“Before working with Tara, we were always second-guessing ourselves as parents while dealing with challenging situations. We felt like we were always reacting to everything, and nothing was really working. From our very first session, Tara listened and understood us. The advice was practical, and Tara was compassionate and always judgement free. We now feel more confident, and have strategies to use moving forward. We are so grateful we found Tara!”
— Britt & Brian, parents of two

06 — Testimonials

“Tara transformed my relationship to parenting. And in it she brought healing and closeness to our family by coaching me and my ex-husband together. She is the kind of steady, compassionate, solutions oriented partner I’ve always needed in parenting and struggled to find in books or influencers. I can’t imagine a more worthy investment towards your day to day happiness, functioning and the future well being of your family”
— Jessica, parent of two
“As a parent of two young boys—each with their own unique challenges—I often found myself overwhelmed, second-guessing my decisions, and unsure of what to try next. Working with Tara was a game-changer. After each session, I left feeling more confident, clear, and equipped with practical, actionable steps I could take right away. She was incredibly supportive and respectful, and even when offering different perspectives, she did so in a way that felt constructive rather than critical. Navigating parenting challenges can feel isolating, even with all the books and resources out there—but there’s truly no substitute for talking with someone who listens deeply, cares genuinely, and brings years of real experience to the conversation. I highly recommend her to any parent looking for clarity, support, and real guidance.”
— Rachel, parent of two
“Tara was so helpful, informative, and insightful through the parent coaching process. The thought provoking questions she asked guided me to create a vision for how to face the parenting struggles I was experiencing with my bright and very strong-willed toddler. I felt emotionally supported and encouraged to communicate this vision with my partner to either align or compromise our parenting approaches and we have benefited greatly as a family. I highly recommend her guidance.”
— Andrea, parent of one