Often, children become the unintended victims in divorce proceedings. They have many unanswered questions and unexpressed feelings and often blame themselves for the break up of their family. The child specialist works with children of divorcing parents to help them understand the dynamics of their parent’s divorce, give them skills to cope with the changes in their lives, and help them communicate their thoughts and feelings to their parents. In addition, they become the “voice of the child” as the parenting plan is developed and a resource to help the divorcing parents become good co-parents.

Child specialists are licensed mental health professionals who have a strong background in child development and family systems. They are neutral in the collaborative process and work to assure that the collaborative team stays focused on the feelings and needs of the children. They do not provide therapy to the children or parents. The child specialist typically meets with both parents before meeting with the children. Depending on the situation, the child specialist may meet with the parents together with the divorce coach to discuss the children, or may meet alone with the parents. Although every case is different, the goal remains the same: to help parents strengthen their relationship with their children even as the nature of their family undergoes change, give children the tools they will need to weather the change, and be the children’s voice to the collaborative team during this process.

The child specialist may meet attend team meetings with the parents, divorce coach and attorneys. Their role at these meetings is to provide expertise in family and child related matters associated with the divorce and bring into focus the needs of the children.

The members who have registered as Child Specialists include:

Ellie F. Sternquist
Divorce Coach, Child Specialist

Barbara Mills
Divorce Coach, Child Specialist

Wendy M. Rawlings
Divorce Coach, Child Specialist
My goal is to help families create healing, security and peace out of divorce, separation and other difficult life transitions. As a divorce coach and child specialist, I help family members resolve their fears and meet their needs so they can move ahead with confidence and hope.

Cathy J. Zavis
Attorney, Divorce Coach, Child Specialist

Colleen C. Holbrook
Divorce Coach, Child Specialist

Sue Ann Birdwell
Divorce Coach, Child Specialist

Julie A. Adams
Child Specialist