About Dr. Kara
Marriage and parenthood have been my most daring, humbling adventures...
Hi! I'm Dr. Kara - a wife, mom of 3, and an award-winning author and relationship coach. For more than a decade, couples have let me peek behind the curtain into their relationships to offer encouragement and guidance.
Most of my report cards said something to the effect of, “She’s a bright girl, but she talks too much.”
To the dismay of my teachers, I was only getting started...
Since my first psychology class in high school, I've been hooked on people - the personalities and quirks, what makes us tick, and all the predictable (and not so predictable) ways we interact and influence each other.
I earned my master's in dispute resolution and a PhD in family studies. I’ve blogged on relationships for Psychology Today and have been featured in outlets like Brides and the DFWChild podcast.
My experience in the field of relationship education runs the gamut from adjunct instructor to nonprofit program director, family mediator to relationship coach and entrepreneur. I've been fortunate to work in a variety of capacities for the relationship education powerhouse PREP, Inc., over the years, including as the lead writer on a multi-year government contract to develop research-based marriage tips for newlyweds in another country.
With a unique perspective as a stay-at-home "mompreneur" the past 8 years, I like to camp out at the intersection of people and purpose. How can we show up well for our people without losing our spark? How can we love big and dream big in tandem?
My aim is to blend science and stories, humor and hope, to encourage you in the relationships and purpose-filled projects that matter most to you.
Ready to build a life you love?
Take a peek around the site. You’ll find practical tips, proven tools, and plenty of resources to help you stay grounded in the good stuff.
I‘m so glad you’re here!
Kara
Education:
- Ph.D. Family Studies, Texas Woman's University
- M.A. Dispute Resolution, Southern Methodist University
- B.A. Corporate Communications-Public Affairs and Psychology, Southern Methodist University
Professional Certifications:
- Dream Big Certified Coach
- PREP Certified Facilitator
- Certified SYMBIS Assessment Facilitator
- Bringing Baby Home Educator, The Gottman Institute
- Certified Family Life Educator, National Council on Family Relations
- Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator
- PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator
- 42-Hour Domestic Relations and Dispute Resolution Certification
- 40-Hour Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certification
Awards + Recognitions:
- A Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner, 2024
- 4x Recipient of The Knot's "Best of Weddings" Award for Premarital Counseling
- Inducted into The Knot's "Best of Weddings" Hall of Fame