RESOURCES

MICHELLE THIBODEAU

Not everyone has the same level of access to services in our family law justice system. Recognizing an urgent need for support for families going through separation and divorce, Michelle utilizes her 31 years as a family law paralegal in the private practice of family law to assist self-represented individuals manage their own legal matter.

With a blend of no-nonsense paralegal skills and empowering emotional support, Michelle guides individuals through the overwhelming landscape of court procedures, legal communication and emotional bombs to promote a sense of self-responsibility and self-advocacy. Many of her clients are experiencing great results in court and report a more positive experience navigating their legal matter while learning valuable skills and finding new found confidence.

Michelle is building an online community that brings families together with the resources they require, including affordable legal advice, trauma-informed counselling, financial experts, child advocacy and more. Knowledge is Power. MK Coaching Services shows you how to believe in your Power to advocate for yourself and your family.

*Only applicable to Residents of British Columbia, Canada*

LUCY WADE

Lucy Wade is a Domestic Abuse Consultant, specialising in Post-Separation Abuse.

Lucy is the creator of the website You Don’t Own Me. She is also the host of the Podcast, DIP in and out with LucyCIC, a “one-stop shop” helping people find useful resources, support services and access to knowledge shared by professionals.

In her spare time, Lucy sits on the Board of Trustees of Trafford Domestic Abuse Services.

Lucy has developed the Let’s Talk Series, which helps organisations begin to understand the issues and challenges faced by those experiencing domestic abuse and post-separation abuse and what organisations can do to support those around them.

DR. ANNETTE ATHY

Dr. Annette Athy, a grief specialist and child development expert, has dedicated over 20 years to the mental health field, working with children and families. She sold her private counseling practice to better serve clients and to focus on empowering parents, educators, and professionals about grief education.

She now runs an in-person and online coaching business, working with parents of grieving children, created the Growing Up with Grief FB group, and offers resources to combat grief illiteracy.

Dr. Athy developed the Grief Storm Quiz to help parents identify their child's type of grief and guide them in supporting their child’s unique needs and also offers Process Communication Model (PCM) training and coaching to enhance the understanding of personality and communication styles for improved relationships and self-growth.

CHAVISA HOREMANS

Chavisa is a trauma-informed consultant and coach, providing emotional, logistical, and practical support. She specializes in working with individuals, often parents, involved in high-conflict disputes, by navigating, strategizing, and problem-solving to increase safety and wellbeing for you and your children. Chavisa has expertise in gender-based violence, hidden abuse, financial abuse, and post-separation abuse.

Skilled support makes a world of difference. Chavisa holds a master's degree, graduate diploma, and divorce coaching and holistic trauma recovery certifications. She combines her professional and lived experience to provide meaningful support during hardship.

DR. CHRISTINE COCCHIOLA

Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher & Survivor. She is a tenured college professor teaching social work and a social justice advocate.

Most importantly, Dr. Cocchiola is a protective parent. Through her own clinical expertise, research, and personal experiences, she understands the impact that coercive control has on children. She coaches victims and survivors as they navigate parenting their harmed children.