When families come to Strongest Families Institute (SFI) looking for support, they’re often at a turning point—frustrated, exhausted, and unsure of what to do next. That’s where Mickayla steps in.
As an SFI Support Coach, Mickayla brings warmth, experience, and a deep understanding of human behaviour to every phone call she makes.
“My role is to support parents and provide them with practical tools to improve behaviour and achieve harmony at home,” Mickayla explains. “We start by looking at what they’re currently doing and where they could be making different choices—then explore how small shifts in their own behaviour can lead to big changes in their child’s.”
Mickayla’s journey to SFI is rooted in over a decade of experience in mental health, education, and family support. After earning her undergraduate degree from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, she immersed herself in roles that focused on education, and working with people impacted by the foster care and healthcare systems in Nova Scotia.
Before joining SFI, she worked face-to-face with students at Bridgeway Academy, a school for children needing behavioural and learning support—many of whom were also participating in SFI programs— as a medical tutor at Tri-County Regional Centre for Education (TCRCE) on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.
“It feels full circle now,” Mickayla says. “I’ve seen the impact of this program from both sides, and it really works.”
Transitioning to phone-based coaching was a shift, but one she embraced.
“The fact that it’s remote removes a lot of barriers—transportation, cost, time. Parents can focus on the content without feeling judged.”
Each session begins with a check-in—How was your week? Were you able to meet your self-care goals? From there, Mickayla helps parents reflect on the skills they’ve practiced, solve challenges, and build on their progress. Her approach is rooted in empathy, honesty, and a deep belief in each family’s capacity to grow.
“Often, parents come into the program a bit skeptical. And that’s totally okay,” she says. “Most of us weren’t taught these skills by our own parents or grandparents. But once families start applying the tools consistently, they’re able to see real, lasting improvements.”
When asked what advice she’d give to struggling parents, Mickayla’s response is both compassionate and insightful. “Start with vulnerability. Look inward. Sometimes we have to explore our own guilt or shame around traditional ways of approaching behaviour before we can understand kids. This program meets you where you’re at and helps you move forward without judgment.”
Outside of her coaching role, Mickayla is all about balance. She practices yoga, forages mushrooms, and takes long walks with her dog, Bello (named after the portobello mushroom, naturally). She’s also a caregiver to her special-needs cat, Peaches, and plans to work toward getting her master’s in counselling psychology at Yorkville University.
For Mickayla, success isn’t measured in quick fixes—it’s when a parent feels confident and empowered to support their child’s behavioural needs long after the calls have ended.
“This program truly changes lives,” she says. “And I’m grateful to be part of that change.”