At Strongest Families Institute, coaches are at the heart of every family’s journey, providing encouragement, practical tools, and compassionate support every step of the way. This quarter, we’re shining a spotlight on Coach Jen Goodwin, whose passion for youth mental health and early intervention continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families across Canada.
For Jen, supporting mental health isn’t just a career, it’s something she has cared deeply about for years.
“I have always been passionate about supporting positive mental health and reducing stigma,” she explains. “Early experiences with peers experiencing mental health challenges inspired my drive to help individuals improve their mental health and quality of life.”
Before joining SFI, Jen worked with adults experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges. That experience reinforced something she strongly believes today: the power of early intervention.
“When I learned about Strongest Families, I was immediately drawn to the organization because of its ability to provide early intervention mental health support,” she says.
Now celebrating three years with the organization, Jen coaches across several SFI programs, including Parents Empowering Kids, Chase Worries Away, Defeat Anxiety, and ICAN. She works one-on-one with children, youth, adults, and families, while also facilitating group coaching and weekly open support sessions.
Within each session, Jen helps participants build practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges while supporting families in setting goals and preparing for difficult situations ahead of time.
“One of the greatest changes I see in families is increased confidence and resilience,” she says. “That growth comes through learning new skills and strategies to manage behaviour and anxiety concerns.”
Jen believes one of the reasons SFI’s approach is so effective is because of its accessibility. Phone-based coaching removes many of the barriers families often face when trying to access mental health services.
“Families can access support without travelling to appointments, finding childcare, or worrying about social bias,” she explains. “It reduces stress and makes support easier to access.”
Each coaching session is designed to feel collaborative and supportive. Together, coaches and families review progress, celebrate successes, problem-solve challenges, and develop new skills to practice throughout the week.
One story that has stayed with Jen involved a child completing the Chase Worries Away program.
“In the final session, they excitedly shared that they felt they could now do anything by using their relaxation skills to cope with anxiety,” she recalls. “The program not only empowered them to feel in control of their anxiety but increased their confidence so greatly that they felt they could achieve any goal they wanted to.”
While the work can sometimes be challenging—particularly when families feel hesitant or unsure about trying new skills—Jen says seeing positive transformation keeps her motivated.
“The successes families share with me and the changes that occur through the process are incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It’s hard to describe the feeling of supporting individuals and families through that growth.”
For Jen, success isn’t measured only by progress during the program itself, but by families feeling confident in continuing to use the skills long after coaching ends.
“I want families to feel equipped to navigate future challenges,” she says. “That confidence is essential for long-term resilience and positive mental health.”
Looking ahead, Jen hopes to see quality mental health supports become even more accessible for youth and families across Canada.
“My hope is for SFI to continue expanding and to be available to all Canadian youth,” she says.
And for anyone hesitant about reaching out for help, her message is simple:
“Don’t hesitate to seek support. Early intervention, gaining skills and strategies, and feeling confident in being in the driver’s seat of your own life is possible for everyone.”