For more than three years, McKenna has been supporting families across Canada as a Coach with Strongest Families Institute (SFI). Her passion for youth mental health shines through in every call she makes, as she helps children, teens, and caregivers build resilience and practical skills to thrive.
“I’ve always wanted to work in a field where I could help others in a direct and meaningful way,” she shares. “Being a coach allows me to have a direct impact on the lives of children, adolescents, and their families.”
McKenna works across several of SFI’s flagship programs, including Parents Empowering Kids (for caregivers navigating common childhood behaviour challenges), Chase Worries Away (for children facing anxiety), and Defeat Anxiety (for adolescents).
Although she has worked as a Coach for a few years, she says it feels like just yesterday she was getting ready to hit the ‘call’ button for her first session.
“I have strengthened so many invaluable skills, both during and outside of calls—being a coach has allowed me to communicate more effectively, problem-solve in the moment, and tackle challenges head-on.”
Through weekly telephone sessions, she walks families through evidence-based strategies, problem-solving challenges together, and setting realistic goals for growth.
Why Phone-Based Coaching Works
One of the reasons SFI’s programs are so effective, McKenna explains, is the flexibility and accessibility of telephone coaching. Families can connect from the comfort of their homes, on schedules that work for them, without the barriers of travel or face-to-face appointments.
“For some families, it’s the very first time they’ve sought help,” she says. “Having a regular call encourages them to continue reaching out when things get tough.”
Small Shifts, Big Impact
When asked about moments that stay with her, McKenna recalls one family who began the Parents Empowering Kids program feeling overwhelmed and stressed by their children’s behaviour. Together, they worked on a simple skill called Noticing the Good. Within a week of focusing on daily encouragement and positive reinforcement, one of the children gave their parent an unprompted hug for the very first time.
“It was incredible,” McKenna says. “That one moment showed how much of an impact the program could have, even in just a short time.”
Measuring Success
For McKenna, success looks different for every family—whether it’s improved behaviour, more confidence in parenting, reduced stress, or simply carving out time for self-care. What matters most is the dedication families show to practicing their new skills and strategies week after week.
Staying Motivated
Like many working in mental health, McKenna acknowledges that compassion fatigue can be a challenge. But she stays motivated by reflecting on the impact she’s made.
“I’ve had families send me photos of their children’s workbooks filled with positive thoughts like, I am smart! written in crayon, surrounded by hearts and stars. I always go back to those when things get tough.”
Looking Ahead
Her role as a Coach has not only strengthened her skills in communication and problem-solving but also reaffirmed her passion for working with children and youth. McKenna hopes to continue her journey in mental health, with dreams of becoming a guidance counsellor one day.
Her biggest takeaway? That success often lies in the small things.
“When you’re focused only on challenges, it’s easy to miss the positives. Every day has a success. And sometimes even five minutes of self-care can make a huge difference.”
McKenna’s message for anyone considering reaching out for support is simple but powerful:
You are not alone. Everyone faces mental health challenges at some point. The first step is to reach out and ask for help.