Professional Bios

AMY ARMSTRONG, LISW, Conflict Resolution Specialist

As a seasoned parent coach, Amy Armstrong, LISW-S, is a pioneer in bringing innovative conflict resolution practices to the arena of family law. Equipped with a degree in Education from Miami University of Ohio and a Master’s degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University, Amy’s career is marked by bold leadership, including her role as past-president of the Ohio Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.

As Co-founder of The Center for Family Resolution (CFR) in Columbus, Ohio, Amy has established a hub for specialized trauma-informed interventions addressing diverse needs in families, businesses, schools, and communities. CFR professional coaches, under Amy’s training and guidance, navigate complex situations such as separation, divorce, relationship cut-off, anxiety, and post-decree co-parenting issues for court-involved families.

In the realm of parent education, Amy taught “The Art of Positive Parenting,” contributing significantly to building awareness and communication skills for hundreds of families in the central Ohio community as well as at Gladden Community House in Franklinton. Amy’s journey continued as she gained accreditation as an ICF accredited professional parent coach, facilitating positive shifts in discipline and relationship dynamics for families.

Collaborating with co-authors, Amy authored “Real-Time Parenting: Choose Your Action Steps for the Present Moment,” a work that earned three notable literary awards. Her narrative is one of unwavering dedication, profound expertise, and empowerment, establishing her as a prominent figure among professionals in family dynamics and conflict resolution.

Additionally, Amy works part-time leading dispute resolution programs at the Delaware, Ohio Domestic Relations Court. Amy’s commitment to conflict resolution is also exemplified through her partnership with My-Robin, a social-emotional learning company supporting professionals and families in the New York City Public Schools.

Amy’s influence extends to various professional committees, including the Supreme Court of Ohio Family Law Reform Implementation Workgroup and the Parenting Coordination Workgroup, and leadership positions in several family and education-oriented professional organizations. As a sought-after speaker, she shares valuable insights as a keynote and workshop speaker. Notable presentations include “The Paradox of Power” and “Trauma-Informed Approaches to Conflict Resolution” as well as frequent talks for the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
Since 2020, Amy has served as the Director of Education at The Center for Coach Development, preparing professionals to earn credentials with the International Coaching Federation and excel in their chosen fields.

WENDI STERN, MBA, PCI CERTIFIED PARENT COACH®

Wendi Stern is a breath of fresh air in the arena of conflict resolution. As a highly trained and experienced parent coach and co-parent coach, Wendi reliably demonstrates both compassion and insight to help parents infuse personal, creative solutions into every challenging conversation. Her consistent and non-judgmental approach helps clients shift from blame to boundaries; from a negative past into a hopeful future.

Wendi received her initial parent coach certification through The Parent Coaching Institute, and earned coach accreditation through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Additionally, Wendi is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ and holds a master’s degree in business administration, thus complimenting her expertise supporting families with financial acumen.

Wendi brings professional experience of nearly a decade in large private-sector financial services companies, and serving on the boards of multiple non-profit organizations, including the Ohio Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and Soroptimist International of Columbus & Franklin County.

Wendi is a key player for integrating family law professionals as part of a team approach for maximum impact working with families. Additionally, Wendi is committed to cutting edge learning as she attends many conferences and trainings each year to meet and exceed the education requirements to maintain her status as a court-appointed mediator, co-parent coach, and parenting coordinator.

When she is not working, Wendi enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and extended family.

MARY T. (TERRI) JOHNSTON, MBA, MS ED

Terri Johnston is a seasoned professional coach working with individuals and families. Many clients seek out Terri when they are involved in the court system, specifically where a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) has been appointed or there is a complex family dynamic involving a child(ren) resisting or refusing contact with a parent. She is a highly skilled listener not only as a coach but also as mediator, parenting coordinator and collaborative divorce coach helping couples terminate their marriage or manage their parenting plan in a respectful and more cooperative manner.

Terri is passionate about helping parents and co-parents be the best parent possible for their child(ren)and provide an environment that allows their child(ren) to thrive emotionally. Terri helps her clients meet their specific goals, whether it is improved communication skills, finding ways to cope with difficult situations, changing behaviors that contribute to problems, or discovering constructive ways to deal with a situation outside of a person’s control.

Terri received her MBA and MSEd in Clinical Counseling through the University of Dayton. Prior to Terri following her passion in helping people, she worked in various executive positions for several Fortune 500 companies in the field of IT (information technology).

DEBORAH FRAZIER, MSW

Deborah believes strongly that it is within the power of each and every person to create the life he or she desires. Deborah’s mission is to help you create impactful positive change.

As a Parent and Co-Parent Coach, Deborah specializes in guiding families through the challenging journey of co-parenting. With over a decade of experience in counseling and working with families, she empowers parents with practical tools and strategies to foster positive communication, manage conflict, and prioritize the well-being of their children. She works with parents in finding common ground, establishing clear boundaries, and developing a co-parenting plan that prioritizes the needs and happiness of their children. Her goal is to bridge the gap between parents, creating an environment where children can thrive.

As a Relationship Coach, Deborah is the co-creator of the couple’s program, “Couple’s Code, The Art of Partnering.” Deborah’s coaching approach is collaborative and solution-focused, creating personalized strategies tailored to each couple’s unique needs for improving communication, deepening emotional intimacy, and navigating conflict constructively. Her goal-oriented and innovative approach emphasizes practical skills and actionable steps to help couples overcome challenges and achieve their relationship goals.

After earning her Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degrees of Social Work at The Ohio State University, Deborah has engaged in specialized training in coaching, The Gottman Method, mediation, and specialized interventions for families when a child resists contact with a parent. Deborah taught “Parents Who Parent Separately,” a program of Action for Children, for many years.

In her free time, Deb enjoys spending time with her family.

MATT MALLORY

Matt Mallory is an experienced professional coach and counselor working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. He is best known for his upbeat nature, compassionate curiosity and generous sense of humor.

Matt thoughtfully advocates for clients facing adversity. With a combination of determination and empathy, he champions radical transformation of limiting beliefs into empowering thoughts and aligned action. Matt helps his clients tap into authentic motivation to reach desired outcomes through hard work and collaboration.

Matt earned his MSM in Organizational Leadership from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and is finishing up his MBA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Dayton. In addition, Matt is a certified Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) facilitator, a certified Change Management practitioner, and has completed his training for accreditation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Matt has over 30 years of experience in coaching, leadership, and in the learning and development space, through various corporate leadership positions.

When he is not working, you can find Matt with his husband enjoying music and supporting the local Columbus arts scene, as well as caring for his dogs Toby and Gracie, and their cat Dexter.

BROOKE JONES

Brooke Jones shines as a beacon of resilience in the field of conflict resolution. Her unwavering positivity instills hope and inspires positive change in even the darkest of chaotic and confusing situations. Brooke is grounded in her training as a coach and has 15 years of experience working through her own dire circumstances with parental alienation. Her roots as a division 1 athlete demonstrate her ability to stay the course with a commitment to personal and professional excellence.

As an empathetic listener and astute observer, Brooke serves as both a parent coach and co-parent coach. Her ability to see beyond the surface and uncover underlying dynamics makes her a trusted ally on the journey of personal responsibility, improved communication, and conflict resolution.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Brooke finds joy in outdoor adventures, cherishes time with her son, and unleashes her passion on the dance floor as a skilled salsa dancer.