Workshops & Presentations That Encourage, Connect & Inspire
Engaging parenting workshops, professional development, and practical learning experiences for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals in schools, workplaces, faith communities, and organizations.
We all benefit from opportunities to pause, reflect, learn, and connect with others.
Whether you're planning a parent education event, professional development workshop, or community presentation, my hope is to create a welcoming space where participants feel encouraged, supported, and inspired.
With over 25 years of experience working with children and families, I bring warmth, research-informed strategies, and real-life examples to conversations about communication, emotional well-being, character strengths, and building stronger relationships.
Together, we'll explore new perspectives, share experiences, and discover ways to bring more mindfulness, kindness, and gratitude into everyday interactions.
Practical tools for real families.
Creating Space for Conversations That Matter
Whether we're gathered in a school, workplace, faith community, or conference room, I believe meaningful learning happens when people feel welcomed, respected, and genuinely heard.
My workshops and presentations are designed to be engaging and interactive, inviting participants to reflect on their own experiences, learn from one another, and discover practical approaches they can carry into everyday life.
Encouragement Without Judgment
We all have opportunities to learn and grow. I create welcoming spaces where participants can explore new ideas, ask questions, and reflect without feeling criticized or expected to have all the answers.
Practical, Everyday Tools
Participants explore research-informed strategies, relatable examples, and activities that can support communication, emotional well-being, and stronger relationships at home, at work, and within their communities.
Connection Beyond the Workshop
Learning doesn't end when the presentation is over. My hope is that participants leave feeling encouraged, with new perspectives and meaningful tools they can bring into the relationships that matter most.
Meaningful Conversations for Families, Educators & Communities
Every audience brings unique experiences, interests, and needs. Each workshop or presentation is tailored to your group's goals, creating opportunities for reflection, conversation, and practical learning.
Big Emotions & Emotional Regulation
Explore the connection between emotions, brain development, and behavior. Learn ways to recognize emotional needs, understand our own reactions, and respond with greater calm, empathy, and connection.
Healthy Screen Time & Technology
Explore how screens, gaming, social media, and digital distractions influence children and families. Discover practical ways to establish healthy boundaries, encourage open conversations, and strengthen family relationships in a digital world.
Conversations That Connect
Discover how curiosity, empathy, and intentional listening can strengthen communication and trust. Explore ways to navigate challenging conversations and help children and others feel genuinely heard and understood.
Practice the PAUSE: Responding Instead of Reacting
Recognize what happens when emotions run high and explore ways to slow down, become more aware of our reactions, and respond with greater understanding and intention. Learn practical approaches to support calm, connection, and emotional well-being.
Supporting School-Aged Children & Tweens
Explore the changing developmental needs of children as they grow, including independence, friendships, emotional development, and the importance of maintaining strong connections through the elementary and middle school years.
Understanding & Supporting Neurodiversity
Explore the many ways children experience, communicate, learn, and respond to the world. Build awareness of individual strengths, sensory experiences, and support needs while encouraging greater understanding and compassion.
Strengths in Action: Recognizing What Is Strong
Discover how recognizing and celebrating character strengths can support confidence, belonging, and meaningful connections. Using the VIA Character Strengths framework, participants explore ways to notice, name, and appreciate the strengths in themselves and others.
Stepping Into Gratitude: Small Practices, Meaningful Change
Explore how intentional gratitude practices can support emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and help us notice the good in everyday life. Through reflection and interactive experiences, discover meaningful ways to bring gratitude into daily routines.
Boundaries With Connection
Explore how clear expectations, empathy, and respectful communication can work together. Discover ways to maintain healthy boundaries while honoring children's emotional needs and strengthening family relationships.
Purposeful Parenting With the PAUSE Process
Discover how the PAUSE Process—Presence, Attentive, Understand, Support, and Explore—can help parents and caregivers navigate everyday parenting experiences with greater intention, understanding, and care. Explore practical ways to strengthen relationships so children know they can come to their parents with anything.
Have another topic in mind? I'd love to explore what would be most meaningful for your audience.
Discuss Your Event
Bringing Meaningful Learning to Schools, Workplaces & Communities
Every community has its own strengths, challenges, and opportunities for connection.
I enjoy partnering with schools, workplaces, faith communities, and organizations throughout Minnesota and beyond to create workshops and presentations that reflect the needs and interests of their audiences.
Parent education nights, PTO and PTA events, family engagement programs, and professional development opportunities for educators and school communities.
Engaging workshops that support employees and working parents through conversations about communication, family relationships, emotional well-being, character strengths, and work-life challenges.
Thoughtful conversations that encourage family connections, strengthen communication, explore shared values, and support meaningful relationships across generations.
Interactive presentations and professional learning opportunities for educators, mental health professionals, family-serving organizations, prevention coalitions, and community members.
Workshops and presentations are available in person and virtually, with content tailored to the audience, event goals, and time available.
Plan a Workshop With MerriLet's Create Something Meaningful Together
Planning a parenting workshop, professional development session, conference, or community event?
I'd love to hear more about your audience, what you're hoping to accomplish, and how we can create a meaningful learning experience together.
Let's Connect About Your Event →Because We All Need People in Our Corner
I've always believed that raising children takes a village. And that parents and caregivers deserve encouragement, understanding, and support along the way.
One of my favorite things to hear is when a parent shares that their child calls me their "parent's teacher." I love the thought of a child recognizing that their parent is learning and growing, too!
That's a big part of why I became a parent coach and educator. I want to help parents and caregivers build stronger connections with their children, while reminding them that they don't have to figure everything out on their own. We all benefit from having people who listen, encourage us, and help us see things from a different perspective.
Whether I'm working with parents, educators, or professionals, my hope is to create opportunities to pause, be present, recognize what's already going well, and discover ways to strengthen the relationships that matter most.
Because we're all learning. And there's so much we can learn from one another.
Explore All Parent Coaching Services →
Let's Create a Meaningful Experience for Your Community
Every audience is different, and I enjoy working with organizers to create workshops and presentations that reflect the people in the room.
We'll begin with a conversation about your goals, your audience, and what you hope participants will take away.
Let's Connect
Share a little about your school, workplace, organization, or upcoming event.
Explore Your Audience's Needs
Together, we'll talk about the interests, questions, and experiences that matter most to your group.
Shape the Experience
We'll explore presentation topics, interactive activities, and a format that supports your goals.
Learn, Reflect & Connect
Participants leave with new perspectives, practical ideas, and opportunities to bring what they've learned into everyday life.
Parenting Workshops & Professional Development Across Minnesota
Based in the Twin Cities, I offer parenting workshops, professional development, and engaging presentations for schools, workplaces, faith communities, conferences, and community organizations throughout Minnesota.
Whether you're planning a parent education night, family communication workshop, educator training, or community event, I'd love to explore how we can create a meaningful learning experience for your audience.
Minneapolis, MN
Parenting workshops, professional development, and interactive presentations for Minneapolis schools, workplaces, parent organizations, and community groups.
St. Paul & Ramsey County, MN
Parent education, professional development, and workshops focused on emotional well-being, communication, and family connections for schools and organizations throughout St. Paul and Ramsey County.
Washington County, MN
Parenting workshops, professional development, and community presentations for schools, faith communities, and organizations in Stillwater, Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Mahtomedi, and surrounding communities.
Dakota County, MN
Parenting workshops, family communication presentations, and professional learning opportunities for organizations in Eagan, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, and nearby communities.
Goodhue County & Red Wing, MN
Parent education workshops, professional development, and interactive presentations focused on communication, emotional well-being, character strengths, and family connections for schools and organizations in Red Wing and throughout Goodhue County.
St. Cloud, MN
Parent education workshops and professional development presentations for schools, workplaces, and family-serving organizations in the St. Cloud area.
Rochester, MN
Interactive workshops and presentations focused on communication, emotional well-being, character strengths, and stronger relationships for Rochester organizations and communities.
Workshops and presentations are available virtually and in person. Let's explore the topics, format, and location that best support your event.
Questions About Parenting Workshops & Speaking
What parenting workshop topics does Merri offer?
Topics may include family communication, emotional regulation, screen time, parenting tweens, belonging, gratitude, neurodiversity, listening, and building stronger parent-child connections.
Can we book a parenting speaker for our school in Minnesota?
Schools and parent organizations throughout Minnesota are welcome to contact Merri to discuss a parenting presentation or workshop. Availability and event format can be explored during an initial conversation.
Do you offer parenting workshops and presentations for workplaces?
Absolutely! I offer engaging workshops and presentations for workplaces and employee groups, exploring topics such as parenting, family communication, emotional well-being, character strengths, and building meaningful relationships. Sessions are tailored to your organization's interests and offered virtually or in person, making it easier to bring employees together wherever they're located.
Can workshops be customized for our audience?
Yes! I enjoy learning about your audience, what matters most to them, and what you're hoping participants will take away. Together, we'll explore the topics, activities, and format that best support your group's needs and goals, creating a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
Can you present on screen time and technology for families?
Navigating screens and technology is one of the challenges I hear about most from parents and caregivers. My workshops explore healthy screen habits, family expectations, and ways to have open conversations about technology. Together, we'll discover practical strategies to move beyond screen time power struggles and build healthier relationships with technology while keeping family connections at the heart of it all.
Do you discuss neurodiversity in parenting workshops?
Every child brings their own unique strengths, needs, and ways of experiencing the world. As a certified parent coach and family educator, I share practical tools and resources to help parents and caregivers better understand and support their children, including those who are neurodivergent. My approach focuses on curiosity, compassion, and honoring each child's individuality while strengthening family connections.
These workshops are educational and do not provide diagnosis or clinical treatment.
Are workshops available virtually or in person?
I offer both virtual and in-person workshops and presentations! Whether your group is gathering in one location or connecting from different places, we'll explore the format that best supports your audience and event goals. I'm based in Minnesota and welcome opportunities to connect with communities near and far.
Can faith communities host a parenting workshop?
Yes. Faith communities can inquire about presentations focused on family connection, communication, values, belonging, and practical parenting support.
How long are your workshops and presentations?
Most workshops and presentations are 60–90 minutes, allowing time for meaningful conversations, reflection, and practical learning. I also offer longer sessions and customized formats based on your audience and event goals. Together, we'll explore what works best for your group.
How can we invite Merri to speak at our event?
Let's begin with a complimentary Cup of Kindness connection call! It's an opportunity for us to get to know one another, learn more about your event and audience, and explore what you're hoping participants will take away. Together, we'll discuss how we can create a meaningful learning experience that supports your community.
Bring Encouragement, Learning & Connection to Your Community
Planning a parent education night, professional development session, workplace presentation, conference, or community workshop?
I'd love to hear what you have in mind, learn more about your audience, and explore how we can create a meaningful experience together.
Let's start with a conversation!
Schedule Your Complimentary Cup of Kindness Connection Call →
