Hi, I’m Josie.
I sit with kids on their hardest days.
For over fifteen years, I've worked as a school counselor in public and private schools, and as a school liaison for a nonprofit grief center. As a certified Grief Specialist through the American School Counselor Association, I walk alongside students, families, and whole school communities through some of the hardest moments they'll ever face.
I've also written three bestselling books on finding peace and purpose in everyday life: The Gratitude Jar, Give Thanks, and Simple Serenity.
When I’m not working, I’m a mom, wife, and total cat person.
But all of my work keeps circling the same question:
What does it take to help someone become whole, peaceful, and full of purpose in the challenge of everyday life?
That’s what I try my best to answer in my books and workshops.
・Speaking・
BOOK A TALK
Behind the Behavior
Seeing What a Struggling Kid Really Needs
Every educator has that student: the one who has every advantage and still isn’t okay, or the one who should be falling apart and somehow isn’t. This session gives your staff a simple, counselor-tested way to see what’s actually going on beneath a student’s behavior, know exactly where to start, and how to help without burning out.
Grounded in a classic framework from psychology and current research on student success, the session gives staff a specific place to start with any student — and small, high-impact moves that fit a real caseload and a real school day.
"We loved having you speak at our September meeting. I can't remember a time when there were so many positive and appreciative comments from our members.”
— Leann, White Bear Lake Area Retired Teachers Association
KEYNOTES · WORKSHOPS · PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS
・Books・
The Gratitude Jar
Give Thanks
Simple Serenity
★★★★★
“I can’t begin to express how refreshing it is to read something so inspiring, yet so simple. Josie’s message is a gift to anyone who reads this. I keep thinking of how the world could be a better place, if everyone practiced Giving THANKS.”
— Kelly S.
