Meet Becky Goldman, Parent Navigation Coach

We’re excited to welcome Becky Goldman to the new role of Parent Navigation Coach. JFS created this position to better support our community’s mental health and provide education and resources. We spoke with Becky about her career, how she plans to help families in our community thrive, and her favorite parenting books. Join us in welcoming Becky to JFS!

What is your background? What were you doing before coming to JFS?
Before joining JFS, I spent my career in public schools, working in various roles focused on supporting children, adolescents, and their families. I have served as a behavioral support specialist in elementary and middle schools, worked as an English Language Development /Learning Assistance Program paraeducator to help students develop language and academic skills, and was a lead preschool teacher in the Ready Start program, supporting young learners during their critical early years of development.

In addition to my school-based experience, I provided in-home behavioral therapy, partnering closely with families to address children’s social, emotional, and behavioral needs. I also tutor a high school junior, whom I have supported since she was in 8th grade, which has allowed me to maintain a meaningful long-term mentoring relationship.

These experiences have given me a deep understanding of child development across ages, a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, and a genuine appreciation for the challenges and strengths that families bring to their parenting journeys.

What drew you to Jewish Family Service and this new Parent Navigation Coach role?
I was drawn to Jewish Family Service because of its long-standing commitment to supporting individuals and families with dignity, compassion, and a strong sense of community. In every interaction I’ve had with JFS – whether with the staff or the programs – I’ve witnessed a genuine dedication to meeting people where they are and walking alongside them with warmth and respect.

The role of Parent Navigation Coach aligns perfectly with my background in child and adolescent development, behavioral support, and family systems. Throughout my professional career, I have focused on helping caregivers understand and respond to the needs of the children in their lives. This role allows me to combine my professional training, my Jewish values, and my passion for supporting families in a meaningful, hands-on way.

Can you tell us what the new Parent Navigation Program will provide for our community?
The Parent Navigation Program offers short-term, personalized support for parents and caregivers who are dealing with concerns about their child’s emotional, behavioral, social, or developmental well-being. The program combines guidance, psychoeducation, resource connection, and collaborative problem-solving to help caregivers better understand what their child may be experiencing and determine the next steps that feel right for their family.

This support may include coaching on communication and boundary-setting, assistance in identifying local mental health and educational resources, reassurance and guidance during times of uncertainty, and tools based on evidence-based practices. The goal is to ensure that caregivers feel informed, empowered, and supported, knowing they have someone to turn to who understands child development and the unique needs of our community.

Why do you think this kind of support is important right now?
Families today are facing an extraordinary amount of stress, including rising mental health needs, social pressures, academic expectations, and challenges related to technology and social media, as well as the lasting effects of global and community trauma. Caregivers often need to interpret symptoms, understand complex systems, make decisions, and support their children while also managing their own responsibilities and stress.

Having a dedicated and knowledgeable individual to sit with parents, help them sort through their concerns, and connect them with appropriate tools and resources can make a significant difference. This support becomes even more critical during times of communal stress or uncertainty when families may feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to turn for assistance. Providing a compassionate and steady presence helps caregivers feel grounded and confident as they navigate the challenges they face.

What does “trauma-informed and culturally responsive support” mean in your work?
Being trauma-informed means recognizing that each person carries unique experiences that shape their thoughts, emotions, and responses. It involves approaching every conversation with curiosity, sensitivity, and patience, while avoiding assumptions about what a family “should” be doing. Instead, the focus is on ensuring safety, building trust, empowering individuals, and fostering collaboration.

Being culturally responsive means honoring the diversity of families in our community, including their identities, values, traditions, languages, and lived experiences. At JFS, this involves understanding the needs of Jewish families across various denominations and backgrounds, as well as showing deep respect for immigrant, refugee, and multifaith households. My work is centered on listening first, learning from the families I serve, and providing support that is respectful, relevant, and aligned with their cultural context.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love to read and travel – both internationally and within the United States – and I truly enjoy long road trips. I also cherish spending time with friends and family!

Recently, I’ve taken up baking and puzzles, and I’m slowly learning how to knit and needlepoint, which has been a fun challenge. Although I’m not much of a camper, I enjoy being in nature, especially on foggy days when everything feels quiet and peaceful.

Do you have a favorite parenting or family resource you’d recommend?
I have several favorite parenting books that I often recommend. One of them is “The Whole-Brain Child” by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson. This book is an excellent resource for understanding how the developing brain works and how parents can respond in ways that build resilience and emotional regulation.

For parents of tweens and teens, I highly recommend “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People” by David Yeager. This book offers clear, research-based strategies for supporting adolescents during a time of rapid change.

Another resource I frequently suggest is “Good Inside” by Dr. Becky Kennedy. It provides a compassionate and grounded framework for parenting that focuses on emotional literacy, connection, and recognizing that both parents and children are doing the best they can with the tools they have. The book is accessible, relatable, and closely aligns with the supportive, relationship-centered approach I promote for families.

If you have any questions please contact Becky at rgoldman@jfsseattle.org or read the Parent Navigation Coach Program flyer.