ABOUT
About Teva Johnstone's Education and Experience
I'M TEVA
I am a former child therapist who provides autism parent training, group education, and support to parents of differently wired youth.
My work is grounded in a relationship-based, developmental approach with an emphasis on prevention of childhood mental health issues.
My areas of focus are respectful parenting & autism, navigating the 'culture war' while raising children, and homeschooling/unschooling differently wired kids.
Here for you!


MY STORY
Autism + Neurodiversity
I was inspired to focus my practice on differently wired kids when I became a mother to a spirited child. Professionally, I noticed a gap in knowledge and dignified treatment of autistic and highly sensitive kids, so I made it my mission to help turn things around within the field of mental health.
Professional Practice
When I opened my child therapy practice I learned there was a need for parental care, education and support. I pivoted my approach to more broadly assist parents.
Gender Diversity
I've made a few waves due to sharing publicly my concern about pediatric gender transition. The topic of gender is directly related to the ethical treatment of autistic and traumatized youth.
Unschooling
I am passionate about children thriving in educational settings. I believe out-of-classroom and self-directed education is one way to foster optimal mental health and protect children's natural creativity. Many parents are dissatisfied with the school environment and seek my help.
Cali Life
I live in Southern California and homeschool my daughter in a beautiful little corner of the universe.
ASSISTANT
Vanessa Mae Rameer, BA Psychology
Vanessa is my right hand gal and research assistant! She keeps the information used in course creation up-to-date with high quality scholarly literature. She maintains the Amazon Shop and other tech. Vanessa is a creative psychology geek who is pursuing higher education while running a super cool online merch store.


SPECIALTY
Children's Mental Health
I am interested in prevention. I help parents understand protective and risk factors. Childhood matters.
SPECIALTY
Autism Parenting
Autistic children need informed & flexible parents. We offer respect for differences while promoting development.
SPECIALTY
Unschool & Homeschool
Honoring children's differences and fostering mental wellness means being intentional about their educational environment.
Do you have questions?
Are you curious about how parent coaching & consulting can help your child?
Contact Teva"Your page literally makes me feel sane. I am grateful for everything you talk about. It's sort of a scary place for parents right now and having influencers like you not shy away from difficult topics is so valuable. Thank you!"
Instagram Follower
"Just wanted to say that I am so grateful for your courage and obvious compassion for our kids. You are doing meaningful work!"
Instagram Follower
EDUCATION
Master's of Social Work // Azusa Pacific University
Certified DIR Floortime Practitioner // ICDL
Certified Autism-Informed Professional // PESI
Certified Trauma Professional // PESI
Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment // SMART Moves LLC
Autistic Mental Health and Well-being // Judy Endow, LCSW for Autism Society
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders // Postpartum Support International
EXPERIENCE
Early Child Development
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Co-led developmental play groups
- Constructed sensorimotor play space
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Facilitated psychoeducational parent groups
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Facilitated maternal mental health postpartum support groups
School-based Developmental Disabilities
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Therapist on IEP team for social emotional goals
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Advocate for neurodivergent students
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Consultant for parents & multidisciplinary team
- Contractor with underserved school districts
Foster Youth, Trauma & Parenting
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Provided psychoeducation for parenting abused & traumatized children
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Supervised visits with biological parents and coached parents on attachment
- Supported foster families during adoption planning & finalization
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Wrote and evaluated Home Studies for County Child Welfare & non-profit
Private Practice Psychotherapy
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Trauma-informed play therapy and talk therapy for youth
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Parent psychotherapy & Maternal Mental Healthcare
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DIR Floortime, TF-CBT & Autism specialized support
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Advocacy for children & parents
Education & Coaching
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Autism Parent Training
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Group coaching parent membership
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Autism & Neurodiversity guest speaker
- Children's mental health consulting
- Unschooling course creator