ABOUT

Teva Johnstone's Education & Experience

I'M TEVA

 

I am a former child therapist who provides coaching and consultation to parents.

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 homeschool, respectful parenting & autism.

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.

Homeschool

I think homeschool is a great way to foster children's mental health and development. I am passionate about freeing the youth from government school and watching them soar.

Cali Life

I live in Southern California and homeschool my daughter in a beautiful 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.

 

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SPECIALTY

Homeschool & Unschool

I help parents exit the schools so they can raise their child aligned with their values and watch them soar.

SPECIALTY

Autism Parenting

I help parents learn about autism and develop their skills for respectful parenting and a more peaceful home.

SPECIALTY

Children's Mental Health

I help parents understand mental illness risk factors and build up protective qualities for resilience. 

Do you have questions?

Are you curious how parent coaching 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

  • Co-led developmental play groups

  • Constructed sensorimotor play space
  • Facilitated psychoeducational parent groups 

  • Facilitated maternal mental health postpartum support groups

School-based Developmental Disabilities

  • Therapist on IEP team for social emotional goals

  • Advocate for neurodivergent students

  • Consultant for parents & multidisciplinary team

  • Contractor with underserved school districts

Foster Youth, Trauma & Parenting

  • Provided psychoeducation for parenting abused & traumatized children

  • Supervised visits with biological parents and coached parents on attachment

  • Supported foster families during adoption planning & finalization
  • Wrote and evaluated Home Studies for County Child Welfare & non-profit

Private Practice Psychotherapy

  • Trauma-informed play therapy and talk therapy for youth

  • Parent psychotherapy & Maternal Mental Healthcare

  • DIR Floortime, TF-CBT & Autism specialized support

  • Advocacy for children & parents

Education & Coaching

  • Autism Parent Coaching

  • Homeschool course creator & coach
  • Autism & Neurodiversity guest speaker

  • Children's mental health consulting