Paula Vest-Woodfolk (Ms. Paula) has a heart for people and has served the families in her community and surrounding counties for over 30 years in various capacities. She has worked in the adult correctional system helping men and women re-enter the community and re-connect with their families, and as a Transitional Housing Counselor for homeless families. Ms. Paula served as Family Consultant with a Therapeutic Foster Care agency training foster parents and providing support to biological families while their children were in placement. She has also worked closely with the family court system as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Ms. Paula now specializes in educating and supporting parents as they provide a healthy environment for their children in very challenging situations. She is a problem solver and has an exceptional gift to assess skills and build on strengths while addressing challenges without criticism or judgement. Ms. Paula founded her own company, Helping Families Hope & Heal, where she teaches parenting classes and facilitates workshops focusing on open and honest communication, setting and maintaining boundaries, and understanding the needs of our children. She is a trained Family Mediator and an approved instructor of the VA Supreme Court's co-parenting classes and seminars. Ms. Paula also provides training and coaching for agencies whose staff provide direct services to parents. Ms. Paula lives in Virginia with her husband, and they have two adult children.
Class participants share their experiences!
"Great class! Very warm and comforting in a very stressful and heartbreaking experience."
"Paula's easy manner and wealth of knowledge was most helpful."
"I learned about the '3 R's of Communication'."
"I have attended many classes on children, this one has been one of the very best."
"...[with Ms. Paula's help] I realized that I am doing a better job as a parent than I originally thought."