Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodie Maddox.
Hi Jodie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t set out to become a parent coach or education consultant—this work grew out of the life I was already living in schools, homes, and conversations with families who were trying their best to support their children.
I am a retired school principal, special education teacher, author, education consultant, and certified Parent Coach. For more than 30 years, I had the privilege of working in public and private schools with students, teachers, and parents across every level—preschool through higher education. I began my career in special education at the elementary and middle school levels, where I learned quickly that every child brings a unique set of strengths and challenges. At the high school level, I served as a campus minister, teacher, and assistant principal, which deepened my commitment to meeting the whole child—academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Later, I served as a building principal at both the elementary and high school levels, where I saw firsthand how powerful strong relationships and clear systems can be for students and teachers alike.
Over time, I noticed a common thread. Whether I was working with a struggling student, a new teacher, or a concerned parent, the real work was always about growth—learning how to better understand behavior, build relationships, and create environments where people could thrive. I found myself drawn more and more to coaching conversations—listening, asking questions, and helping people find practical, meaningful ways to move forward.
In 2022, I earned my coaching certification and started my own coaching and consulting firm. That step allowed me to bring together everything I had learned throughout my career in a more focused and personalized way. Today, I have the privilege of working with educators and parents as a coach and consultant. I am also the author of *Parenting with A Few F Words*, a reflection of the framework I use to help families fuel, focus, foster, follow, and forgive their way to a more peaceful and productive path forward.
My work is grounded in a simple belief: people want to do well, and with the right support, they can. I specialize in working with individuals who are ready for growth and change—for themselves and for the children in their care.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I love to learn, create, and evolve. I am at my best when I am building a process and designing a system. My career has always kept me moving, so the ability to pivot and adjust has been a real asset. One of my biggest challenges has been not seeing quick results. I have had to learn to slow down, trust the process, and commit to the long game. This has been an important lesson for me—and one that has proven incredibly valuable in my work with coaching clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jodie Maddox Coaching and Consulting?
At the heart of my work is a simple goal: help people create meaningful, sustainable growth for themselves and for the children in their care.
As a parent coach and education consultant, my work sits at the intersection of home and school. I support parents, teachers, and school leaders as they navigate behavior, learning, and relationships—especially when things feel stuck, overwhelming, or unclear. My background as a special education teacher and school principal, combined with my training as a certified coach, allows me to bring both practical strategies and personalized support to every situation.
I specialize in working with individuals who are ready for change but aren’t always sure where to start. Much of my work focuses on supporting neurodiverse children and teens, building executive functioning skills, strengthening communication, and helping adults create clear systems and routines that reduce stress and increase success. I am known for helping people take what feels complex and break it into simple, actionable steps they can actually use in real life.
What sets my work apart is the balance between strategy and relationship. I believe deeply in “connection before correction,” and I don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Every family, classroom, and school is different, so the work is always tailored, thoughtful, and grounded in what is already strong. I am not just offering ideas—I walk alongside my clients as a thinking partner, helping them implement, reflect, and adjust over time.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that my work feels both supportive and substantive; I bring real solutions to big problems. My style is warm, but it is also strategic. Whether I am working one-on-one with a parent, coaching a teacher, or leading professional development in a school, my focus is on creating systems that are sustainable—not quick fixes that fade over time.
Through my coaching programs, consulting work, and my book, *Parenting with A Few F Words*, I want readers to know that growth is possible. With the right structure, support, and mindset, families and educators can move from frustration and uncertainty to clarity, confidence, and a sense of peace in the work they are doing every day.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in mid-Missouri, in a large family. I was the baby of five. I was a little awkward, small, and a mix of silly and fun. I loved my family and any animal that crossed my path. Learning didn’t come easily to me, so I leaned into being social and using humor to make hard things—like school—feel a little more manageable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jodiemaddoxicoach.com
- Instagram: jodiemaddoxparentcoach
- Facebook: Jodie Maddox – Parent Coach & Consultant
- Other: https://jodiemaddoxicoach.com/newsletters
