Our Story & Our Mission

Helping Children Thrive by Empowering the Families Who Support Them

Every family has a story. Some arrive at our practice feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or school struggles. Others are navigating ADHD, trauma, OCD, depression, family transitions, or parenting challenges. Many have spent months—or even years—trying to help their child before reaching out for support. No matter what brings a family through our doors, we believe they deserve to be met with compassion, expertise, and hope. The Center for Family Empowerment was created with a simple belief: Children thrive when the adults who care for them feel supported, informed, and empowered. That belief continues to guide everything we do.

A letter from our founder, Jessica Montanaro Paist, LMFT

I founded The Center for Family Empowerment in 2017 out of a deep commitment to helping families break cycles of struggle and build lasting resilience. After witnessing firsthand how a lack of access to resources, education, and supportive systems can hold families back, I knew there had to be a better way. CFE was born from the belief that every family deserves the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

Our work goes beyond individual support—we partner with schools and engage directly in the community to ensure children and families receive the comprehensive care they need. By addressing challenges at home, in classrooms, and within neighborhoods, we create a network of empowerment that helps families grow stronger together. Through compassionate guidance, practical education, and community collaboration, we help families rewrite their stories and build healthier, more hopeful futures.

The Meaning Behind Our Name

Our name reflects the heart of our practice. When we chose The Center for Family Empowerment, we wanted it to represent more than a place where therapy happens. We wanted it to reflect what we believe creates meaningful, lasting change. We believe children don't grow in isolation. They grow within families, schools, friendships, and communities. When children are struggling, parents and caregivers are often doing everything they can to help—but may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or alone. Our goal isn't simply to provide therapy. It's to empower the people who support children every day. That means helping parents better understand their child's needs, strengthening family relationships, providing practical tools that can be used outside the therapy room, and partnering with families as they navigate life's challenges together. Because when families feel empowered, children are better equipped to grow with confidence, resilience, and hope.

We Believe Every Child Has Strengths

When children are struggling, it's easy for everyone—including the child—to begin focusing only on what's wrong. We see something different. We see children who are doing the best they can with the skills they have today. We see strengths waiting to be recognized. We see resilience that can be nurtured. And we believe meaningful growth begins when children feel understood—not judged. Our goal isn't to change who children are. Our goal is to help them better understand themselves, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen relationships, and build the confidence they need to navigate life's challenges.

We Believe Families Are Part of the Solution

Children don't grow in isolation. They grow within families, schools, friendships, and communities. That's why we believe lasting change happens when parents and caregivers are included in the therapeutic process whenever appropriate. Rather than expecting families to figure everything out on their own, we partner with them by providing education, practical strategies, and ongoing support throughout treatment. We want parents to leave therapy feeling more confident—not more confused. Because when families feel empowered, children often do too.

We Believe Therapy Should Be Personalized

No two children are exactly alike. Even when two children share the same diagnosis, their personalities, strengths, relationships, and life experiences are different. That's why we don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, we take time to understand the whole child before developing an individualized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs, developmental stage, and goals. Whether therapy includes CBT, ERP, EMDR, DBT-informed skills, play therapy, parent coaching, family therapy, or another evidence-based approach, every recommendation is guided by thoughtful clinical care—not a predetermined formula.

We Believe Relationships Matter

Research consistently shows that one of the most important factors in successful therapy is the relationship between a client and their therapist. That's why we place such a strong emphasis on creating a warm, welcoming environment where children, teens, young adults, and parents feel safe, respected, and heard. Healing doesn't happen because someone has all the answers. It happens through trust, collaboration, curiosity, and connection.

We Believe in Evidence-Based Care

Compassion is essential. So is expertise. Our clinicians are committed to ongoing learning and providing evidence-based care that reflects current research and best practices. We thoughtfully integrate approaches such as:

Our goal is always the same: providing care that is individualized, effective, and meaningful for each child and family we serve.

More Than a Therapy Practice

The Center for Family Empowerment is more than a place where therapy happens. It's a place where children discover their strengths. Where parents find guidance and support. Where families learn healthier ways of communicating, connecting, and growing together. We celebrate progress in all its forms—from a child attending school after months of anxiety, to a teenager finding healthier ways to cope with overwhelming emotions, to parents feeling more confident navigating everyday challenges. Those moments remind us why this work matters.

Looking Ahead

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow into a confident, resilient, and emotionally healthy adult. Every parent deserves support along the way. And every family deserves a place where they feel understood. We're honored that so many families have trusted us to be part of their journey, and we remain committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care that empowers children, strengthens families, and creates lasting change.

Meet the Team Behind Our Mission

Our clinicians bring diverse training, specialized expertise, and a shared commitment to helping children, teens, young adults, and families thrive. Each member of our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, collaborative care while building meaningful relationships with the families we serve.

We'd Be Honored to Be Part of Your Story

Whether you're seeking support for your child, your family, or yourself, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence. Thank you for considering The Center for Family Empowerment. We look forward to meeting your family and supporting you every step of the way.