Meet Sheryl Gould | Parent Coach and Educator, Founder of Moms of Tweens and Teens, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheryl Gould and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheryl, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I truly believe our greatest challenges can lead us to our greatest calling. About 20 years ago, when my oldest daughter entered the tween years, I found myself completely overwhelmed. I was struggling to connect with her and didn’t know where to turn for help. It was a place I never imagined I’d be, and I realized I needed more support than I thought. After taking my daughter to therapy, I quickly realized that it was actually me who needed help. I got into therapy, and the therapist invited me to join a moms’ group. That group not only changed my life but also improved my relationships and how I parented.

During that time, the therapy practice asked me to lead a moms’ group, and what started as one group quickly grew into multiple groups. I began noticing a common theme: so many of the moms I was working with had tweens and teens. There was a huge gap in support specifically for moms in this stage of life, and I wanted to fill it. The power of those groups became clear—moms realized they weren’t alone in their struggles, and their kids weren’t the only ones going through certain challenges.

One day, someone in my moms group suggested I create a website to offer more support to moms—and that’s when the idea for Moms of Tweens and Teens was born. It’s been an incredible journey ever since.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Moms of Tweens and Teens is so much more than a business—it’s a mission rooted in my own story and the challenges I faced as a mom. Our purpose is to equip and encourage moms around the globe with a compassionate, non-judgmental space to share the struggles and triumphs of raising adolescents. We provide the support, tools, and community moms need to grow in self-awareness, become more effective parents, strengthen their relationships with their tweens and teens, and live more satisfying, purpose-driven lives.

What sets Moms of Tweens and Teens apart is our heart for transformation—real, lasting change from the inside out. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve seen restored and strengthened through this work. It’s amazing to witness moms reconnect with their kids, feel more confident in their parenting, and as a result, watch their children begin to thrive too. But the impact goes even deeper—many moms also begin healing in other areas of their lives. They find deeper satisfaction, stronger marriages, closer friendships, and a greater sense of who they are outside of motherhood.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. It’s taken years of hard work, trial and error, long hours, and more mistakes than I can count. I’ve had to learn what works and what doesn’t, and each failure has taught me something valuable. What’s helped me keep going is staying rooted in my “why”—to serve others and make a meaningful difference in families.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way? Be open to hard but helpful feedback—it’s what helps you stretch and grow. Take risks, even when they’re uncomfortable. Don’t try to do everything at once—focus on one meaningful step forward at a time. And maybe most importantly: don’t do it alone. Surround yourself with supportive, positive people who believe in you and your vision.

What I want the world to know is this: you are not alone. Parenting tweens and teens is hard, but there is so much hope. When we work on ourselves, heal, and grow—we can change the story for our kids, our families, and ourselves. That’s the heartbeat of everything we do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It’s hard to believe it’s already been almost a year since I moved to Dallas. My husband and I are still discovering new spots and fun places around the city. If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d definitely take them to some of my favorite places.

We’re lucky to live just 5 minutes from the Dallas Arboretum in Lakewood, which we love visiting year-round. Whether it’s the changing landscapes, live music, or special holiday events, it’s always a beautiful place to unwind. White Rock Lake is another spot we enjoy—it’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk, bike ride, or picnic. Having water nearby again feels like such a bonus after living by Lake Michigan for so many years.

We’d start the day with coffee at Foxtrot, then take a walk along the Katy Trail. After that, we’d explore the Greenville/Knox area, with its charming boutiques and cute shops. Another spot I love to visit on the weekends is the Downtown Farmers Market—it’s a must if you’re hosting someone from out of town. The food, vendors, and fun places to shop and eat make it such a good time.

If the Dallas Stars are playing, we’d grab dinner and a drink at The Henry, then walk over to the game which is so worth it even if you’re not a huge hockey fan – the team spirit and fans make it so much fun.

When it comes to food, we’ve got a few favorites. The Honor Bar has an amazing atmosphere and great food, while Mi Cocina serves up some of the best Mexican food around. For a special night out, Albiernats is our go-to for a delicious steak. And for a fun, laid-back evening, we love the Katy Trail Ice House—great food, great music, and a relaxed vibe.

On Sunday, I’d invite them to Watermark Community Church, which has been such an incredible place for us. The community is welcoming, and the life-changing messages are something we look forward to every week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no way I’d be where I am today without the support and encouragement of some incredible people.

I first want to give a huge shoutout to my husband, Todd. He has been by far my greatest supporter. He has supported me in so many ways I can’t begin to count – the long hours, when I needed emotional and moral support, and always believing in me.

My next shoutout goes to Nancy Rollins and Rich Blue of the Center for Christian Life Enrichment in Northbrook, IL. They believed in me early on, gave me opportunities to lead, and poured into me during a season when I really needed guidance, healing, and growth. Their impact on my life and the foundation of Moms of Tweens and Teens is immeasurable.

I also want to recognize Jen Kehl, who came alongside me from the very beginning of Moms of Tweens and Teens. I knew very little about growing a brand, running a team, or creating systems to keep everything running smoothly. Jen brought her expertise in social media, writing, and business development, and her influence shaped so much of what this organization has become.

We all have different strengths, and Jen and I often joked that we made a great team because we balanced each other out so well. She was the cheerleader I needed—especially in the moments when imposter syndrome crept in. From day one, she was in my corner, believing in me, seeing my strengths, and encouraging me when I doubted myself. I’m incredibly grateful for her wisdom, creativity, and steady support over the years—and even more grateful that she’s become such a great friend through all the ups and downs.

Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens

Twitter: https://x.com/sheryl_gould

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@momsoftweensandteens

Other: Podcast: https://www.momsoftweensandteenspodcast.com/