About Me:
I changed my first diapers and rocked my baby brother to sleep when I was 11 years old. I couldn’t believe how quickly he grew and learned! It was fascinating to watch him develop from a helpless infant into a walking/talking person in just two years.
When I went to college at University of Illinois I studied everything I could about infant and child development and got a degree in psychology with distinction. I got to work in the labs of renown psychologists Rene Baillargeon and Judy DeLoache. My original plan was to continue in psychology and get a PhD, but after spending a couple of semesters in the lab working on my own unique research, I realized that I’m WAY too much of a people person to be stuck in a lab all day. I needed more personal interaction!
So, I went to work at Montessori schools. I LOVED working with young people in an environment so well suited to their needs. I learned so much from the Montessori philosophy about how to fully respect young people.
After working at schools for several years, I decided to become a nanny where I continued to hone my skills at providing clear boundaries, allowing children lots of freedom, and enjoying my time with children.
At this time I also began my own journey of personal growth and transformation. My dearest friends and I began to explore “authentic relating” and created some of the deepest connections I’ve ever experienced.
Soon my friends and I were doing weekend workshops in San Francisco about authentic relating and spreading the word about deep connection far and wide on the web. I became a dating and relationship coach. In the past decade I’ve supported over a thousand men through my work with the Authentic Man Program and AMP Coaching.
After meeting my wonderful husband at a mutual friend’s wedding in 2006, I moved to Bend, OR and we were married in 2009. Our daughter was born the following year.
Being a parent has turned my world upside down in such a great way. My priorities got REALLY clear all of a sudden and I knew that being the best mom and wife I can possibly be is absolutely my #1 priority. I also got clear that putting my parenting work further out into the world is crucially important to me.
I want to live in a world where children are honored and respected. I want to help parents be relaxed and calm in the face of their children’s tantrums. I want to support families to create peace in their hearts and in their homes.
Will you join me?
Shelly Birger Phillips
Click on the following link to learn more about my Parent Coaching Program
"Clearing my mental and emotional clutter has created 'space' to live and parent more consciously, with greater awareness and focus. My children deserve the best version of me possible."
Catherina Simones, 
Shelly gave me three tips on handling my son's middle of the night tantrums. I put them to test that very night and Voila! It was MAGIC! My son woke up and I changed the way I interacted with him and he went back to sleep with no problem and was happy about it. (!!!) The energy was completely different. No screaming fits. No kicking and throwing himself around. It happened again today during his nap time. I soothed him right away and he went back to sound sleeping. I am SOLD! Shelly just changed all of our lives. Not only do we get more sleep at night, but we are all a lot happier on top of it. Thank you so much Shelly. Your knowledge is golden.
-- Catherine Just
When I have come to Shelly for help as a coaching client, I have admired both her wealth of knowledge, and the way she dispenses it. She has a way of seeing into the heart of a situation, and providing just the right mix of support and insight at the right time. I recommend Shelly’s parent coaching wholeheartedly.
-- Jill Nagle
Shelly is my #1 go-to person when I am struggling as a parent. Her kind & generous listening, combined with a wealth (and years) of experience & training with all ages & in various styles make her suggestions down-to-earth & practical. That she is a parent herself, now, has me trust her even more. I always leave my conversations with Shelly feeling better!
-- Kendra Cunov, Yoga Teacher 
I really appreciate the grounded, tangible spin Shelly puts on the challenges I experience in my relationship with my son. I must say that the last week with Sky was EXCELLENT! I solicited his help a lot -- for help around the house and for help in connecting with him. I found him sharing all kinds of things with me throughout the week, when I least expected it, he was opening up with little stories to share. I loved this and my time with him. Thank You Shelly! It helps so much to be in dialogue with someone who so obviously cares and has practical, tangible tools!
-- Dana Boyd Renault