Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kim Van Dusen.
Dr. Van Dusen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started with a dream since as far back as I can remember, I wanted to start my own brand. I have a background in Television Broadcasting and Psychology and as soon as I became a mom it finally all came together.
After graduating from UCLA with my undergraduate degree, I pursued a Master’s in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University. My first job was at Entertainment Tonight and I worked in Los Angeles for many years doing national voiceovers for commercials, as a producer for E! Entertainment, and as a reporter for FOX Sports Radio. Then for 5 years prior to earning my doctoral degree, I worked as a National Account Manager for Clear Channel Communications, working in sales, marketing, and advertising. Post doctorate, I spent 5 years working for a non profit agency as a Program Manager implementing a positive behavior support program in over 20 elementary schools. Since then, I earned my Doctorate in Psychology and became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist.
I have since owned a private practice and currently, speak at various conferences, provide parenting consultations and parenting workshops, local and nationwide. I am also a university professor for Master’s and Doctoral level students teaching courses in parent child therapy and play therapy among other courses and work with families with children on the Autism Spectrum.
I am currently a TODAY Show Parenting Team Contributor and am a regular expert guest on KFMB News 8 Morning Extra on the CW San Diego. I have been featured on Holding Space Podcast, Bottle + Heels, Hey Mama and BIBB Magazine as well as have guest blogged for many other sites.
I am currently working on launching my own podcast and simultaneous talk show on YouTube as well as writing my first book!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. It has also taken an emotional, mental, physical, and financial toll on my life as well as my family, who have been supporting me every step of the way. It has also taken awhile to really start accomplishing some of my long term goals – so having patience has been essential. I have also had to prioritize other aspects of my life and have had to put my brand on the back burner at times, but I have never given up.
The hustle is real. I suggest to network as much as possible and work as hard as you can. Be persistent, stay organized, and ask for help when you need it. Be prepared for rejection and set backs but never let go of your dream.
We’d love to hear more about The Parentologist w/ Dr. Kim.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist, I specialize in working with parents, families, and children. More specifically, my niche is play therapy with young children between the ages of 0-10 and adolescents. I am known for my parenting advice and expertise as well as teaching and public speaking.
My blog is about everything parenting with a therapeutic twist! In the blog, I focus on different topics in relation to pregnancy, parenting, families, couples, behavior, and children, as well as provide information on the hottest trending products for parents and children of all ages, talk about health-related topics, style and lifestyle tips, activities to do with your child, family travel, and more!
I hope to inspire, educate, encourage, support, and motivate others. As a parent myself, I also bring my own life experiences to the blog. I have a solution-focused approach to parenting that encourages fostering a positive relationship with your children. I hope through my professional and personal experience I can collaborate with others on how to better ourselves and our relationships with our families and our children.
I think what sets me apart from other mom lifestyle bloggers and influencers is that I have an expertise. I have the education and experience as a parenting and child behavior expert and I am a mom of two children so when I give advice on a particular topic or product, I come from a professional and personal perspective.
I am most proud of being able to help so many other parents. Over the years, I have changed the lives of the others and there is nothing better than how that feels.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I am a very social person by nature and love meeting and talking to as many people as possible. I suggest attending as many events as you can as well as reach out to as many people as you can. Not everyone will respond but you will begin creating a database of individuals that will help and support you along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theparentologist.com
- Email: dr.kim@theparentologist.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theparentologist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theparentologist
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drparentologist
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeynDIIDbQyLW3Yu6uv0gEw?reload=9&disable_polymer=true
Image Credit:
Annie Vovan, Savannah Soutes LaBrant, Tommie Girl Photography – Tommie Cochrum
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
