Meet Rachel Cross

Parenting Coach

Hello! I'm Rachel Cross.

I specialise in working with parents of neurodivergent children, assisting them in aligning their parenting approach with the unique needs of their children. Allow me to share a bit about myself and my journey.

Professional Background

With over 20 years of experience as a qualified and registered Social Worker, I bring a wealth of expertise to my coaching practice. Throughout my career, I have worked in various roles, as a social worker, social work manager, and social work supervisor. My focus has always been in child, youth, and families’ services, and I have specialised in this area throughout my professional journey.

I have held leadership roles within child, youth and families, community development, and multidisciplinary therapeutic settings. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges that families face. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of providing support and guidance to parents in their parenting journey.

In addition to my social work qualifications, I am also a qualified Play Therapist, Transformational Coach, NLP Coach and NLP Master Practitioner. These additional certifications have allowed me to integrate creative and holistic approaches into my coaching practice.

Rachel.

20 years of experience as a qualified Social Worker

Learning from My Children

My own children have been my most profound teachers. They have reminded me that parenting is a journey that can’t always be mapped by textbooks and theory. Their unique personalities and experiences have taught me to embrace the unpredictable nature of parenting and to approach each child with an open heart and mind.

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

I am committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in a culturally responsive manner. I believe in honouring and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the families I work with. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where cultural values, beliefs, and practices are acknowledged and integrated into our coaching journey.

Based in Christchurch, New Zealand

I am based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and I am proud to serve the local community as well as clients from around the world. I offer both in-person and virtual coaching sessions, providing flexibility and convenience for parents.

Feel Free to Get in Touch

I am thrilled to be a part of your parenting journey. Whether you're seeking guidance, support, or simply a listening ear, I am here for you. Let's work together to create a positive and nurturing environment where your child can thrive. Contact me today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about how I can support you.

“Rachel was a huge support to me in a very challenging season of my life. She saw me in my struggles as a parent to a child with unique needs. She was able to both encourage and challenge me to give myself more grace, make small changes and adjust my perspective to be able enjoy the highs of parenthood without the lows continuing to rob me of the joy. Rachel was relatable and always seemed to ask the right questions to help me look at things from a new angle - the questions she challenged me with stayed with me for weeks to help me form new thought patterns. I can't say I am a perfect parent by any means, but Rachel helped me to be honest about the weight it has been on me and gave me new ways to move forward in a positive direction. In a metaphor, she helped me to smell the roses of parenting amongst the thorns we were in. I will forever be grateful!”

“As a coach Rachel has great presence and ability to listen actively, which helps you to gain new perspectives and learn things about yourself that you were never aware of before. She holds great space for you to reflect deeply and I always leave our sessions having made a positive shift forward. She is professional and respectful of your values and beliefs. I really appreciate Rachel’s warm and authentic nature which immediately puts you at ease.”

“Rachel is a true people person and an exceptional coach. She has a calm, kind, and professional approach to her coaching style. Rachel is a very skilled listener with excellent communication skills that puts a person at ease. Rachel is quick to pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues, highlighting points or issues and she isn’t afraid to explore those further. I would highly recommend Rachel as a coach for anyone who needs some direction or is looking for support with any aspect of their life. I trust her completely and feel that her services would be of great value to many people.”

Client Testimonials