Mandie Kender, MA

I grew up in a family full of love—and moments of violence. As a child, I remember hearing my parents argue and thinking: They love each other… but why can’t see each other?

That question stayed with me. It shaped both my work and who I am. I found myself asking: How do we actually see each other? How do we stay connected, even in conflict that threatens to break relationships? How do we forgive and heal?

Years later, I was introduced to Nonviolent Communication, developed by Marshall Rosenberg. It gave me language for something I had been searching for and helped me to start answering some of my questions.

Later, I became a mom and the stress of this new role bought those questions back to the surface. I remember sitting up late at night after yelling at my young children, knowing something needed to change. This was not what I wanted for me or for my family. I felt both regret and sadness, but out of that pain came a deep commitment to creating a more peaceful, connected home. 

My Journey

Authentic Living grew from those experiences. Over the years, I’ve learned there is no perfect way to communicate, only the ongoing practice of showing up with honesty, empathy, and a willingness to repair when things get off track. Conflict, if we allow it, can be an opportunity for connection and healing. We can break cycles, truly see each other, and create more peace in our relationships. 

Professional Background

I bring over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My previous work as a therapist included supporting women and children survivors of domestic violence as well as those who have caused harm. That experience has given me a unique perspective and a deep belief that even the most difficult communication patterns can shift, and that healing and reconnection are possible. 

Currently, I serve as Regional Director at OhioKAN, supporting kinship caregivers and adoptive parents. Previously, I served as Director, Parent Connext ® at Beech Acres Parenting Center where I provided oversight of parent coaching and parent education programs.

Throughout my leadership roles, I have trained and supported staff teams in practicing relationship-centered communication approaches, including skills rooted in Nonviolent Communication, both within in their teams and work with families experiencing high levels of conflict.

I’m a Certified Transformational Parent Coach through the Jai Institute for Parenting and the founder of Authentic Living, where I offer parent coaching and communication coaching for individuals and communities. I also facilitate workshops that teach practical communication skills people can use to cultivate more peace in their homes and communities.

Approaches I draw from include:

• Nonviolent Communication

• Collaborative Problem Solving

• Positive parenting approaches  

• Strengths-based approaches inspired by the VIA Institute on Character