Meet Dawn

Dawn Van Berkel is a Licensed Professional Counselor, PCI® Certified Parent Coach. Dawn specializes in supporting parents of children and young adults with autism and pathological demand avoidance (PDA). With a compassionate and individualized approach, Dawn helps caregivers navigate the complex emotional and behavioral challenges that can arise in parenting neurodivergent children. She’s here to help you move away from the overwhelm, and finally feel like you’ve got someone in your corner who gets it.

Drawing from personal experience, clinical expertise and parent coaching training, Dawn partners with families to foster connection, reduce daily conflict, and build sustainable strategies that respect each child’s unique profile. Her work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves to be understood—and that parents thrive when they are equipped with tools that are practical, evidence-informed, and attuned to the realities of their lives. Dawn offers practical, affirming guidance tailored to a family’s specific needs. Her work is grounded in the belief that all children deserve to be seen and accepted as they are and that parents thrive when they feel supported, understood, and empowered.

Her approach uses evidence-based strategies and compassion. Whether you’re facing daily meltdowns, communication challenges, or just wondering if you’re doing any of this “right,” Dawn is here to walk with you, offering the kind of support she once needed but couldn’t find. In sessions, she brings a mix of warmth, humor, mindfulness, and deep listening, and does not focus on a one-size-fits-all tactic. Your family is one-of-a-kind, and your support should be too.

Dawn holds a Master of Education in Counseling from George Mason University, a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami. She received her Parent Coach Certification through The Parent Coaching Institute in partnership with Seattle Pacific University.

Dawn is committed to creating inclusive, affirming spaces for neurodivergent families. She works closely with parents to reframe challenges, strengthen resilience, and promote a sense of confidence and clarity—no matter where they are in their journey.