UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thomson Assassinated in Midtown Manhattan
NEW YORK — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thomson was assassinated Wednesday morning in Midtown Manhattan, sending shockwaves through the business and healthcare
Question: What inspired you to become "The Parent Healer," and how did that title come about?
Answer: "As a teen mom, I quickly realized that I had healing to do from my own past traumas—wounds that, if left unaddressed, could have impacted my child negatively. Seeing firsthand how unhealed pain can affect a family, I felt a strong desire to help others on their healing journeys. Over time, I noticed that many challenges children face often have roots in the unresolved struggles of their parents. This realization led me to focus on empowering parents to heal so their children could thrive and break free from cycles of hurt. That’s how I became known as “The Parent Healer”—to guide parents in addressing their own pain, creating healthier families, and ultimately giving the next generation a chance to live fully without carrying the weight of past wounds."
Question: Can you tell us about the mission and work of We Have A Purpose Inc. (WHAP) and the impact it has on at-risk families?
Answer: "We Have a Purpose Inc. (WHAP) is a grassroots youth development nonprofit with a mission to empower and inspire youth to lead in their communities, take charge of their lives, and achieve their goals. Our organization is dedicated to supporting justice-impacted youth and addressing the school-to-prison pipeline. Recognizing the unique challenges that youth impacted by trauma, poverty and adverse experiences face, we provide holistic wraparound services that support them from prevention through post- program success. Our approach includes diversion programming and restorative practices aimed at building partnerships between grassroots organizations, educational systems, and community leaders. These partnerships help us tackle the root causes of the school-to-prison pipeline, reduce youth recidivism, and foster a sense of trust and responsibility in both schools and communities. Through our work, we offer healing opportunities, open pathways to education and employment, and support youth in their transition to adulthood."
Question: Through Resilient Family Wellness, you offer coaching and consulting. What common challenges do you help families and parents overcome?
Answer: "We offer coaching and consulting to help families and parents navigate a variety of challenges. Common issues we address include managing emotional distress, improving parent-child relationships, and creating a strong, supportive family foundation. We focus on empowering parents to overcome feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and stress by equipping them with tools to set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and foster resilience in themselves and their children. Our signature parenting program, Imperfectly Perfect Parenting, zeroes in on “the parent in parenting,” with pillars of foundation, freedom, and focus. This approach helps parents build a stable home environment, break free from unproductive habits, and concentrate on what truly matters in their family dynamics. Additionally, we support families dealing with the emotional aftermath of injuries from car accidents or workplace incidents, working alongside attorneys to provide emotional distress coaching on a lien basis."
Question: What do you find most rewarding about working directly with families to address parenting and emotional challenges?
Answer: "The most rewarding aspect of working directly with families to address parenting and emotional challenges is witnessing the transformation that takes place. Helping parents move from feelings of frustration, confusion, or overwhelm to a place of confidence, resilience, and peace is incredibly fulfilling. I love seeing parents reconnect with their strengths and values, find new ways to support their children, and create a more harmonious family life. It’s deeply inspiring to watch families heal, rebuild trust, and grow closer. Each breakthrough and each step toward a healthier dynamic brings a ripple effect—not only improving the family’s immediate relationships but also shaping a positive future for the children. Being a part of that journey and seeing families thrive is what fuels my passion for this work."
Question: How do you balance your roles as an author, speaker, CEO, and social worker with your responsibilities as a wife and mother?
Answer: "Balancing my roles as an author, speaker, CEO, social worker, wife, and mother has been a journey of intention, discipline, and faith. Initially, it was difficult because I was constantly in “superwoman” mode, showing up for everyone but myself. I would work late into the evening, answering calls, emails, and attending meetings, often without taking a pause. My husband stepped in and encouraged me to set boundaries, especially after 7:30 p.m., reminding me that after a long day apart, our time together was essential. He reassured me that I could take off my cape at home and let him support me, which helped me realize I didn’t have to carry everything on my own. This was a struggle at first, but setting these boundaries has allowed me to be more present and fully invested in each role. Each morning, I now prioritize my spiritual practices—spending time in the Word, praying, and exercising—to center myself and align with my values before diving into my responsibilities. Weekly planning also keeps me organized, allowing me to focus on my family when I’m with them and on my work when it’s time to lead. As an empty nester, my role as a mom has naturally shifted from daily responsibilities to advising, supporting, and showing up whenever my daughter needs me—giving me more dedicated time with my husband. This transition has not only deepened our relationship but also allowed me to bring my best self to each area of my life. Embracing flexibility, staying grounded in faith, and recognizing that balance looks different each day have been key. Through it all, I’m grateful for the reminder that while I have many roles, my purpose and relationships remain at the heart of everything I do."
Question: What key message do you aim to convey through your books and speaking engagements?
Answer: "My key message is one of resilience, love, healing, and purpose. I want to empower people to embrace their unique journeys, no matter how challenging, and to recognize the strength they already carry within. I emphasize the importance of self-love, faith, and authenticity in building a fulfilling life and encourage others to find healing and growth through adversity. Whether it’s parents seeking to build stronger families, individuals working to overcome emotional struggles, or anyone striving for personal and spiritual growth, my message is clear: you have a purpose, and you are equipped to overcome life’s obstacles. My hope is that through my words, people will feel inspired to take action, break generational patterns, love unconditionally, and live intentionally, guided by faith and commitment to become the best version of themselves."
Question: In your experience, what are the most effective strategies for helping families build resilience in the face of adversity?
Answer: "The most effective strategies for helping families build resilience in the face of adversity are:
1. Building a Solid Foundation of Love and Trust: A strong family foundation built on love and mutual support allows each member to feel heard, valued, and understood. This connection fosters unity, so the family can face challenges as a team.
2. Letting Go of Past Trauma and Emotional Baggage: Releasing past hurts and emotional baggage is essential for resilience. When families work through trauma, they can break negative cycles, heal, and create a healthier environment—one where children can thrive without carrying the weight of past pain.
3. Focusing on Goals and Priorities: Encouraging families to clarify and prioritize their goals allows them to stay focused on what truly matters. By fostering a growth-oriented mindset and a sense of purpose, families can navigate life’s adversities with resilience, healing in ways that give their children the freedom to live fully."
Find out more about Tiesha Bryant and her organization at https://www.tieshanbryant.com/.