Meet Charitie Carpenter, CFLE

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charitie Carpenter, CFLE a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Charitie, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience was forged early, shaped by a childhood that demanded strength, adaptability, and hope long before I knew the words for them.
That same resilience drives me to walk alongside families during their hardest moments.

I started My Family Connection LLC because I saw firsthand how isolating it can be for parents navigating complex systems like behavioral health, foster care, or special education. There was no manual, no clear guide, and often no one to walk beside them. I became that person — not because I had every answer, but because I understood, deeply, the power of simply showing up.

Over time, I’ve helped families transition out of inpatient care, process trauma, and advocate for their children in systems never designed with them in mind. I’ve sat beside parents who felt defeated, listened without judgment, and created tools and workshops rooted in empathy and clarity. I’ve adapted constantly — reworking programs, shifting focus, and even rebranding to better meet the changing needs of my community.

To me, resilience is rooted in purpose. I can’t always change the system, but I can choose how I show up: calm, clear, and unwaveringly committed. My Family Connection is an extension of that choice — a safe space built from childhood grit, lived experience, and a deep belief in the strength and dignity of every family.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Charitie Carpenter, CFLE — CEO and Founder of My Family Connection LLC, a family-centered organization focused on strengthening communication, connection, and confidence within the family unit. I specialize in helping families navigate the education and special education systems, while also providing tools that foster healthier relationships at home.

I started My Family Connection because I saw so many parents struggling to understand their rights, access the right support, and feel heard in educational settings. Whether it’s preparing for an IEP meeting, understanding evaluation results, or figuring out how to advocate for their child’s learning needs, I walk alongside families every step of the way.

At the same time, I offer coaching and workshops that help families improve communication, manage conflict, and create home environments that feel more connected and supportive. I truly believe that when families are empowered with both knowledge and emotional tools, they become stronger advocates for themselves and for one another.

Right now, I’m expanding our educational offerings to include more resources around navigating school systems, building advocacy skills, and supporting emotional well-being at home. My goal is to make sure every family I work with feels seen, equipped, and confident in their ability to thrive — together.

At the heart of My Family Connection is this message: you don’t have to do it all alone. With the right guidance and support, families can grow stronger — and stay connected — no matter what challenges they’re facing.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:

1. Empathy
Empathy has been at the core of everything I do. When families come to me, they’re often overwhelmed, frustrated, and tired of not being heard. Being able to truly listen — without judgment — allows me to build trust and offer support that’s actually helpful.

Advice: Practice empathy by slowing down and listening to understand, not just to respond. The more you train yourself to sit with people in their experience, the more effective you’ll be — no matter your role.

2. Systems Knowledge
Understanding how education and special education systems actually work has made a huge difference. Families are often up against red tape, vague language, or policies that seem intentionally confusing. I’ve invested time in learning the ins and outs of these systems so I can help break them down for others.

Advice: Don’t be afraid to dig into the technical side of your work. Read the laws, attend trainings, ask questions. The more you understand the system, the better you can help others navigate it — or change it.

3. Adaptability
My business has shifted many times as I’ve responded to the needs of families and my community. I’ve restructured programs, rebranded, and pivoted my focus when something wasn’t working — and every shift taught me something valuable.

Advice: Don’t get too attached to one version of your idea. Stay close to the people you’re serving and let their needs guide your evolution. Flexibility isn’t failure — it’s growth.

I’d also tell anyone early in their journey: take imperfect action. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start making a difference. Learn as you go, stay grounded in your values, and keep showing up. That’s where the real impact happens.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m actively seeking partnerships to expand My Family Connection, LLC into a more holistic resource for children’s specialized therapy and family support.

I’m looking to collaborate with specialists across disciplines, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychologists, speech therapists, and other professionals who share a vision of integrated, family-centered care.

My goal is to create a coordinated network where families can access multiple therapies under one umbrella, ensuring consistent communication, holistic treatment plans, and support that truly meets the whole child’s needs.

If you’re a therapy provider or organization interested in joining this collaborative approach, I’d love to connect.

Please reach out to me at [email protected] or visit myfamilyconnection.com to learn more about this exciting expansion and how we can work together to better serve families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myfamilyconnection.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/myfamilyconnection.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568980075961
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charitie-carpenter-a36789328

Image Credits

Devyn Leone Photography