Today we’d like to introduce you to Siggie Cohen.
Hi Siggie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I see my professional journey as a puzzle made up of many meaningful pieces. I’ve always had a natural connection with children—family and friends often said I was destined to be a teacher. Working with kids—as a nanny, camp counselor, or preschool teacher—was always the job I loved to do.
For a while, I believed being a preschool teacher was my final destination. But life had other plans. An opportunity nudged me to go back to school to expand my credentials. At the time, my goal was to teach college, and I pursued a path that combined both education and psychology.
My first job after earning my Master’s was as an adjunct professor at Pierce College, where I taught for 21 years. Around the same time, I returned to the preschool where I once worked—this time to lead the Parent & Me program. What started as a short-term favor turned into 15 years of leading parenting groups across L.A.
That experience grew into seminars, lectures, and a strong connection with a broader community of teachers, parents, and preschools. I eventually opened a private practice, co-founded a wellness center called Good Life Academy, and—because I never stop growing—began working toward my PhD.
Over time, I recognized how universal parenting challenges are, and I wanted to make my insights more accessible. A chance conversation with my niece, Maya Stark, turned into a professional collaboration. As the world shut down during the pandemic, we created and launched what’s now known as the Emotional Behavioral Proficiency (EBP) Method and the @dr.siggie Instagram account.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every chapter of my journey has come with its own set of challenges, but I’ve come to see those obstacles as opportunities in disguise—moments that shaped me, redirected me, and strengthened my commitment to this work.
There were practical hurdles, of course—like going back to school as an adult, juggling parenting 3 small children while building a career, and navigating the emotional labor that comes with supporting families through their most vulnerable moments. But more than that, there were personal struggles—like self-doubt and moments when the path ahead felt unclear.
One of the most grueling challenges was my doctoral program. It was unlike anything I’d ever done. The demands—emotionally, mentally, and logistically—were overwhelming. There were countless times I wanted to quit. I questioned why I had taken this on, especially at a time in my life when I already had a career and a full plate. There were tears and long stretches where I didn’t know if I’d make it through. And yet, somehow I did.
I think about that time often and it continues to be one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It forced me to reckon with my own limits, to ask for help when I needed it, and to remember my deeper purpose. That experience taught me that persistence isn’t about never wanting to give up—it’s about moving forward even when you do.
But through it all, what kept me grounded was this: I knew I was doing something that mattered. I could see the impact of my work in real time—in classrooms, in parenting groups, in the faces of families I counseled. That knowledge gave me the strength to keep going, even when things felt impossible.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dr. Siggie?
Dr. Siggie Cohen is a leading parenting expert with over 30 years of experience helping families navigate the ups and downs of raising children. With a warm, relatable approach, Dr. Siggie specializes in translating complex developmental concepts into practical tools parents can use in everyday life. Her mission is to support parents in becoming the calm, confident leaders their children need.
Through her signature online parenting courses, Dr. Siggie empowers parents with the knowledge and strategies to tackle real-life challenges—whether it’s toddler meltdowns, sibling rivalry, or childhood anxiety. Her courses are packed with expert insight, relatable examples, and actionable scripts designed to create lasting, positive change in family dynamics.
Trusted by thousands of families worldwide, Dr. Siggie has become a go-to resource for modern parenting support. Her goal is simple: to make parenting less overwhelming and more connected.
Explore her courses at drsiggie.com/parenting-courses and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident parenting journey.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
So often, people are afraid to take the first step because the full journey feels too long, overwhelming, or uncertain. My advice: take the step anyway. Time will pass no matter what—so you might as well be doing something meaningful with it.
When I went back to school, I didn’t even have a high school diploma; I had dropped out during my senior year due to a very difficult upbringing. That truth was something I hid for years—even after earning my BA and MA. But I listened to a small, persistent voice that said: “Leap. Because you have to.”
It wasn’t just about setting goals—it was about finding joy in the process. I was grateful for every class, every step. That appreciation made the journey meaningful, not just the destination.
So, if you’re starting out: use your time. Embrace the path. And whenever possible, fall in love with the process—not just the outcome.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drsiggie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.siggie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.siggie/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.siggie
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@parenting.with.dr.siggie
