Melaine Webster
Mother, Family Life Educator, Nature Lover, Perpetual Student, and a Teacher at Heart
Hi! I'm Mel!
That's short for Melaine (Pronounced Mel-AYN). Nice to "meet" you!
I'm a mom to six and a lover of all things lovely and beautiful with a passion for lifelong learning and teaching!
I am enthusiastic about building strong minds, hearts, and families through education.
From creating beautiful music and reading the best literature, to cooking up culinary creations from homegrown garden-fresh fruits and vegetables, to building positive physical and mental health and confidence through connection and practicing true principles, this is the place where I share all of the things that bring me joy!
Educational Background:
B.S. Family Science*, Brigham Young University, 2008
PBACC, Counseling and Psychology, UC Berkeley, 2023
CFLE, Certified Family Life Educator*, National Council on Family Relations, Expected Aug 2023
*What Is Family Science?
Family Science is the scientific study of families and close interpersonal relationships.
A unique combination of characteristics makes up the Family Science lens, establishing Family Science as a distinct social science discipline and knowledge base for professional practice:
• Strengths-oriented: Family Science is focused on families’ strengths and on how families can build on their strengths to be sustainable and self-sufficient.
• Preventive: The Family Science perspective applies knowledge about healthy family functioning to help prevent problems before they occur.
• Translational: The findings of Family Science research are meant to be translational, meaning applied in real life to help strengthen families.
• Evidence-based: The Family Science knowledge applied in teaching and practice comes from rigorous scientific research. Family Scientists use multiple methods to gather evidence and conduct research, and Family Science has its own distinct methodologies and theories.
• Focused on relationships: Family Science focuses on relationships and interactions among family members. It uses a systems perspective, which means it considers families and family relationships within broader societal systems. Family Scientists understand what healthy relationships look like across a diversity of families, and they have a sophisticated understanding of family dynamics across the lifespan.
*What is a Certified Family Life Educator?
Family Life Education is the professional practice of equipping and empowering individuals and families to develop knowledge and skills that enhance well-being and strengthen interpersonal relationships through an educational, preventive, and strengths-based approach.
Family Life Educators have knowledge based in the discipline of Family Science. They believe that societal problems like substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, debt, and child abuse can be more effectively addressed from a perspective that considers individuals and families as part of larger systems.
Family Life Educators empower families themselves to apply knowledge about healthy family functioning to prevent or minimize problems.