Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#21: Horses, Parenting & Presence: Lessons from the Ring with Maria Alessandri
In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam are joined by Maria Alessandri—mom of five, natural horsemanship coach, and founder of the Horse and People Project. Maria shares how training rescue horses taught her profound lessons about parenting, presence, boundaries, and communication.
From teenage pushback to tattoo negotiations, Maria reveals how showing up with intention and releasing pressure can transform the way we connect with our kids. Through powerful stories—both in the horse ring and at home—she reminds us that what we bring to a relationship, energetically and emotionally, matters more than what we say.
Whether you’re feeling unheard, struggling with boundaries, or just craving a more connected way to parent, this episode is full of wisdom (and a few laughs) to guide you back to what matters most: the relationship.
About Maria
With over 20 years of experience in corporate project management, Maria combines her business expertise with a deep passion for personal growth. As a mom of five, Maria has a unique perspective on balancing family, career, and personal development. A knowledgeable horse enthusiast, Maria founded the Horse and People Project, an initiative that partners horses with individuals to foster self-awareness and personal development, especially with regards to parenting. Her work is rooted in self-help principles, empowering others to find clarity and growth through connection with horses.
Connect with Maria
Website: https://www.horseandpeopleproject.com/
Instagram: @horseandpeopleproject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064009806562
Contact us: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com
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Work with Us:
Teen Savvy Coaching, Sam's coaching business for parents of teens and tweens
- Download Sam's free video guide: How to Have a "You Screwed Up" Conversation with your Child or Teen
- Download Sam's free e-book: Beyond Nagging: Empowering Parents to Transform Teen Homework Headaches
Annapolis Psychiatry, Dr. Melissa's private practice
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