Episode 322 - Learning to Say Yes: Kathy Nauta on Finding Her Path

Today’s Success is Subjective guest is Kathy Nauta. Kathy’s path to becoming a therapeutic and educational consultant looks nothing like the straight line she once imagined for herself. Growing up in a family where work was purely about survival, Kathy pursued accounting solely for the promise of financial security—despite feeling out of place every step of the way. After years in corporate finance, multiple relocations, raising three kids, and supporting a child with higher needs, she slowly found her way into advocacy, special education work, and ultimately the consulting practice she runs today. In this conversation, Kathy reflects on how her definition of success shifted from money and titles to emotional well-being, meaningful work, and a balanced life. She talks candidly about the pressure young people feel, how overstimulating our world has become, and why parents must prioritize their child’s social and emotional health over academic timelines. She also shares the personal experiences that shaped her approach with families — and the power of saying yes to new experiences as a way of truly getting to know yourself. This episode is especially resonant for parents of teens and young adults navigating uncertainty, as well as anyone who grew up believing that productivity equaled worth. Kathy’s honesty, warmth, and decades of lived experience make this an episode full of grounded, relatable wisdom. Kathy’s Resources:  Kathy Nauta Educational Consulting  (https://www.kathynauta.com/?utm_sourc...) Facebook: Kathy Nauta Educational Consulting  (  / kathynautaeducationalconsulting  ) IECA - Independent Educational Consultants Association  (https://www.iecaonline.com/) New Jersey Children’s System of Care (CSOC) (https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/division...) NAMI  (https://www.nami.org/support-educatio...) COPAA - Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (SEAT Training)  (https://www.copaa.org/Login.aspx) Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association (https://www.therapeuticconsulting.org/) Lilley Consulting Website (https://lilleyconsulting.com/) Lilley Consulting on Facebook (  / lilleyconsultingllc  )   Lilley Consulting on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@LilleyConsul...) Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #EducationalConsultant #EducationalConsulting #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxiousGeneration