You Don’t Have To Do This Alone.
If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just plain stuck—and you want real help from someone who gets it. Someone with decades of experience who can step into your chaos and gently but confidently show you a new way forward. That’s where I come in.
I’m Cinda Chatfield—child development specialist, behavior intervention expert, mom, and founder of The Behavior Guru.
With over 20 years of experience supporting families, educators, and neurodivergent children, I’ve seen it all. And I still believe—wholeheartedly—in the potential of every child and the power of calm, compassionate & confident parenting.
Behavioral Assessment Expert
Recognized authority in child development and behavior, specializing in precise assessment and effective intervention strategies
Crisis Management Specialist
Certified Behavior Intervention Manager. I have the innate ability to maintain composure during escalations while creating clear action plans for families and educators
Education System Navigator
Experienced district trainer supporting children across the developmental spectrum — including those who are neurotypical, developing at their own pace, or neurodivergent — offering socialization programs, intervention strategies, and inclusive education tools
Transition Support Provider
Trusted resource for private schools supporting families through difficult developmental transitions
Natural Connector
Unique talent for forming immediate, meaningful relationships with both children and adults during times of crisis
What Sets Me Apart
Over the past three decades, I’ve supported hundreds of families and professionals, from early childhood through end-of-life transitions. I specialize in working with children on the autism spectrum, high-sensitivity kids, and families navigating behavioral, emotional, and educational challenges.
Here’s what I bring to the table:
Cinda Chatfield
Credentials & Collaborations
Ready to feel supported?
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B.A. in Psychology and Child Development – CSUN
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Certified Behavior Intervention Case Manager (BICM)
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State of California Autism Certification
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Trained with Dr. Mitch Taubman & Dr. Sandy Slater (Autism Partnership)
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Regional Center Developmental Testing Professional
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Early Intervention Columnist – MomLifeTV
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Path4Ability Partner (in collaboration with Dr. Jasna Haller, Doctor of Behavioral Health)
What We Can Work On — Together
Parenting on Demand
No judgment. No overwhelm. Just real help, right when you need it.
Here are some of the most common challenges I support families with often within 24 hours:
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Big emotions, outbursts & aggression
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Tantrums, defiance, disrespect & power struggles
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Attention-seeking behaviors & constant interruptions
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Difficult transitions & routine changes
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Chores, responsibility & follow-through issues
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Sensory overload & emotional dysregulation
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Perfectionism & fear of making mistakes
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Safety concerns like self-injury or elopement
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Firm & Authoritative discipline with compassion
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Screen time limits (that actually stick)
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Technology addiction & device battles
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School refusal & academic anxiety
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Morning chaos & homework resistance
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Social skills, shyness & self-confidence
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Peer relationships & making lasting friendships
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Excessive reassurance-seeking & dependency
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Fear-based behaviors & reluctance to try new things
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Somatic complaints & physical symptoms of anxiety
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Phobias, irrational fears & avoidance behaviors
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Sibling rivalry & constant fighting
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Separation anxiety & tough goodbyes
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Co-parenting challenges & mixed messages
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Mealtime battles & picky eating
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Bedtime struggles & restless nights
Every family is different.
That’s why I don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions—just thoughtful, custom strategies built for your home, your kids, and your pace.
Not sure where to start? Just tell me what’s feeling hardest right now, and we’ll take it from there.
Some of my
favorites
Morning Must-Have
My morning essentials include coffee, meditating with my “chill” music playlist, reading Mel Robbins’ daily Instagram posts for insight and alignment, all while outside in the fresh morning air sets the perfect tone for the day.
Cause Close to My Heart
I’m passionate about supporting foster parents, women’s shelters, and elderly communities, causes that reflect my deep personal calling to help those who need it most.
Daily Joy
There’s nothing like unwinding with my dog curled up beside me (I’m a huge animal lover), soft music playing, a candle flickering, and essential oils drifting from my diffuser. This simple ritual perfectly brings me back to my center.
What sparked my journey into
Child Development
My journey began during a heartfelt lunch with my father when I admitted my successful hair salon wasn't satisfying my deeper calling. His straightforward wisdom to “Follow my heart and just do it,” empowered me to sell my business and pursue education in child development.
While my own children were beginning preschool, I found a part-time position at a local elementary school, where I was assigned to work one-on-one with Melissa, a six-year-old with autism. Though the school improperly tasked me, someone without training, to manage her elopement, tantrums, and aggressive behaviors, I discovered my true purpose in those challenging days. Each exhausting shift left me paradoxically fulfilled in ways my previous career never had.
This awakening led me to specialized training, collaboration with leading UCLA doctors, and ultimately, creating my own practice where I could make decisions that truly served children and supported families through difficult times. After three decades, my passion remains undiminished, every interaction brings joy and purpose, confirming I found exactly where I belong.
My Approach to
Supporting families
My approach centers on creating peaceful environments through proactive strategies rather than reactive solutions, incorporating mindful awareness and centering components in every session whether family consultations, teacher trainings, or parent workshops.
I develop customized solutions that honor each family's unique dynamics instead of offering generic advice. My practice is built on the fundamental belief that our surroundings shape who we are, and by creating the right environment, we can bring calm, happiness, and security to the entire family.
This combination of immediate accessibility, professional expertise, and natural empathy makes my service truly distinctive in supporting families through their parenting journey.
