Our Story

In 2015, the story of Nurturing Families™ 1st Edition began with a joint authorship, Dr. Stephen Bavolek and Sonya Thorn. It was first piloted across five states — North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Illinois, and California.

In 2021, Sonya Thorn independently authored the 2nd Edition of Nurturing Families™. This new edition expanded the curriculum to serve families with children from infancy through young adulthood, adding lessons that address mental health, substance use recovery, and complex trauma.

What started as a vision to create a more modern, trauma-informed approach to parenting support quickly grew into a model that reflected the real needs of families.

Pictured (left to right): Mary Helen Martinez, Katherine Velasco, Kara Stevenson, Sonya M. Thorn, Adrienne Darden, and Margot Stevenson — the incredible 2025 Conference Staff behind marketing, operations, client services, and event planning.

Be a part of our Story

Together, we can break cycles of abuse, nurture resilience, and create healthier futures for children and families.