Smarter Parenting exists to heal and elevate lives using the proven methods of the Teaching-Family Model
Smarter Parenting is funded by the generosity of donations. These donations allow Smarter Parenting to remain free. You can make a difference in the lives to children and families by making a donation so we can continue our work.
We have been privileged to make connections with various agencies and entities also working with children and families. These have included: Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), PM Pediatrics, physicians around the Salt Lake Valley, refugees communities in Salt Lake City, Utah, The Department of Health Disparities in Utah, School districts in Utah as well guest bloggers and writers from around the country. Smarter Parenting has provided online help to people all over the world as well as teaching these skills to families face-to-face.

Eric Bjorklund
Creator of Smarter Parenting
Eric is a father and grandfather who enjoys spending time with his family.

Siope Kinikini
Director of Smarter Parenting
Siope is a father and enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys music and plays various instruments. He also enjoys photography and learning about technology.

Amy Lund
Associate Director of Smarter Parenting
Amy enjoys watching her children grow. She also enjoys photography, traveling and expressing herself in creative ways.

Rob Bjorklund
Videographer, Designer, Editor
Robbie is the father of two daughters. He enjoys skiing and the outdoors and is always open to trying new things.

Emily Tjomsland
Graphic Artist, Illustrator
Emily is the mother of two boys that keep her busy. She and her family are currently residing on the East Coast of the United States while her husband finishes a graduate degree.

Melissa Schmitz
Director of Development
Melissa’s role is helping to increase public awareness and discover public and private funding sources to support the Utah Youth Village and expand the Smarter Parenting program to benefit more parents.
Melissa graduated in business administration and marketing from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She has worked in corporate retail, healthcare, grant writing, and the events and entertainment space. She is happiest working in the nonprofit world and wants to help as many people as she can.
Melissa is the mother of two sons and a daughter. She enjoys sports, theatre, concerts, reading, traveling and camping with her family!

Kevin Rusch
Director of Advancement
Kevin joined the team in early December of 2019. He is responsible for identifying funding sources and marketing and outreach efforts on behalf of the Smarter Parenting program.
Kevin has over twenty years of fundraising and marketing experience in a variety of nonprofit settings. He is passionate about youth and family welfare initiatives and spends a lot of his free time mentoring youth in a variety of ways.

Erin Yates
Writer, Blogger
Erin is a mother of three children who she adores. She submits articles and answers questions in the blog section.

Ruth Kongaika
Blogger, Writer
She is a mother and grandmother and enjoys spending time with them.
Donate. Help keep this resource free for families.
We use the Teaching-Family Model
The Teaching-Family Model is an evidenced based behavioral approach that has being used by professionals and families for over fifty years. Watch this video to learn more: