Michelle H. El Khoury, PhD
Smart Parenting with Michelle
Lead with Presence
Structured mindfulness-based support that empowers women through life's transitions—from pregnancy to parenting and beyond
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Yogamazia
I know this all too well, having navigated the rollercoaster of balancing a demanding healthcare career and parenthood myself (and yes, I still do!).
Each of my pregnancies was a unique adventure, and the journey of raising my children taught me that achieving peace, resilience, and fulfillment while continuing to lead with purpose is not only possible—it’s transformational. I discovered that developing mental fitness techniques was key to identifying thought patterns that undermined my confidence and replacing them with perspectives that served both my professional and parenting roles. That’s why I’m passionate about guiding leaders, parents, and changemakers who value strategic approaches, providing the same care and guidance I needed along the way.
Life’s biggest transformations often arrive unexpectedly—pregnancy and parenthood are no exception.
Hi, I'm Dr. Michelle El Khoury
read my story
Listen in as I share what balancing career, motherhood, and mindfulness really looks like—and how The S.M.A.R.T. Journey to Parenting™ can help you lead with intention, not overwhelm.
(As seen and heard on the She Talks Confidence Podcast with Tony Dufresne, PhD)
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Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of maintaining what matters most to you while navigating life's biggest transitions?
You’re not alone!
Whether you're stepping into parenthood, balancing career demands with family responsibilities, or supporting your team through major life changes, the constant juggling can feel overwhelming—because we are always being managed.
By systems that aren't designed for all the changes that happen in your life. By corporate structures that expect seamless performance while dismissing the growth happening through those changes. By societal expectations that force you to choose.
But if you think it's about pregnancy and baby prep, you've missed the point. It's really about staying present and having the support, confidence, and tools to handle whatever life throws your way.
For women balancing multiple roles, the stress compounds—creating ripple effects that impact both professional performance and personal well-being.
report feeling overwhelmed by stress, which affects both mental health and productivity
60%
Employees
- Michelle H. El Khoury, PhD
I know firsthand how challenging it is to balance a career and parenthood.
My own journey was one of trial and transformation—from feeling uncertain and overextended to finding balance and fulfillment without compromise. I realized the overwhelm I felt came from not having a grounded, intentional system that truly supported my unique journey as a professional.
That’s why I developed The S.M.A.R.T. Journey to Parenting™—a proven framework inspired by the mindful practices and expert insights that transformed my own experience.
With this method, you’ll gain the clarity to make informed decisions, the confidence to embrace each stage of change, and the calm to navigate even the most challenging transitions—all while building the mental fitness to balance life demands and commitments with resilience.
my journey
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“I highly recommend working with Michelle! I learned so much through her HypnoBirthing course and appreciated her passion for educating parents-to-be. It was highly organized and informative, which helped me feel fully prepared and confident going into labor. The prenatal yoga sessions were also very beneficial; the classes were slow- paced enough for me and I felt refreshed every time.”
- Liana, first-time parent
Each stage offers soulful shifts that transform ‘just getting through’ seasons of change into leading them with resilience, presence, and peace.
Why do we set SMART goals for our jobs, but not for our lives? We're always evolving, and we deserve the same intentional review and growth, not just professionally, but personally.
Whether stepping into parenthood, or moving through seasons of personal change, my proprietary S.M.A.R.T. Journey to Parenting™ methodology guides you through five essential stages, providing effective strategies to help you build confidence in both your parenting and leadership journey.
My Methodology
“Working with Michelle completely transformed my perspective on the birthing process. She was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive throughout. I highly recommend working with her! ”
- Tiffany, second-time parent
My Coaching Program
Perinatal Coaching for Peaceful Parenting
Navigate your journey with personalized one-on-one support designed to help you balance life demands with preparing for parenthood. Through five focused virtual sessions based on The S.M.A.R.T. Journey to Parenting™ framework, you'll receive expert guidance tailored to YOUR priorities—from childbirth education, yoga & mindfulness practices and movement to postpartum preparation and lactation support. Optional in-person birth and/or postpartum doula support also available. Flexible scheduling ensures you and your partner receive the comprehensive support needed to thrive.
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My digital course
Pregnancy to Parenting:
A 35-Day Path to Confidence
Transform overwhelm into empowerment with this structured, step-by-step online course crafted for busy individuals like you. Through five comprehensive, self-paced modules over 35 quick lessons (each no more than 20 minutes), you'll master birth preparation, mindfulness practices, childbirth education, yoga, postpartum wellness and newborn care. This course delivers practical evidence-based tools and expert insights to approach pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with clarity and confidence. This holistic program fits seamlessly into your demanding schedule while preparing you for the journey ahead.
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My community
The Peaceful Parenting Collective
Discover an online hub of perinatal support tailored for future, expecting, and new parents navigating their personal and parenting journeys. Connect with others at similar stages through monthly live Q&A sessions, specialized discussion spaces, and evidence-based resources. Our comprehensive online platform combines expert-led support with peer connections to help you confidently navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood while maintaining your impact and the things that matter most to you.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
However you like to learn—1:1, step-by-step at your own pace, or inside a supportive community—I have a path for you!
Free Email series
5 Days to Greater Presence
Feeling like you're constantly reacting instead of responding with intention?
When we're stuck in reactive mode—snapping at loved ones, making impulsive decisions, feeling overwhelmed—we lose our sense of control and inner calm.
This quick email series delivers science-backed mindfulness practices to help you break the reactive cycle. These daily 5-minute practices create that crucial pause between what happens and how you respond, whether you're managing work stress, family chaos, or life changes.
Transform reactive overwhelm into intentional presence on your terms!
No equipment or experience required.
Sign up now for instant access and begin your journey from overwhelm to empowered presence
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"I've had such an amazing experience with Michelle! Not only was her expert guidance amazing for my mind and body, but she makes sure you are well taken care of and checks in on your well-being throughout your journey. She has built a beautiful community and is so passionate about supporting parents-to-be. I'm grateful to have found such comprehensive support during this transformative time."
- Kelsey, first-time parent
My journey inspired me to establish Yogamazia, a maternal wellness education hub dedicated to guiding women through evidence-based perinatal support.
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Rooted in my 20+ years of healthcare and corporate experience, my approach blends evidence-based practices with holistic wellness, drawing on my expertise as a perinatal (birth & postpartum) doula, childbirth educator, lactation counselor and yoga instructor.
My mission is to offer you tools that foster clarity, confidence, connection, and calm—whether you’re planning for the future, navigating the stages of parenthood or seasons of change, or supporting others in this transformative process.
I’m passionate about supporting families, professionals and organizations through their transitions.
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When I’m not working with families, you’ll find me making memories with my own—my husband, three daughters, our dog, and cat—, traveling, or indulging in a Game of Thrones marathon.
Because when leaders are supported through life’s transitions, they bring that strength back to their families, their teams, and their communities. That’s why I’m committed to transforming not just families — but the systems that support them.
Through my own evolution as a parent and professional, I’ve learned how to navigate life’s transitions with purpose and ease—and I’m here to help you do the same.
I created The S.M.A.R.T. Journey to Parenting™ because it works. Rooted in mindful practices and holistic insights, this proven system transforms uncertainty into empowerment, offering you the clarity and peace I once sought in my own journey.
I believe that as someone with high standards, you deserve to feel just as prepared, balanced, and resilient in navigating big changes as you do in other areas of your life.
Let’s embrace both the messiness and the joy of this journey together, turning uncertainty into empowerment, one step at a time.
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“Your presence IS the practice.”
- Michelle H. El Khoury, PhD
“Michelle is an incredible coach whose calming presence made me feel at home. Her prenatal yoga and childbirth education classes were invaluable, helping my husband and me achieve the birth we hoped for. As my doula, Michelle’s support was steady and empowering, guiding us through birth and postpartum with love, encouragement, and plenty of resources. I can’t recommend her enough for both parents and children.”
- Jamie, first-time parent
schedule a free call
By the end of our conversation, you’ll have a clear personalized plan. Together, we’ll decide how my support—whether virtual or in-person—can help you thrive in this season of change and beyond.
Step 3: Start Your Journey to Calm
During the call, we’ll explore your current challenges, identify specific needs, and outline the best path forward for your unique situation.
Step 2: Gain Clarity on Your Next Steps
Enter your details to take the first step toward confident, balanced living. You’ll be redirected to my scheduling tool to choose a time that works for both of us.
Step 1: Schedule Your Consult
Get Personalized Support Tailored to Your Journey!
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