Education That Empowers.

Connections That Transform.

Equipping Parents, Educators & Communities To Lead With Purpose

Shift: Do What Moves You

Join Parenting Upstream and Parentwiser for a special evening featuring SHIFT: Do What Moves You, a hope centered documentary from Tell My Story that explores youth mental well-being, resilience and the power of taking action during difficult times.

Supporting & Empowering You

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Upcoming Events

What is Parenting Upstream?

Welcome to Parenting Upstream with Jerry Blackburn and Marcelle Waldman!

What began as casual, thought-provoking podcast conversations about social-emotional learning, emotional intelligence, resilience, and youth development has grown into something more.

Parenting Upstream is now a growing resource for parents and teens—offering meaningful education, workshops, and speaking engagements. We share real, honest conversations around mental and emotional well-being from the perspective of education and behavioral health professionals, community members, and parents.

Together, we dive into the conversations that matter most to support young people, their families, and loved ones as they grow, learn, navigate, and thrive.

📩 Contact us through our contact page form or email parentingupsteamhub@gmail.com

The Hearts Behind Parenting Upstream

Meet Co-Founders, Jerry Blackburn and Marcelle Waldman


  • Co-Founder

    Jerry Blackburn is a community educator, nonprofit leader, and consultant whose work centers on the transformative power of connection, healing, and growth. With over two decades of experience in behavioral health, family wellness, and social-emotional development, Jerry brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt advocacy to every space he enters. In addition to his community-based work, Jerry serves as adjunct faculty in Seattle University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, where he educates and mentors emerging counselors.

    A proud graduate of the University of Washington with a Master of Education, Jerry has been a certified Substance Use Disorder Professional since 1999. His approach blends academic rigor with lived experience, inviting communities to reimagine wellness through grace, curiosity, and honest exchange.

    In his community, Jerry has served as a founding board member for The Garage- The Issaquah Teen Café, a team member for ParentWiser- the PTSA Council Education Committee, as well as serving as a long-time steering committee member for the Counselor Camp- Adolescent/Young Adult Behavioral Health Conference.  Recently, Jerry has been accepted as a member of the King County Children and Youth Advisory Board (CYAB).

    In 2005 he was honored by the Washington State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse with the Richard Rivera Passionate Youth Professional Award, in 2017 the Issaquah Schools Foundation presented him with the Golden Apple Award in appreciation for his dedication to the health of young people, and in 2021 he received the Influence the Choice Vicki Hoffman Legacy Award.


  • Co-Founder

    Marcelle Waldman is the mom of two teenagers, a certified K–5 educator, Parenting Adolescents and Teens instructor, and community educator. She has taught kindergarten and preschool, served as a preschool director, and holds certifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid, along with continued studies in psychology and child development.

    As the founder of FeelLinks, Marcelle is dedicated to creating a kinder, more compassionate, and inclusive world through hands-on tools, educational resources, and community support. She has developed resources including plush emotion dolls, a feelings journal, and the children’s book Feel Trip: A Journey Through Ordinary Emotions, co-authored with her high school daughter.

    Marcelle presents at schools, events, and workshops on topics such as social-emotional skill development, how emotions affect the brain, building resilience, and practical strategies for parents and educators. In her community, she served in PTA leadership roles, currently sits on the Issaquah Schools Foundation Board of Trustees, chairs their programs committee, has supported many Issaquah School District committees, and volunteers with Ladybug House, a pediatric hospice and palliative care program.

    In 2011, Marcelle was honored by the Mercer Island School District community as ‘Teacher of the Year.’ She is also the 2024 recipient of Influence the Choice Vicki Hoffman Legacy Award for her strong commitment and advocacy for the behavioral health and well-being of youth.

    You can explore more at myfeellinks.com, follow along on Instagram and Facebook @myfeellinks, and see her features on King5’s New Day Northwest.