Emma Matteo · Coach Veebs

Not a therapist.
Just a mother who
listened.

I coach middle and high schoolers — and the parents who love them — using the only credential that actually works in a room full of teenagers: I've lived it. My son's journey changed everything about how I show up for young people.

— Veebs, Guest Educator & Youth Coach · Dallas, TX

Work With Me My Story
Veebs

"I trust you. I know you. Oh — I know your son."

— A middle schooler, within one class period of meeting me
Scroll
For
Teens 11–18
Also for
Parents
Available for
Schools & Events
Based in
Dallas, TX
Why I do this

I've been the parent on the other side of that call.

My journey didn't begin in a training room — it began at home, with my son. Learning how to talk with him, not at him. Calls that started with him in tears and ended an hour later with him laughing. That's what taught me how to reach a young person.

Today I walk into classrooms where kids have written off every adult in the room. Within one period, they're opening up. Not because of a degree. Because they feel I've been through it — and I have.

01

"She said she didn't know me. By the end of class she said: I trust you. I know you. I know your son."

02

"Two students admitted they weren't proud of their choices. By the end, they asked to become the leaders who help others stop."

03

"A boy got his seat back, felt heard, and high-fived me in the hallway later. Sometimes that's what coaching looks like."

What I offer

Three ways to work
with Coach Veebs

No scripts. No jargon. Just real conversations that meet young people — and the adults who love them — where they actually are.

🌱

1-on-1 Teen Coaching

For middle and high schoolers who feel stuck, misunderstood, or like no adult truly gets it. We talk, I listen — really listen. Then we figure out together what they're capable of and build toward it.

→ Ages 11–18 · In person or virtual
🤝

Parent Coaching Conversations

You love your child deeply but don't always know how to reach them. I help parents find the words and the patience — drawing from my own experience learning how to keep the conversation going with my son.

→ For parents of teens · 1-on-1 sessions
🎤

Speaking Engagements

School assemblies, educator conferences, or corporate events on youth wellbeing. I bring real stories and an ground-level view of what today's young people are actually experiencing — and what genuinely helps.

→ Schools, events & organizations
How I work

What you'll notice
in every session

I'm not a therapist, psychologist, or certified mental health professional. I'm a mother who learned — the real way — how to listen. Here's what that looks like in practice.

Let's talk

Ready to take
the first step?

Whether you're a parent, a school, or a young person wondering if this is for them — there's no wrong reason to reach out.

📍
Based in Dallas, TX Available in person locally and virtually nationwide
📘
Follow along Facebook · Twitter / X · Instagram
💬
Response time I personally read and respond to every message, typically within 48 hours.

Send me a message

Tell me a little about what you're looking for and I'll get back to you personally.

This goes directly to Emma. No bots, no automated replies — just a real person reading your words.

🌿

Message received.

Thank you for reaching out. Emma reads every message personally and will be in touch within 48 hours. You took a good step today.

From the journal

Stories from the road

Read all posts →
Exploring as a substitute teacher
Youth & Teaching
Exploring as a Substitute Teacher
What happens when you walk into a classroom not as a teacher, but as a learner yourself.
How it all began
My Story
How It All Began
The origin of this journey — meeting youth across cultures, and learning what it means to truly listen.
What does freedom look like
Reflections
What Does Freedom Look Like?
A question I asked young people across cities — and the answers that changed how I see the world.