“Parenting is a day-to-day opportunity to love, understand, and form a citizen of the world.”
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised in Miami after my family moved in pursuit of the “American Dream.” Growing up bicultural shaped me deeply, it gave me resilience, but it also left me navigating the tension between independence and belonging. Those early experiences, paired with the challenges of being “the emotional one” in my family, taught me the importance of authenticity. I believe that when we live authentically, we create the freedom to connect, grow, and thrive.
Real Women Have Curves (2002) -Click to see trailer
For years, I pursued acting and storytelling, curious about what makes people who they are. That curiosity turned personal when I became a mother. I always say I’m a little crazier than most; when the thought crossed my mind that I might “mess up” my first born, I went and became an expert. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Psychology, trained in infant mental health, interpersonal neurobiology, and trauma-focused care, and began helping parents discover how their children can become their greatest teachers.
Today, I am a developmental expert, licensed psychotherapist, and Head of School at KLA Academy in Miami. I also founded Stop Parenting Alone, where I support parents in finding clarity, compassion, and confidence in raising their children. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of reaching thousands of families through workshops, digital courses, and media. I serve as the parenting expert on Telemundo’s national morning show and co-authored Learning Well, a social-emotional learning series for schools with Macmillan Education.
At the heart of all my work is a simple mission: to help adults fall in love with guiding children. Because when we lean into authenticity, connection, and curiosity, not only do our children grow—we grow, too.
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Topics Include:
Parenting the Personality your Child Was Born With: A Discussion on Temperament
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
Managing and Handling Difficult Behavior
The Parenting Cycle: Understanding and Developing a Healthy Cycle for Parent and Child
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Adolescent Brain
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence in the Classroom (Teacher Training)
Attachment Theory in the Classroom: Understanding the Parent/Child Relationship(Teacher Training)
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How do you talk to your child about school shootings? In this blog, Lina Acosta Sandaal shares age-appropriate ways to help children process fear, build empathy, and feel safe while also guiding parents to stay grounded and compassionate.