Bio
Oona Hanson is a highly experienced parenting coach, educator, and family mentor with over twenty-five years of expertise in educational psychology, child development, and adolescent well-being. Specializing in helping parents and guardians foster healthy relationships with food and body image in their children, Oona delivers impactful guidance through writing, workshops, and personalized consultations. Her approach combines evidence-based strategies with practical, hands-on advice, making her a trusted resource for families navigating the complexities of modern parenting.
Oona holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a Master’s Degree in English from Middlebury College. She graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with an A.B. in English Language and Literature. Her strong academic foundation, coupled with decades of teaching and parent coaching experience, enables her to provide comprehensive support to families, focusing on resilience, compassion, and mental health.
During her time as a Family Mentor at Equip, Oona was a key member of multidisciplinary teams dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents with eating disorders. Her role involved coaching parents on creating nurturing home environments that support their children's recovery journey. In her private coaching practice, Oona specializes in adolescent development, parenting strategies, and the prevention of disordered eating, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each family.
In 2020, Oona founded Common Sense Camp, a program designed to equip children with essential life skills, fostering independence and self-efficacy. This initiative reflects her commitment to preparing the next generation for the challenges of adulthood through practical education and life skills training.
Oona’s expertise is widely recognized in the media, with her insights featured in leading outlets such as CNN, USA Today, Good Morning America, US News & World Report, Today, PopSugar, Grown & Flown, and Your Teen. She is also a sought-after public speaker and writer, contributing to discussions on parenting, educational consulting, and body positivity.
Selected Publications and Media Appearances
Oona’s work has been prominently featured in top publications, including People, USA Today, US News & World Report, Today, CNN, PopSugar, Grown & Flown, Your Teen, and The Washington Post. She has made appearances on major television programs such as Good Morning America and Good Day LA, sharing her expertise on parenting, education, and body image.
Personal Life
Oona resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. Her personal experiences as a parent, along with her professional journey, fuel her passion for helping families create positive, healthy home environments. Through her coaching, writing, and public speaking, Oona is dedicated to advocating for healthy family dynamics, body positivity, and the mental well-being of children and adolescents. You can see the latest with Oona's work on her Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and her website.
Educational background
- A.B. in English Language and Literature, Princeton University, magna cum laude
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Psychology, California State University, Northridge, with distinction
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in English Language and Literature, Middlebury College
Specialities & expertise
- Parent Coaching
- Eating disorders
- Eating Disorder Prevention
- Educational Consulting
- Public Speaking
- Body Image Counseling
- Life Skills Training for Children
Professional accomplishments
- Outstanding Teacher, Issued by Tufts University, January 2001
- Parenting Journalists Society
- Narrative Medicine Advanced Workshop, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Narrative Medicine Introductory Workshop, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
About our editorial process
Equip is dedicated to providing accurate, accessible content. In order to do so, we ensure that all articles cite credible sources and research, and are reviewed by a licensed medical provider when relevant. We don’t accept sponsored or guest content, and regularly update content to reflect the latest evidence and thought leadership. Providing reliable information about eating disorders is our top priority.
Read more about our editorial policy