Family Science scholars and practitioners are diverse, and so are their careers. Family Scientists make valuable professional contributions in practice, research, teaching, and more, using their expertise in family-member interactions and relationship dynamics.

Take a deeper look at real-life career options and paths within Family Science, many specifically within the Family Life Education approach to professional practice.

Want more tips and resources for exploring careers in Family Science? See NCFR's guide to exploring Family Science careers.

Career Q&As from NCFR Report magazine:

• Consultant/Educator (resilience & strengths in everyday life) — Janis L. Henderson, Ph.D.

• Family Coach — Lisa Krause, M.A., CFLE

• Program Leader, USDA Agency — Ahlishia Shipley, Ph.D., CFLE

• Extension Specialist and Marriage & Family Therapist — Alexander Chan, Ph.D., LMFT

• Director of Programs at Teen Pregnancy Prevention Organization — Nina Bates, Ph.D., CFLE

• Marriage and Family Therapist, Private Practice Owner — Rachel Sullivan, LMFT, CFLE-P

• Housing Case Manager at Domestic Violence Shelter — Kimberly Leach, CFLE-P

• Owner, Family Life Education Practice — Jenell Kelly, Ph.D., CFLE, LCCE

Career Stories of Certified Family Life Educators (CFLEs):

• Family Life Educator in Child Welfare — Jason P. Lehman, M.A., CFLE — currently available to CFLEs only

• Family Life Educator at Head Start — Amy Phillips, CFLE-P

• Cooperative Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator (Financial Literacy for Military Veterans)  — Katie Schlagheck, M.S., CFLE

• Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist — Markell Kunzelman, CFLE-P

• Parenting Education — Alicia Yeager, B.S.W., CFLE-P

• Family Nonprofit Organization President — Mara Briere, M.A., CFLE

• Case Manager, Early Childhood Intervention — Janeal White, M.S., CFLE

• Cooperative Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent (Families and Food)  — Karim Martinez, M.S., CFLE

• Working with Fathers — Glen Palm, Ph.D., CFLE

• Family Life Education in Case Management — Miguel Brambila, M.S., CFLE

• Client Service Specialist / Case Manager — Anahi Castillo, M.S., CFLE

• Parenting Education — Drew Betz, M.S. CFLE

• Violence Prevention — Wm. Michael Fleming, Ph.D., CFLE

• Working with Blended Families — Lori Hayungs, M.S., CFLE

• Curriculum and Program Development — Allison Ciborowski, CFLE

• Working with Families in the Legal System — Risa J. Garon, LCSW-C, BCD, CFLE

• Working with Families with Special Needs (Consultant and Trainer) — Audrey R. Kraynak, Ph.D., CFLE

• Family Life Education in a Preschool Setting — Sheena A. Wedge, CFLE-Provisional

• Sexuality Education — Cherie Seitz, B.S., M.A., CFLE, CSE

• Hospice Care — Kathleen Helgeson, M.A., CFLE

• Relationship Education for Adolescents — Char Kamper, M.A., CFLE

• Family Life Education in a Faith Community — Mark G. Heine, M.Div., CFLE

• Advocating for Families in the School System — Debbie Jensen, M.S., CFLE

• Volunteer Coordinator/Guide for Dads and Daughters Programming — Scott MacGregor, CFLE, CSAC-R

• Financial Educator — Heather Johnson

• Licensing Specialist in Foster Care and Adoption — Rebecca Rogers

• Child Care Resource and Referral Specialist — Jane Wirth, CFLE

• Military Family Service Centers — Jon-Eric Garcia, M.A., CFLE

• Family Life Education in Public Schools — Sandra Brock, CFLE

• Marriage Education — Cheryl M. Robinson, Ph.D., CFLE, CFCS

• Cooperative Extension — Mary Gosche, M.A., CFLE

• Early Childhood Education — Marcia Pioppi Galazzi, M.Ed., CFLE

• Family Life Education in a Faith-Based Organization — Tom R. Rinkoski, M.Ed., CFLE

• Teaching and Research About Family Recreation — Sarah Taylor Agate, M.S., CFLE