Nan Coosemans is the Founder of Younite ®, a leading training company for families and adolescents, and a Master Trainer in Family and Youth Development. She is the author of two books, Quello che i ragazzi non dicono and Adolescents and Quarantine, along with several e-books. A mother of three, including two teenagers, Nan has dedicated over 20 years to personal development, helping families and young people navigate life’s challenges.
Nan Cooseman’s passion for personal development was shaped by her personal experience. Raised in a medical family, she witnessed the emotional toll of high-pressure careers. Her father, a respected surgeon, carried the weight of his work home, often struggling with the stress it entailed. Reflecting on his experiences, Nan recalls, “My father worked tirelessly and always treated people with kindness, but he never had the tools to process the emotional burden. A month before he passed away in 2013, he told me, ‘I wish I had done things differently with my family.’ That moment became a defining lesson for me—to live with integrity, be fully present for my loved ones, and help others do the same.”
Nan’s journey of resilience began early. At 15, she left home and spent a year living with a family whose parents worked for Tony Robbins. Immersed in the world of personal growth, she developed an unshakable belief that there is always a way forward. By 16, she was living independently, juggling school with night shifts to support herself. She encountered difficult situations, from exposure to violence and substance abuse to exploitation, yet she always relied on an inner voice guiding her toward safety. “I called it my angel,” she says. “That intuition saved me many times. It also planted the seed for what would later become Younite—a place where teenagers could find guidance and the tools to navigate life.”
This vision took shape in 2010 with the founding of Younite. The organization offers live and online courses, coaching programs, and school initiatives focused on emotional intelligence and fostering stronger parent-teen relationships. Over the years, Younite has impacted thousands of teenagers across Italy and the Netherlands, empowering them with confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. Many of those she once coached are now thriving adults, some even joining Younite as mentors. “It’s remarkable to witness their growth,” she says. “Some have pursued successful careers, while others have come back to work with us. That’s the true impact of this work—creating long-term change.”
In 2016, Nan expanded her mission by launching Genitori in Azione, Italy’s first online school dedicated to parents with teenagers. She also co-founded the YADA Association and YFDI (Youth & Family Development Institute), the first training school in Italy for aspiring Family and Youth Coaches. YFDI’s three-year academy goes beyond traditional coaching, integrating two decades of research and hands-on experience. It equips professionals with the skills needed to support families effectively. Certified YFDI coaches also become members of YADA International, a non-profit organization committed to youth awareness and school-based training programs. “Training professionals in this field is essential,” she explains. “Changing one family has a ripple effect that influences entire communities.”
At the heart of Nan’s work is a commitment to helping teenagers develop self-awareness while equipping parents with practical communication tools. As a Family and Youth Coach, she guides families through conflict resolution, fostering deeper understanding and stronger relationships. Her book, What Kids Don’t Say, serves as a practical resource for parents seeking to bridge the communication gap with their children. “Too often, parents realize their children are struggling when it’s already too late. My goal is to change that by giving parents the tools to listen and connect truly.”
Beyond coaching and writing, Nan collaborates with companies and organizations to design tailored training programs that improve family dynamics and communication. “Workplaces need to recognize the challenges faced by working parents. When parents are supported, it positively impacts both their families and their professional environments.”
Driven by her personal experiences and unwavering dedication to youth development, Nan continues to expand her impact, ensuring that teenagers and their families receive the support, tools, and guidance they need to thrive. Whether through coaching, training, writing, or speaking engagements, her mission remains clear: to create a world where young people feel heard, understood, and empowered to shape their own futures.
“Teenagers are often misunderstood, but when given the right environment, they shine. My mission is to create that space—where they feel seen, heard, and empowered to become who they are meant to be,” says Nan.
As a final piece of advice for aspiring leaders, Nan emphasizes, “Stay true to yourself, stay organized, work hard, follow your passion, and never give up—especially when others doubt you.”
