Amy Polacko is a Freedom Warrior who helps women take their power back in divorce. A divorced single mom herself, she became a divorce coach to guide, educate and empower women in this process. Amy has become a national voice on the issues of divorce and family court – writing as a journalist for publications like Ms. and HuffPost. She’s on a mission to help women become the “CEO of their divorce” in order to get what they want and create an amazing next chapter!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York near Saratoga Springs but have lived all over – including New York City – before settling in Fairfield County 14 years ago.
Tell us about your Family!
I am a single mom with a 16-year-old son Max.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I used to be an investigative TV reporter – so I was that person chasing people down with a microphone and protecting consumers. It was a great career but I needed more work-life balance and started my own business instead for increased flexibility.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
You don’t have to be perfect. There is so much pressure on moms these days. Your kids will always remember how you made them feel more than anything. Also, the years fly by so fill your house with laughter – and don’t sweat the small stuff!
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield County?
Our area offers so many cultural and historical attractions for our kids. I’m kind of the female version of Clark Griswold so my son and I have taken many road trip adventures in Fairfield County and beyond!
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Now that my son is a teenager, I’m making him input his own information into Google Calendar. I told him I’ve resigned as his personal assistant! We’ve hit a few bumps already but I’m hoping it works out…ha ha.
Tell us about your business, and when & why you decided to start up this business?
My heart has led me to my work. I am divorced and made a lot of mistakes along the way – but also learned a ton of lessons that I wanted to share with other women. About five years ago, I started a support group for divorced women in my living room and it grew. Then, women started sending friends to me for help and I decided to become a divorce coach. I founded my Freedom Warrior coaching business to help women take their power back before, during and after the process. I help women create a divorce strategy, educate them about the process, manage their emotions and save them thousands of dollars. Divorce doesn’t have to be the end – it can be an exciting new beginning. I have clients across the country now but, of course, many in our area including Fairfield. I also write for national news outlets like Ms., HuffPost, Newsweek and NBC News on divorce, family court, domestic abuse and singlehood. I’m on a mission to educate and empower women!
What is your background?
I earned a master’s degree from Columbia Journalism School and was a newspaper and TV reporter for many years. Later, I became a Master Certified Life Coach as well as a Certified Divorce Professional. I also recently co-authored the book “FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld” which includes the stories of real women going through divorce – which are cautionary tales on dating, marriage, divorce and custody.
Tell us about the different services that you offer?
I offer one-on-one coaching to women considering divorce, already in the process and those creating their next chapter. I do free 15-minute confidential Coaching Consultations women can book on my website www.freedomwarrior.info/contact I also created a digital self-study course called “Divorce Decoded” that has everything I wish I had known before the divorce process. My free support community on Facebook is called Strong Savvy Women and I have women at all stages of divorce in there supporting each other!
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
Don’t fret if you miss a few games because of your career. You are serving as a wonderful role model of hard work and focus. As a single mom, especially when my son was young, I was juggling a lot and sometimes had to take Max to work events! Today, he is comfortable talking to adults and I always get compliments about how mature he is – I think it’s because of those times I dragged him with me.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
One of my good high school friends had the greatest mom named Polly. She was loving, a career role model and taught her kids to stand up for what is right. She was spunky and never afraid to speak her mind. We used to joke about her “Pollyisms.” She passed away recently but I always try to be like Polly.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Motherhood is wonderful but be sure to save a little time for yourself and your passions! I work with women years later who gave up some of their interests and then go on a journey to rediscover what brings them joy after divorce.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: Centro Ristorante
Grab a Drink with Friends: Tablao Wine Bar
Have a Date Night: Reef Shack (with my son – his favorite place!)
Spend time together as a Family: Fairfield Stag Basketball Games
Outside Activities: Penfield Beach
Grab coffee: Shearwater Coffee Bar