A community built to support teens—and the parents raising them.
What Is PULSE?
The tween and teen years can be complicated: mood swings, communication breakdowns, social pressure, and constant change. It’s not always easy to know what to say, how to help, or where to turn.
That’s where PULSE comes in. We provide trusted resources, real-world tools, and meaningful connections to help families navigate these years with more confidence and less guesswork.
Because no teen—or parent—should have to figure it out alone.
PULSE was founded by Dr. Madeleine ("Maddy") Gagnon, a board-certified pediatrician, family mediator, and mom of boys who understands the evidence-based impact of strong communication and confidence during the teen years.
PULSE is also powered by a team of talented college ambassadors who bring fresh perspective and real-world insight from their recent experiences as teens.
Together, this blend of professional expertise and near-peer mentorship creates a unique and relatable support system for both teens and parents.
What Does PULSE Offer?
Teen
Mentorship
-
Free 1:1 support for teens ages 12–18
-
Pairing tweens/teens with carefully selected college ambassadors
-
College mentors meet with teens virtually 1–2 times per month
-
Creating a consistent, approachable space to talk, ask questions, and build confidence.
-
Conversations cover a wide range of topics relevant to life as a teen today—from school and friendships to stress, motivation, and what to expect next.
-
Mentors give teens a trusted, relatable connection with someone who has recently navigated these same experiences—offering guidance, perspective, and real-world insight.
-
All college mentors are thoroughly vetted and have completed background checks, ensuring a safe and supportive experience
Parent
Strategy Calls
-
30-45 minute conversation with Dr. Maddy Gagnon to help you navigate parenting challenges, conflict, and family transitions (Fee: $75)
-
This call is designed for parents navigating:
-Teen behavioral or emotional challenges
-Conflict or communication breakdowns
-Divorce or co-parenting transitions
-High-stress family dynamics
-Uncertainty about next steps
-
In this session, Dr. Maddy Gagnon will help you:
-Clarify what’s happening in your family dynamic
-Identify practical next steps
-Explore practical strategies grounded in clinical and mediation experience
-Decide what support may be most helpful moving forward
Good Information
-
We use social media for good—sharing information that actually helps.
-
Through our Instagram communities, @pulse.teens and @pulse.parents, we deliver relevant, trustworthy content tailored to both teens and parents.
-
No fluff. Just practical tools, real-world advice, and actionable resources designed for busy, everyday life. Follow us today!
Meet Dr. Maddy
-
Board certified pediatrician
-
Family mediator
-
Child/Parent Expert
-
Founder of the PULSE community
Email: maddyg@bridgecl.org
Phone: 715-410-0638
PULSE College Ambassadors
PULSE partners with a team of Gen Z College Ambassadors who bring real, relatable insight to every conversation. By bridging the age-relevancy gap, they offer honest guidance on navigating insecurities, building leadership skills, and growing authentic confidence. Their lived experiences empower high school teens with advice that actually resonates—because it comes from people who’ve been there, and are still living it.
.jpeg)
PULSE Community Sponsor
We are grateful for and appreciate the support of our community sponsor, Kowalski’s Markets. Thank you for believing in the vision of PULSE—a world where teens are confident, connected, able to communicate their needs, and empowered to pursue their dreams.
We also appreciate the friendship and support of Sota Shop, located in Edina, St. Louis Park, Downtown MPLS, Maple Grove.
Follow US!
Follow us. Stay inspired. Be part of the community.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
1 / What teen age range does PULSE serve for 1:1 mentorship?
Currently, PULSE offers 1:1 mentorship for teens age 12-18 years old. Each teen is matched with a college ambassador.
2 / Are there mental health professional involved to consult with, if needed?
Yes, PULSE is able to share information of local psychiatrists and therapy practices in our community, if needed.
3 / How are College Ambassadors selected? And, do they have a background check?
The college ambassadors are college students who are pre-healthcare in their studies and are professionally known to Dr. Gagnon by way of mentoring, clinical shadowing, and/or employment in the affiliated homecare company. The College Ambassadors who do the 1:1 mentorship will have passed a background checked as they are working with teens virtually.
4 / What are typical topics covered in 1:1 mentorship?
Teen related topics are covered. Examples of topics are below:
Stress, Anxiety & Coping Skills
-
Healthy vs. unhealthy stress
-
Tools for navigating anxiety in school, sports, and friendship
-
Grounding exercises (breathing, sensory resets, mindfulness)
-
How to create a personal “calm plan”
Building Real Confidence
-
What confidence actually is
-
Overcoming self-doubt and imposter feelings
-
How to step into leadership in small, everyday ways
-
Practicing growth mindset
Navigating Friendships & Social Dynamics
-
Making friends when it feels hard
-
How to handle drama, exclusion, or misunderstandings
-
Maintaining healthy boundaries
-
What real support looks like in teen relationships
6 / Is PULSE therapy?
No, PULSE is not therapy. PULSE is a non-clinical, community integrated support resource for teens and parents of teens. PULSE maintains a list of trusted therapy and psychiatry providers if a teen needs additional resource recommendations.
PULSE does not provide crisis support.
Dial 988 for Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial 911 for medical emergencies