Today we’d like to introduce you to Yold Dominique Oscar.
Hi Yold Dominique, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually began working with children long before launching my business. My journey goes all the way back to 1996, when I first stepped into the classroom as a substitute teacher. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those early days were shaping the entire direction of my life. I found myself naturally drawn to children who needed patience, understanding, and someone who could truly see them. Working with them never felt like an obligation—it felt like purpose.
But truthfully, the original seed was planted long before I ever stepped into a classroom. Growing up, I watched my parents work closely with the young people in our church. Seeing them pour into youth with love, guidance, and spiritual grounding showed me what true service looked like. That early exposure shaped my heart for children and taught me that investing in the next generation is one of the greatest callings a person can have.
One moment from my early teaching years has stayed with me ever since. A woman—someone I had never met before and have never seen again—pulled me aside after watching me interact with a group of children. She told me she had been observing quietly and that I had a gift. She said, “Stay the course. You’re meant to work with children.” Her words were simple, but they confirmed something in my spirit that I had been feeling for a long time. That brief conversation watered the seed that had been planted in me years before.
Fast forward to 2016, when I took a leap of faith and officially started my business. I wanted to create a space where children and families could receive support that was genuine, compassionate, and rooted in real understanding. Over the years, I’ve walked alongside countless children—each with their own story, challenges, and strengths. Every experience has deepened my appreciation for this work and reminded me how blessed I am to do what I do.
Today, my heart for young people extends beyond my business. I serve as the Youth Director for Progression Church, a non-denominational congregation where I continue to guide, uplift, and pour into the next generation. Being able to support youth both spiritually and emotionally allows me to serve them in a holistic, meaningful way.
Looking back, my journey has been one of growth, gratitude, and purpose. Working with children continues to be one of the greatest joys and honors of my life, and I’m thankful for every step—every child, every family, every moment—that has brought me to where I am today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the early years, one of my biggest challenges was not having a higher level of education or the financial resources to advance as quickly as I wanted to. There were organizations that overlooked me, refused to hire me, or wouldn’t promote me—not because of my work ethic or my passion, but simply because I didn’t have the degrees they required. It was discouraging at times, especially knowing how deeply I cared for the youth I served and how naturally the work came to me.
But those obstacles never stopped me. If anything, they pushed me to stay patient, stay grounded, and stay committed to the children and families who needed support. I knew my heart was in the right place. I knew I had the ability to connect, to guide, and to create safe spaces for young people. That belief kept me moving forward.
Every challenge became motivation to grow—educationally, professionally, and personally. And today, I look back with gratitude. Those difficult moments shaped my resilience and strengthened my purpose. They reminded me that when you genuinely love what you do and you show up with care and consistency, you can still make an impact, even when the road is anything but smooth.
The youth have always been my driving force, and they continue to inspire me to rise above obstacles and keep serving with compassion and dedication.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business began in 2016 when I stepped into the field as a life coach. At that time, my mission was simple but meaningful: help youth discover their purpose, build confidence, set realistic goals, and grow in key areas such as education, spirituality, social skills, and emotional management. I wanted young people to have a space where they felt seen, supported, and guided.
As my passion for the work deepened, I continued my own education so I could serve more effectively. I earned my degree in psychology and expanded my services to include more structured youth support focused on mental and behavioral development. Later, I completed my master’s in psychology, which opened the door for me to work with agencies providing both therapeutic services and life coaching to children, adolescents, and families.
Continuing on that path, I completed the PhD coursework in psychology and broadened my scope to offer family-focused services. Most recently, I completed a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy—something I pursued intentionally. I’ve always believed that when you care for a flower in a garden, you cannot ignore the soil, the roots, or the environment around it. To help a child grow, you must understand and support the entire family system. That belief is at the core of my work.
Today, my organization provides a blend of therapeutic support, life coaching, emotional regulation strategies, family interventions, and development-focused services for youth of all ages. What sets my brand apart is the combination of lived experience, clinical expertise, and a heart-centered commitment to each child and family. I bring patience, cultural understanding, and a genuine love for helping young people thrive—qualities that families often tell me they can feel the moment we start working together.
I am most proud that my brand continues to stand on integrity, compassion, and consistency. Every service—whether individual therapy, family sessions, behavioral coaching, or emotional development work—is designed to create lasting change. My goal is for all clients and readers to know that this is not just a business for me; it is a calling. My work is rooted in dedication, support, and a true belief that with the right guidance, every young person can grow into their fullest potential.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is to trust the process—especially during the moments that feel uncertain or overwhelming. In the beginning, it’s easy to focus on everything you don’t have yet: the credentials, the resources, the recognition, the confidence. But what truly carries you forward is consistency, humility, and a willingness to grow.
Looking back, I wish I knew that setbacks weren’t signs to stop—they were shaping me. Every closed door, every doubt, every delay was preparing me for something greater. I’ve learned that the journey is just as important as the destination because it builds the character you need to sustain the work.
Another lesson I wish I understood earlier is that you don’t have to have everything figured out at once. Start where you are, with what you have, and keep learning. Surround yourself with mentors, stay teachable, and never lose sight of why you began.
And most importantly, recognize God’s grace and mercy in every step. There were times I didn’t see how things would come together, but they always did—often in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It wasn’t just my effort; it was God aligning the right people, opportunities, and doors at the right time. My path has been far from perfect, but His grace has made it purposeful.
So to anyone starting out: stay patient, stay prepared, stay prayerful. Trust that your purpose will unfold exactly as it should, and when challenges arise, remember that they’re part of the shaping—not the stopping.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inthegapconsultant.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/In-The-Gap-Life-Coach/100039610904991/
