For an entire generation of television viewers, Tiffani Amber Thiessen’s face is permanently etched into memory as the ultimate icon of 1990s teen television. As Kelly Kapowski on the cultural phenomenon Saved by the Bell, she set the standard for high school style and charm, captivating countless viewers who tuned in week after week. But time moves forward, and just like the elder Millennials who grew up watching her hallways adventures, Thiessen has officially left those high school days far in the rearview mirror.
Today, the 52-year-old actress is navigating a completely different phase of life as a mother to two children—16-year-old Harper and 11-year-old Holt—while maintaining a thriving, dynamic career in entertainment. In a poetic twist for fans of her early work, Thiessen is once again finding herself back in a school setting, though this time with a vastly different title. She currently stars as the principal of Crescent Veil Academy in the dark academia series Coven Academy, which recently secured an official renewal for a second season on Disney+ and Hulu.
Beyond her work on screen, Thiessen has cultivated a vibrant presence on Instagram, where she shares a candid mix of food, fashion, humor, nostalgia, and the realities of finding personal power and peace as she embraces her 50s. Recently, she has also stepped into an advocacy role, partnering with Always on their “Period Talks Don’t Have to Be Scary” campaign. The initiative tackles a surprisingly common hurdle for modern parents: initiating the first conversation about periods with their children. With research showing that roughly 43% of mothers struggle to start the conversation because they feel unprepared, Thiessen is lending her voice, sharing her own parenting experiences, and offering practical advice to help families approach these milestone talks with openness and confidence, even when they feel a bit awkward.
In a wide-ranging conversation with Scary Mommy, Thiessen opened up about the realities of modern parenting, breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation, her excitement over her show’s renewal, and her cherished family holiday traditions.
Reflecting on how generational attitudes toward bodily changes have shifted, Thiessen noted that the era in which she grew up was characterized by a distinct lack of open dialogue about such topics. Today, however, she observes that young people are much more willing to communicate. Despite fostering a remarkably open relationship with both of her children, she admits that intimacy and vulnerability in parenting never completely lose their initial intimidation factor. Whether discussing periods, physical development, or the broader trials of growing up, Thiessen emphasizes that parents can dramatically lower the stress level by shifting their perspective. Rather than viewing it as one massive, terrifying milestone conversation, she suggests breaking it down into a series of smaller, casual, and continuous talks.
Her partnership with Always aligns closely with this philosophy, aiming to equip parents with the tools, preparation, and confidence needed to guide their tweens and teens gracefully. When asked about the common parental fear that often outweighs the child’s anxiety during these talks, Thiessen confirmed that most parents experience that exact apprehension, only to realize afterward that it was far less daunting than anticipated. She often reframes the conversation for her own kids by reminding them that over half of the population experiences menstruation, stripping away the unnecessary taboo and keeping the dialogue light and approachable. By building that mutual competence and trust, she believes young girls can view the experience not with dread, but as a normal part of life and a badge of honor.
That underlying philosophy of open, judgment-free communication serves as the cornerstone of Thiessen’s broader parenting strategy. When asked for her best piece of advice for other parents, she pointed immediately to the importance of keeping communication channels wide open for anything her children might bring to her, regardless of how difficult or complex the subject matter might be. Her primary goal as a mother has always been to ensure her children feel completely comfortable sharing both the triumphs and the hardships without fear of harsh judgment. While she admits with a laugh that she might occasionally feel a secret urge to judge, she recognizes that most of what her kids encounter are experiences she has either witnessed, lived through, or seen others navigate, making it all feel manageable in the end.
Shifting gears to her professional life, Thiessen shared her enthusiasm regarding the recent renewal of Coven Academy for a second season. After harboring high hopes of finding an audience that appreciated the unique charm and atmosphere of the series, she and the team were thrilled to see the show perform exceptionally well on Disney+ and Hulu, clearing the path to return for another run.
While television shows geared specifically toward tweens—particularly young girls—remain relatively rare in the current media landscape, Coven Academy has struck a resonant chord. Thiessen points out that while the supernatural and witchy elements are currently popular on social media, the core of the series transcends spells and potions. Instead, the narrative focuses heavily on the enduring themes of found family, deep sisterhood, and the importance of having each other’s backs. Drawing a parallel to her own life with a teenage daughter, she notes the invaluable nature of having a dependable circle of supportive girlfriends—a foundational support system she believes every woman needs.
Transitioning from her legendary days as a teenage student on a massive hit show to stepping into the role of a headmistress working alongside a younger generation of actors has felt entirely natural for Thiessen. Having spent the last few years working on projects with younger casts, she genuinely enjoys collaborating with emerging talent. Not only does she occasionally offer them guidance, but she also absorbs their boundless energy. She recalled enduring grueling night shoots where the younger cast members would effortlessly muster the energy to film TikTok videos at three in the morning, serving as a lively catalyst that kept her going through the exhaustion.
As the winter season approaches, Thiessen and her family are preparing for their standard holiday traditions, which remain deeply rooted in togetherness. Alternating years between her husband’s family in Texas and her own side of the family for the past decade and a half, this year brings a trip to the Lone Star State right after Christmas. The extended family gathering, which brings all the cousins together to ring in the New Year, is an annual highlight.
When it comes to holiday culinary traditions, Thiessen keeps things classic yet flexible. While Thanksgiving demands a traditional turkey and stuffing alongside her mother’s famous cream cheese pie, Christmas dinner often pivots away from poultry, with the family frequently opting for homemade enchiladas.
The conversation also touched upon the recent passing of Dennis Haskins, who portrayed the beloved principal Mr. Belding on Saved by the Bell. Remembering her late co-star, Thiessen fondly recalled him as the ultimate anchor of the set. Acknowledging the unique pressure Haskins faced as the primary adult authority figure on a children’s television show, she praised the grace, protection, and sense of security he provided to the young cast. He managed to be approachable and youthful while maintaining a strong, grounding presence that made them feel safe, leaving behind a legacy that is deeply missed by those who knew and worked with him.