EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING COACHING
Executive functioning skills are not fully developed until the age of 20, so students typically vary in their abilities to manage their schoolwork, organize their extracurricular activities and find strategies to cope with anxiety. You may have noticed zeros are building up in the grade book, finished essays not turned in on time, or lost math homework.
These situations are typically a sign that your student could benefit from executive functioning strategies to enhance their abilities to organize, commit to memory, focus attention, as well as many others. Executive functioning is important for all of us, but students are highly susceptible to ups and downs in their executive functioning abilities. The goal of coaching is to provide ongoing support and triage communication with all supports in order to build a relationship for strategic learning to thrive.
OUR TYPICAL CLIENTS…
Not to worry, we’re here to help!
Challenges in executive functioning may show up in all aspects of your child’s life. Through strategy-based approaches and processes, we can work together alongside your child to strengthen skills such as planning, prioritizing, organization (both mental and physical), initiation, attention, and cognitive flexibility. We’re excited to help your child learn and practice strategies for success in school AND in life!
“His growth in independence and managing his work and activities was notable. He seemed more in control and less stressed.”
“I am given weekly updates after meetings that are so useful in determining what to focus on and where my child is struggling. I have seen so much growth from advocating for herself with teachers, to organizing her binder, to using tools to make the world around her make more sense.”
HOW WE TRIAGE
Our EF team is comprised of EF Coaches and Aides. Our Aides will work in triage with the EF Coach, supporting a shared student, and will DIRECTLY implement the strategies and procedures that the EF Coach initiated.
The EF Coach supports with initiating strategies and processes
The EF Aide re-initiates during their sessions using the same technique, supporting the student in executing all the way through completion
Communication with the student’s entire EF team- the Coach, Aide, parent/s, and student, is paramount in our Triage model, and will be actively enforced throughout the EF team.
DETAILS
Fee: $120 per hour
Preparation for Coaching:
Gather all support documentation to share with your coach
Select the “Get Started” button below
Schedule a free consultation
Meet Our EF Coaches:
Shira Woodlee
Shira’s life work is to serve unique and misunderstood students in reaching their highest potentials. Shira began her journey in the classroom in both general education and special education settings at the middle and high school levels in public, charter, and private schools. Shira has also worked as an administrator organizing learning opportunities for students in the various roles she held.
✔ Masters in Special Education with a focus in Multiple Disabilities and Behavior
✔ Certified Special Educator in three states (CA, GA and MD)
✔ Teacher and Coach for 12+ years
✔ Trained in various assessment/intervention tools (The Woodcock-Johnson, Read 180, Wilson, Key-3 Math, etc.)
✔ Active Member of CHADD, NASET, CEC, and LDA
Rachel Walker
As a teacher in New York City and Chicago, Rachel helped students across grade levels find confidence and success both in and beyond the classroom. Rachel brings years of experience in creating support systems that are uniquely tailored to the needs of each student, and include a range of strategies, from organization and self-regulation to problem-solving techniques. She believes that students thrive when they can begin to self-identify their strengths and celebrate their growth.
✔ MS.Ed in Early Childhood Special Education from Hunter College in NYC.
✔ Licensed special education teacher in both New York and Illinois.
Nicole is a school-based mental health clinician in Chicago Public Schools and has spent the last decade working with young people in therapeutic and academic settings. She takes a collaborative, strength-based approach to her work and believes strongly that with the right tools all students can reach their goals. She also has a passion for school-based advocacy and draws upon her experience in assessment and therapy to support families in getting the services their student needs to succeed.
Joanna Wong
Joanna Wong (she/her/hers) believes in providing high quality education to all students through collaboration between families and educators. She has been in the education world for almost a decade, ranging from being a 1:1 paraprofessional in a special education classroom to a middle school special education teacher. She prioritizes advocacy above all else with her students and families, ensuring that they are receiving the best services and strategic tools that they deserve. Joanna believes in giving students the most equitable education possible, despite any potential systemic obstacles that could hinder their growth. Outside of education, you can find Joanna with her nose in a book, finding the next best restaurant in Philadelphia with her husband, or (napping) on the couch with her two cats and dog.
✔️ Post-Bach Degree in Teaching from Stockton University
✔️ Masters in Teaching with a focus on Special Education from Relay GSE
✔️ Licensed teacher in New Jersey
Brianna Yvonne Ambriz
As a dedicated, creative, and enthusiastic first generation college graduate, Brianna hopes to bring my passion and previous experience of helping others into the field of Psychology and Education. Brianna was born and raised in Stockton, CA and graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelors in Cognitive Science and Psychology. Her journey began as a residential counselor, where she applied therapeutic techniques such as crisis intervention, personalized counseling, and client-centered recovery planning to support individuals with mental illnesses in achieving greater independence. Selected from a pool of 45,000 applicants nationwide, she joined a prestigious national teacher corps dedicated to under-resourced public schools. For the past few years, she has been making a difference as an 8th-grade Education Specialist, focusing on inclusive education. Her commitment to learning led her to earn a Master's in Special Education while serving with Teach For America, where she holds a teaching credential in the state of California. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University, driven by her aspiration to blend psychological insights and educational expertise to empower individuals facing challenges. With a dynamic blend of experience and education, she is dedicated to helping others utilize their executive functioning skills and thrive in both academic and personal pursuits.
✔️ Masters in Special Education (Mild/Moderate Disabilities)
✔️ Certified Special Education Teacher in California
✔️ California Affiliations: Teach for America, Leadership for Educational Equity
Gabrielle Plastrik
Gabrielle is passionate about supporting young people as they learn more about how their own brains work, their strengths, and pathways toward self-advocacy. She has nineteen years of classroom teaching experience in English, humanities, social studies, computers, and drama. She has taught supported reading and writing classes and worked in several schools designed to meet the needs of gifted and twice exceptional learners. Gabrielle is a mindfulness expert and leads professional development on learning sciences for other educators. She is adept at compassionately helping children and teens navigate anxious feelings related to school work and school.
✔ MSEd from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
✔ National Board Certified Educator
Jessica Eskridge
With a rich background in social-emotional learning, curriculum development, and student advocacy, Jessica Eskridge is a certified K-12 School Counselor and K-6 Elementary Teacher with a specialization in Special Education. She has a proven track record of enhancing student leadership and academic achievement through strategic SEL initiatives and inclusive practices. Jessica’s experience spans roles as a Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Humanities/Social Justice Teacher, and Inclusion Teacher, where she successfully reduced behavioral interventions, developed comprehensive curricula, and improved school climates. Passionate about student well-being and executive functioning, Jessica is dedicated to fostering growth and resilience in students and their families.
✔️ Masters of Education in Counseling
✔️ Certified K-12 School Counselor in New Jersey & Delaware
✔️ Certified K-6 Elementary Teacher in New Jersey
✔️ Special Education Certificate of Eligibility
Jenn Young
Jenn is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master’s in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor’s in Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After a decade-long career in the entertainment industry, Jenn transitioned into education to utilize her experience navigating the higher education system and her passion for college and career advising to ensure that all students receive quality resources to excel in their futures. She has experience working with students in both academic and social-emotional counseling. Jenn is passionate about supporting students' growth inside and outside the classroom and being an education access advocate for families. Outside of her professional life, you can find Jenn playing volleyball, watching a good TV series or checking out a new restaurant in Los Angeles.
✔ Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in CA
✔ Pupil Personnel Services Credential in CA
Meet Our EF Aide:
Jordan Donohue
Jordan (She/Her/Hers) was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the Spring of 2021. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in criminal justice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is set to graduate in the Spring of 2023. She plans on pursuing her Ph.D. in criminal justice in the Fall of 2023. Jordan has always had a passion for helping others, specifically in the educational realm, because she knows exactly what it is like to desire extra support and guidance along the way. She has experience in working with children from various backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. When she is not attending to her academics, Jordan loves spending time with her dog, Presley. She is excited to work with all age groups across a variety of subjects!