Executive Function Coaching
Executive Function is a term used to describe an individual’s ability to plan, focus their attention, remember instructions and juggle multiple tasks successfully. It is the ability to regulate behavior in stressful situations and is often referred to as the air traffic control system for the brain.
My goal is to provide students with portable and practical strategies for school and life. I engage students in interactive activities and teach tools for organization, time management, self-advocacy, active listening, following directions, note-taking, study skills, test-taking, long-term planning and goal setting. Coaching techniques and plans are tailored to individual needs. Once student-driven goals are selected, I help students overcome barriers, create solutions and internalize habits that lead to independence.
Coaching is not tutoring. Please read the attached handout to better understand the coaching process. It was written for parents by Peg Dawson, co-author of Smart but Scattered. Executive Skills Coaching Process
Executive Function Consulting and Parent Education
Many families seek advice on how to better help their child with executive function at home. I provide practical strategies and targeted plans to assist you in helping your child self-initiate and become more independent. As partners, we will work to bridge your child’s school life with their space and routines in the home.
Reading Instruction
The ability to read greatly impacts the ability to absorb and comprehend every academic subject. Although I specialize in the direct teaching of executive function skills, these skills often overlap with reading comprehension lessons and strategies. I support students in reading as it pertains to understanding and following multi-step directions, identifying and interpreting inferential
Reading comprehension strategies are tools that expert readers use to make sense of what they have read. These tools enable the reader to remain focused and become actively engaged in the text, which improves a reader’s ability to understand it. To build and strengthen reading comprehension, I model a repertoire of strategies, which students practice and then eventually internalize.
Reading Instruction
The ability to read greatly impacts the ability to absorb and comprehend every academic subject. Although I specialize in the direct teaching of executive function skills, these skills often overlap with reading comprehension lessons and strategies. I support students in reading as it pertains to understanding and following multi-step directions, identifying and interpreting inferential
Reading comprehension strategies are tools that expert readers use to make sense of what they have read. These tools enable the reader to remain focused and become actively engaged in the text, which improves a reader’s ability to understand it. To build and strengthen reading comprehension, I model a repertoire of strategies, which students practice and then eventually internalize.
Writing Instruction
I have a strong background in advanced literacy theory and workshop model techniques, having worked closely with the staff developers from the Reading and Writing Workshop at Columbia University. Throughout my career, I have applied and adapted their techniques to the needs of diverse learners and helped hundreds of students brainstorm, craft, revise and edit stories and essays across various genres and topics.
504/IEP Review and Recommendations
This service involves a full review of current 504/IEP, report cards/progress reports, progress monitoring data if available, educational evaluations and parent/teacher feedback. I will provide you with a document outlining possible classroom accommodations and/or IEP goals appropriate for your child to use in navigating your next 504/IEP meeting. This service also includes a 30-minute follow-up call or in-person meeting with me so we can walk through my recommendations and discuss your questions/concerns.
504/IEP Review and Recommendations
This service involves a full review of current 504/IEP, report cards/progress reports, progress monitoring data if available, educational evaluations and parent/teacher feedback. I will provide you with a document outlining possible classroom accommodations and/or IEP goals appropriate for your child to use in navigating your next 504/IEP meeting. This service also includes a 30-minute follow-up call or in-person meeting with me so we can walk through my recommendations and discuss your questions/concerns.