MEET THE FOUNDER:
Shira Woodlee
Shira Woodlee founded EdFront in 2013 with the goal of personalizing support through coaching one-to-one. Shira's dedication to supporting students and their families in receiving the most equitable education possible has brought coaching and tutoring support to many students. Every day, Shira works directly with students to ensure success in their academic life by promoting their strengths and advocating for their areas of challenge.
Shira began her journey in education as a Resource Specialist in various high school settings and as a private academic coach, leading her to serve in many roles inside and outside of the school setting. As she continued to coach her students, she honed her coaching techniques and now directly works in triage with her whole team to ensure support for as many students as possible.
Shira is honored to work with incredible coaches and tutors who are all on the mission to support unique and misunderstood students to meet their highest personal potential.
“Shira brings something special to the table. There is a trust between her and my daughter. That trust opens the conversation for her to be able to help my daughter without judgment. Shira brings a fresh outlook and fresh ideas of how my daughter can help herself.”
MEET OUR TEAM!
OUR ONLINE COLLEGE COACH:
Kaylee Faria
Kaylee Faria is the college Coach Lead at EdFront. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton in Spring 2020 with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice. She is currently in graduate school at University of Las Vegas, Nevada getting her masters and Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She is a first-generation college student, so she knows how overwhelming the college applications process can be for her high school friends – and this is why she loves doing what she does here at EdFront!
OUR EF COACHES:
Rachel Walker
Rachel has been with EdFront for several years, leading our EF team and spearheading our parent collaboration efforts. Rachel’s background as a teacher in New York City and Chicago schools brings her the on-the-ground experience needed to support unique and misunderstood learners. Rachel’s years of work with students across grade levels from pre-K through high school, gives her a unique perspective of the development of a young person’s brain. Rachel is highly skilled at working alongside students from a strength-based perspective. Rachel believes that strategies, brought forth through curiosity can unlock our understanding of your child’s thinking patterns and cognitive processes. One of Rachel’s mottos in coaching is: “work smarter, not harder.”
Nicole has been with EdFront for several years, being instrumental in our efforts to support the growing needs of young adults in college and post-college. Nicole has been with many students for over 2 years, serving their unique needs as they journey on their career and life paths. She has spent the last decade working with young people in therapeutic and academic settings, making her uniquely skilled at supporting young adults in accessing their frontal lobe. Her collaborative, strength-based approach provides young adults with the tools and processes to reach their goals. Nicole collaborates often with our college coaching team and connects and guides young adults to opportunities, supports, services and organizations that can support them in continuously thriving.
Joanna Wong
Joanna brings a variety of experiences to her coaching, having worked with exceptional learners for over a decade. Joanna is a strategic partner, having supported some students for multiple years through various transitions and phases. Joanna has been instrumental in designing and implementing creative learning opportunities for students who experience high levels of anxiety and school refusal. Her advocacy and coaching work in tandem to ensure appropriate learning goals and accessibility for students to meet their version of success. Joanna’s collaborative and responsive approach provides young adults with tools to access their frontal lobe more often in order to utilize their executive functions. Joanna guides young adults to uncover their brain’s natural tendencies, strengths and current patterning.
Brianna Yvonne Ambriz
Brianna has several years of experience as an EF Coach and Advocate at EdFront, supporting some of her students on their transitional journeys from elementary to middle and middle to high school. As a prior Education Specialist her focus is on providing students with an accessible and inclusive education. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Brianna’s approach is to serve each student’s unique needs, guiding students to utilize their executive functioning skills and thrive in both their academic and personal pursuits.
Gabrielle Plastrik
Gabrielle is a national board certified teacher, a mindfulness expert, a professional development leader, and an amazing EF coach and advocate. With over two decades of experience teaching and coaching, she brings a variety of techniques and tools to support a wide range of students. She has taught and supported every subject from kindergarten through graduate-level coursework. Gabrielle is an expert in supporting the needs of gifted and twice exceptional learners. Her personalized and intentionally collaborative approach provides her students with the triage they need to feel successful. She compassionately supports students in navigating emotions and practicing their EF skills. Gabrielle coaches parents and caregivers to further support children and teens. Gabrielle’s coaching work is truly all-encompassing, supporting the needs and growth of the whole person.
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.
OUR BUSINESS COORDINATOR:
Vanessa Zarou
Vanessa has a diverse background in education, mental health, and nonprofit operations. As a first-generation college student, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and went on to complete a Master's in Education from George Mason University. She began her career in nonprofit mental health, both as a counselor and supervisor, guiding high school students through their critical transition from school to the workforce and higher education. Vanessa's passion for education led her to teach language learners at both the middle and high school levels and to provide individualized financial literacy support to young adults. While she loves the personal connection of working with young people, Vanessa has also discovered a deep interest in the business side, enjoying roles where she can strategize, streamline processes, and enhance organizational efficiency. Her ability to blend direct service experience with business acumen allows her to drive mission-oriented goals and support operational success and organizational growth.