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
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.”
✔ MS.Ed in Early Childhood Special Education from Hunter College in NYC.
✔ Licensed special education teacher in both New York and Illinois.
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.
✔️ 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
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.
✔️ 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 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.
✔ 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