Adolescence is  a critical period of human development.

During adolescence, the brain fundamentally rewires how teens think, feel, and interact with the world. As teens journey towards independence, navigating increased responsibilities, high-stakes academic demands, and complex social dynamics, this stage often presents unique “challenges” that require specialized coaching approaches. These challenges can lead to feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, depression and stress, which is why it’s important to seek support.

Fortunately, the teen brain is still malleable, and executive function skills are highly teachable! Many students are unfairly deemed “lazy” or “unmotivated” when they are unable to demonstrate what they know. My role as a coach is help students understand how their brains work and provide concrete strategies to improve their ability to prioritize, plan, organize, manage their time and initiate tasks.

Executive function coaching sessions are more than “help with homework” or content-area specific tutoring. I take the time to assess each learner and each session is customized to meet their specific executive function goals. Depending on the specific need, I provide tangible, individualized strategies to address the learners’ challenges with:

• Working Memory: The ability to hold and manipulate information in mind over short periods

• Inhibitory Control: The capacity to resist impulses and filter out distractions

• Cognitive Flexibility: The ability to switch between tasks or perspectives

• Planning and Organization: The ability to prioritize, create and follow through with steps to complete tasks

• Time Management: Efficiently allocating time to tasks and meeting deadlines

• Emotional Regulation: Managing and responding to emotions appropriately