1/ What are Executive Function (EF) skills?

EF skills are a collection of flexible, advanced cognitive abilities that enable individuals to control their actions, complete tasks, and attain their goals. These skills play a pivotal role in achieving functional independence and are strongly associated with future success.

2 / What are the different Executive Function skills?

Executive Function (EF) skills can be divided into ten interrelated areas, which can be further grouped into two broad categories: 'Thinking' skills and 'Doing' skills. The 'Thinking' skills encompass thought processes that lay the foundation for effective execution and encompass: Planning/Prioritization, Organization, Working Memory, and Time Management. On the other hand, the 'Doing' skills involve the actual work processes that drive one towards achieving their ultimate goal and include: Flexibility, Goal-oriented Persistence, Response Inhibition, Emotional Control, Attention, and Task Initiation. These EF skills are interconnected and collectively contribute to an individual's ability to manage tasks, behaviors, and goals effectively.

3 / What is executive function coaching?

EF coaching focuses on enhancing the learning process rather than specific academic content. It promotes the development of a positive growth mindset. When a student recognizes their own strengths and weaknesses, it enables them to acquire the tools and strategies needed to address their weaknesses and harness their strengths. In essence, EF coaching empowers students to bolster their ability to manage themselves effectively, allowing them to apply what they are learning and take ownership of their education independently

4 / How’s “coaching” different from “tutoring”?

In coaching, the primary emphasis is on developing personalized strategies that aid a student in the processes of learning, self-advocacy, and achieving a sense of accomplishment. The main objective here is to cultivate improved habits that ultimately lead to functional independence and foster a positive sense of self-awareness and achievement.  On the other hand, tutoring usually revolves around teaching subject-specific content and skills. The primary goal of tutoring is to help the student master the material in a particular subject and improve their grades in that subject. In essence, coaching is more about overall personal development and skill enhancement, while tutoring is geared towards subject-specific academic improvement.

5 / Is executive function coaching a good fit for my child?

EF coaching may be a good choice for your child if they need guidance in becoming more self-assured and self-reliant, all while having additional accountability and support. This approach is also ideal if your family highly values your childs’ independence, adaptability, and ability to advocate for themselves, but find it challenging to instill those qualities. EF coaching puts your child at the center, with the family playing a crucial role.  It’s essential that this approach aligns with your family’s values and strengthens the connection between home and school. 

6 / How are sessions set up? What will sessions look like?

I will have weekly in-person sessions with your child for 60 minutes. These sessions will be tailored to meet your child's specific needs and goals. During these meetings, we'll work on tasks such as prioritizing and planning their schoolwork, organizing their physical and digital materials, and reviewing what they've learned while encouraging self-reflection. You'll receive written summaries of these sessions every week. Learning how to balance flexibility and discipline is a key aspect of my coaching. Additionally, I'll schedule virtual check-ins during the week to monitor your child's progress and provide any necessary support.

7 / When can I expect to see results?

My approach is all about tailoring the coaching experience to match each child's unique learning style, preferences, and goals. Forming these new habits requires time, patience, and plenty of practice. Celebrating both small and big achievements along the way serves as motivation and encouragement. While improved grades can be a result of their efforts, the ultimate objectives are for students to feel empowered, confident, and independent. In most cases, I anticipate that students who engage and benefit from coaching notice improvements within six to eight weeks.

8 /  How can I support my child at home?

Many children face genuine difficulties when it comes to EF skills. It's crucial to differentiate between them being "unable" to do something because they lack the necessary skills versus "unwilling" to do it. As a parent or guardian, your role is to be patient, maintain an open line of communication, demonstrate these skills yourself, and be ready to find compromises when necessary. Consistent communication and reinforcing these skills through practice can provide support to your child and help them develop and improve these essential abilities.

9 / What if I have to cancel a session?

Sometimes last-minute issues can arise.  Please make every effort to cancel a session promptly.  No shows or cancellations that occur less than 48 hours before the session will be charged the full session fee.