Frequently Asked Questions
What is Executive Function Coaching? Executive function coaching is a specialized form of support that helps students of all ages build essential life skills such as planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation. Unlike traditional tutoring, it focuses on teaching students how to manage themselves, their time, and their responsibilities effectively. Through personalized strategies, students learn how to overcome challenges, stay focused, and regulate their emotions—skills that are critical for both academic achievement and long-term success in life.
What age is best to start Executive Function coaching? Executive function skills begin developing from birth and continue to mature gradually until about age 25. While many children and teens pick up these skills naturally over time, others—particularly those with developmental delays, disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning differences, or other special needs—may face greater challenges. Supporting students in building strong executive function skills can have a wide range of positive effects, including improved school performance, smoother social interactions, and a stronger ability to bounce back from setbacks. Building executive function skills early is essential.
Can I have COMBINED sessions with Literacy Tutoring and Executive Function Coaching? Yes, literacy tutoring and executive function coaching can be integrated into single sessions. In many cases, this combined approach provides a more comprehensive learning experience, addressing both academic needs and the underlying executive function challenges that often contribute to learning difficulties.
What is the advantage of having an educational therapist work with my child? Educational therapist are specially trained to work with the whole child. Educational therapy differs from traditional tutoring. As a member of the nationally recognized Association of Educational Therapists, along with her special education teaching experience, Melissa applies specialized intervention strategies designed for situations where a more individualized, strategy-focused approach is needed. Unlike standard tutoring, educational therapy takes a coaching-based approach, teaching students practical strategies and skills to address academic, socio-emotional, and attentional challenges both in school and at home. It focuses on supporting the whole child through a collaborative team effort that includes the family, teachers, and other outside providers, ensuring that skills and strategies are woven into the student’s daily life.
What is the process for working with students? Find the Areas to Work On – We start by doing an Executive Function Assessment and looking over any school documents to see where your child might need extra support. Choose Goals That Matter – Together, we decide on goals that are important to your child and will make a real difference in their day-to-day life. Make a Weekly Plan – Each week, we create a plan to work on those goals step-by-step so progress feels manageable and achievable. Stay Connected – We meet once a month as a team to talk about what’s going well, celebrate successes, and make any changes if needed. Build Independence – As your child meets their goals, we help them take more ownership so they can use their skills confidently on their own.
Where do the coaching sessions take place? We offer both in person (in lower Fairfield County) and e-practice (virtual sessions). E-practice sessions are conducted via Zoom, allowing for an interactive experience from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are located in the world.
What kind of results can I expect and how long will it take? Coaching is a unique journey for each individual. Unfortunately it isn't a step-by-step linear process. Educational therapy takes time—it’s a structured process focused on strengthening skills, building strategies, and improving brain efficiency. Progress depends on consistent sessions, home practice, and each child’s unique learning profile. As skills grow, new challenges may arise with increasing academic demands. With time, students begin using strategies independently, and meaningful progress follows. Our goal is to move as quickly as possible, but as slowly as needed, to support both academic and emotional growth.
What if my child is hesitant to work with an educational coach? It’s completely normal for students to feel hesitant about working with an educational coach. If your child has questions, I’m happy to answer them directly. After the parent Inquiry call for middle and high school students, I always reach out—by text or phone—to introduce myself and explain what to expect during the Intake and future coaching sessions. Students also have the option to cancel after the first session if they don’t feel comfortable continuing.