Frequently Asked Questions

Coaching can be beneficial to a wide variety of students who are committed to improving their academic performance. Many students struggle in areas such as time management, organization, planning, and study skills. For coaching to be effective, students must be willing to commit time to it, and open to reflecting on their current practices and trying new routines and strategies.

Many students find their way to coaching due to issues related to an identified condition, such as ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism. This type of service may have been recommended by another professional due to concerns about executive functioning or other challenges impacting academics. For students in this situation, medical or educational evaluation information will give me a fuller understanding of the student's needs. I have the professional background to interpret this information in appropriate context and treat it with confidentiality.

Other students who seek out coaching do not have or identify with a particular condition or diagnosis. Any number of circumstances can impact your academic functioning, especially as you transition to a new learning environment. I'm happy to discuss how coaching might work for your particular strengths and challenges.

During each session, we'll review what's happened in the previous week (assignments, tests, attendance, etc.). I will ask you to show me what you're working on, as well as any recent grades or feedback. We will check in on the goals and plans you had for the week, and decide if we want to make revisions or start working on something else. We might review a skill or strategy that will keep you moving toward your goals. Finally, we will make a plan for what's coming up in the next week and beyond, and set at least one goal for the following week.

Online sessions via Google Meet are available for all clients. For Lehigh Valley area students, I may be able to travel to your campus to meet with you in person in a public area with limited distractions (for example, a library, reserved classroom or study space, student center, or coffee shop). I am happy to work with you to find the right modality for your sessions.

Additionally, as part of your weekly fee, I will follow up with you via text or email at least once before your next session to check in on your progress toward the goals you have set.

Tutors work on course- or test-specific content or skills, while coaching addresses skills that extend across academic areas. If you are finding challenges primarily with the content of a particular class or standardized test, you might consider starting with tutoring or other academic supports, whether through your school or privately. On the other hand, if you are finding challenges that manifest across different types of academic work, such as starting assignments, planning, time management, or organization, coaching may be a good support for you.

If you are uncertain if coaching is the right kind of service for you, I am happy to discuss in a free introductory meeting, with no obligation. Students are busy, and it is important to make the most of the time you have for support services.

I charge a weekly fee for coaching. This includes one 50-minute session, either online or in person, as well as at least one email or text check-in regarding goals for the week. Many students choose to pay for a five-week package in advance for a discount. I am willing to discuss specific pricing and any specialized scheduling requests.

Coaching is an educational service, although it may be recommended by a health care professional in certain cases. I do not know of any insurance coverage for this service. Please check with your insurance provider regarding any questions.

No. While I am a certified school psychologist in Pennsylvania, that credential only applies to K-12 school-based practice. I only offer academic coaching through this business. Additionally, I do not have the expertise to offer college admissions advice.