My Approach
I work to create a warm and meaningful connection with students and families and value the significance of individual student’s experiences within the context of their family, school, and community. I believe that all students are whole people and capable of making meaningful changes in their lives. I work as a partner to help students examine and build their strengths. We may work on specific skills or larger strategies and values that support success.
What is Academic Coaching?
Put simply, coaching is a process that aims to improve performance and focuses on examining strengths and building skills. Coaching is a guided experience in partnership with students and parents. Rather than giving advice, a coach assists students and families in exploring options, experiences, and making plans to achieve goals. Coaching is active participation. I serve as a partner as students work toward setting a path toward motivation and productivity.
What is Coaching Not?
Academic Coaching may explore emotional and psychological experiences that influence academic success, but it is not a replacement for counseling. With consent, coaches can partner with therapists and other licensed mental health professionals in a team approach to holistically support student’s needs. Within the bounds of this role, if students need this type of support, I actively refer them to professionals who can best serve them.