“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.” - St. Francis de Sales

I graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN with a degree in Social Studies Secondary Education, concentration in Psychology, and minor in Family Studies. Following college graduation, I spent two years teaching high school Theology. It was during that time that I began to see the challenges that some students faced who lacked Executive skills. Where some teachers viewed these students as having "behavior issues" or "just not doing the work" - I saw it differently. I saw these students who were diverting their energy away from doing the work, to "goofing off" simply because they couldn't get started and didn't know how. They didn't know where to begin, and they were so far behind. I started to offer sessions in my own classroom during study hall to help students who needed help catching up by showing them how to prioritize and communicate with their teachers to create a plan to succeed. This was twelve years before I even knew the term, "Executive Function Skills".

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Following my time in the classroom, I worked in Youth Ministry and Parish Ministry - honing my own executive skills in coordinating retreats, mission trips, and events. It was here that I had the opportunity to get to know kids and their families outside of a formal school setting. Many of times I would spend my days between programming and teaching, talking to parents about their own joys and struggles they had with their children. It was a great joy to remind families and the youth that I worked with that they were created for greatness, they were good, and they were called to use their gifts and talents. 

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When my oldest child started preschool, I was given feedback that he was showing "extreme behaviors".  The teacher could not articulate what she saw in him, and didn't know how to help him.  A dear friend suggested I look into Executive Functioning Skills, and I was hooked. I saw a pathway to help my son, but also the need to be a resource to so many others. I'm happy to report that my son has grown into a wonderful elementary-aged boy who is a joy. 

 

We can be ourselves, and also harness our gifts and talents so we can better ourselves, and in turn, better the world around us.  

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In 2022-2023 I completed a certification in Executive Function Coaching by Educational Psychologist Peg Dawson. 

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All of my professional experience has lead me to the path of becoming an Executive Function Coach. I'm not a tutor, and I'm not a psychologist; I'm a coach! I can help your student harness their God given gifts and talents to function optimally in the world and at school. It's my greatest joy watching a student go from feeling unsure to being confident and proud. Welcome to Learning House!

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I live in the western suburbs of Minneapolis with my husband and three children.

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I can't wait to meet you!