At Beyond BookSmart, all of our coaches have master’s degrees (or equivalent) or higher and have rich and varied backgrounds. Most are current or former special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, classroom teachers, or school psychologists. All have experience working one-to-one with students.
Our coaches understand the importance of trust when working with children and teens. Prior to being hired, all coaches undergo extensive background checks, multiple interviews, and a written assessment.
Our coaches are trained experts in Executive Functioning and how to best meet the unique needs of students with ADHD, as well as students with a variety of different learning styles and challenges.
After our highly selective hiring process, coaches complete rigorous proprietary training in our Reach, Teach, Reflect, and Release model, as well as exams on our material. They gain extensive knowledge of Executive Functioning and access to our growing database of over 375 of the most effective apps, tools and strategies. These resources are indexed according to specific Executive Function skills and can be applied to a variety of academic tasks.
Our coaches also engage in ongoing professional development, during which they fine tune their academic coaching strategies and their knowledge of the newest tools available to them.
Finally, our coaches are trained in an evidence-based model of behavior change whereby the coaches learn to identify a student’s mindset. Once a coach understands a student’s mindset, the coach is better able to apply those tools and techniques that are tailored specifically to the individual's identified needs and that are geared toward the person's long-term success and independence.
For over 15 years, Karl has served as an educator, counselor, and administrator in the education and youth development fields.
Karl was born in Australia and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Curtin University of Technology in 2008, and his Master of Science in Education degree from the City University of New York Brooklyn College in 2012. Karl is an expert in building relationships with students who have given up hope and helping them discover their potential. He has expertise in supporting individuals with diverse executive function challenges and a deep understanding of the evidence-based methodology of behavior change. Karl has experience working with students with ADHD, anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), working memory deficits, conduct disorders, and a variety of other learning needs. He believes that the greatest social justice act he can perform is providing opportunities for people to learn and develop skills to achieve long-term success and transform their lives.
Marissa Edwards, Ph.D is a therapist and mental health consultant, focusing on the connection of mental, physical, and behavioral health improvement.
Marissa Edwards, Ph.D is a therapist and mental health consultant, focusing on the connection of mental, physical, and behavioral health improvement. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology, her background focuses on exploring motivators and barriers to behavior engagement and modification for sustainable lifestyle change. Dr. Edwards has experience working with college students, young adults, and families to create routines and behaviors to improve functioning and overall well-being. Marissa is passionate about increasing self-awareness, self-efficacy, and intentionality in her clients. She specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, eating and feeding disorders, ADHD, interpersonal issues, body image, and confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Edwards lived in the DMV area (DC, Maryland & Virginia), with her husband and puppy.
Cassandra Estey, MS, is an Access Navigator/Academic Coach at Quinsigamond Community College with over 15 years of experience.
Cassandra Estey, MS, is an Access Navigator/Academic Coach at Quinsigamond Community College with over 15 years of experience working with individuals of all ages in a variety of school-based and home-based settings. Prior to working at QCC, Cassandra was a Behavior Intervention Specialist at a number of non-profit agencies in both New York and Massachusetts that focused on working with individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health concerns. Cassandra has Master’s degrees in both Mental Health Counseling and Educational Psychology. Cassandra is guided by the belief that focuses on helping clients see what is possible for them to achieve with the right tools in place. She is focused on how to work with an individual's brain, not against it.
As a People and Culture Specialist, she is looking forward to building relationships and improving the culture of our diverse BBS community by promoting BBS core values and Coach satisfaction.
Diane Hawley has been an Executive Function Coach for over six years and finds joy and satisfaction in helping students of all ages develop the necessary executive function skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. As a former Supervisor and Coaching Coordinator, she deeply treasured her time collaborating with coaching colleagues and supporting their mission of changing the lives of their clients for the better. As a People and Culture Specialist, she is looking forward to building relationships and improving the culture of our diverse BBS community by promoting BBS core values and Coach satisfaction. Based in Massachusetts (but a native New Yorker), Diane earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a Minor in Philosophy from Emerson College, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Curry College. Prior to her 17 years as a first-grade teacher, Diane worked in the corporate world as a Project Manager in software development and online publishing. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, advising teens on annual service trips, and outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and riding down any mountain on her snowboard.
With a Master of Fine Arts degree from Kent State University, Vin specializes in writing skills and self-advocacy.
Vin Kachurik is an Executive Function Coach and Coaching Specialist at Beyond BookSmart. They work with coaches, clients, and their caregivers, as well as our Success Team, to proactively problem-solve and seek solutions to challenges or concerns. It is their mission to support both coaches and clients to improve the quality and success of the coaching experience for both. Vin has experience teaching creative and academic writing at the college level, as well as advising, tutoring, and professional editing. Vin lives in Northeast Ohio with their spouse and greyhound, and in their spare time enjoys running, baking, and playing games with their friends. In addition to working with students on their writing skills, Vin has expertise in helping young adults gain self-understanding as they navigate the various transitions of young adulthood.
Christine has taught in public schools and mentored at-risk youth, as well as led Learning & Development teams in the corporate world
Christine Kellar, M.S.Ed., brings an insightful and empathetic approach to learners of all ages. She specializes in helping individuals to discover and leverage their strengths and to acquire and hone the executive function skills they need to enhance productivity, autonomy, and achievement. Prior to her graduate studies at Hofstra University, Christine earned a BS in Communications from Ithaca College; she also holds a Graduate Certificate in Computer and Web-Based Instruction from the University of Maryland. Christine’s experience as an educator has included classroom teaching in the public school setting, training and coaching teams and individuals in the workplace, leading Learning & Development teams in the corporate world, and mentoring at-risk youth. Outside her work at Beyond BookSmart, Christine enjoys songwriting and musical performance and is active in the Long Island, NY acoustic music community. Christine particularly enjoys helping young-adult and adult clients navigate their collegiate and professional careers - as well as their personal lives and endeavors - with greater success and well-being.
As an Executive Function Consultant and Coach, she works with clients and coaches of all ages, giving them the support they need.
Mariam Mahmoud has been working with students of all ages since 2010. She has taught both in the elementary and college classroom settings, as well as on many different online platforms. Her passion lies in Early Childhood Education and setting all students up for success. As an Executive Function Consultant and Coach, she works with clients and coaches of all ages, giving them the support they need. She currently teaches college success, helping first-year college students transition to college life. Mariam graduated from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania with a degree in Sociology. She later received her certification for teaching in the state of Arizona from Rio De Salado College. Mariam has also earned her MA in Early Childhood Education at the American College of Education. Mariam loves to travel, experience new things, and spend time with her family.
Amy McDuffie joins our team of Executive Function Consultants as a Coaching Specialist and also serves as a Coach and Hiring Team Assistant. She has expertise in supporting clients with ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities, and anxiety. Amy is a former Behavior Specialist and Special Education Teacher and started her career teaching in a residential treatment center. She has been fortunate to work with students with diverse learning needs from K-12th grade in public schools and charter schools. Amy earned a Master’s of Education with a concentration in Behavior and Learning Disabilities from Georgia State University. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Studio Art.
As an Executive Function Consultant focusing on People and Culture, Heather supports a company culture that values a commitment to our customers, openness, kindness, integrity, courage, and Executive Function fandom.
Heather started with Beyond BookSmart in 2020 as an Executive Function Coach. The clients Heather serves are adults ranging from college students to seasoned professionals. Formerly a coaching supervisor, Heather has enjoyed working with BBS coaching colleagues in support of their shared mission to provide customized and comprehensive support of clients seeking to develop their executive function skills. Now in the role of EF Consulting Specialist with a focus on People and Culture, Heather is looking forward to her role as a champion of all BBS colleagues as she seeks to support a company culture that values a commitment to our customers, openness, kindness, integrity, courage and executive function fandom.
An ICF Professional Certified Coach, Heather joined the BBS team after working in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Having served as a training and development leader in support of a global workforce, Heather’s passion for partnering with individuals to help them reach their fullest potential began years ago.
Heather earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University majoring in Speech Communications and minoring in Sociology and has a Master’s degree from Marymount University in Human Resource Development and a graduate certificate in Instructional Design.
Lisa brings years of experience teaching, supervising, and evaluating in public, private, online, and homeschool settings to her role.
Lisa Wickenheiser serves as an Executive Function Consultant, Coaching Specialist, and Coach with years of experience in various settings. Lisa is passionate about Executive Function skill development and its role in successfully navigating school, home life, careers, and beyond. Lisa specializes in working with K-8 students, both neurotypical and neurodivergent. Lisa’s success and that of her clients is rooted in warmth and ease of building authentic relationships that pave the way for collaborative perseverance. A native of Pennsylvania, Lisa earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Minor in Psychology, and a Concentration in Gerontology from Shippensburg University. Lisa is inspired by her husband of 40 years and their five children. She values family and devotes herself to living purposefully, supporting dreams, and making memories.
Junerose Juan, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a coach and Speech-Language Pathologist with experience working with students to improve functional skills for everyday life. She specializes in facilitating these achievements by helping students understand how planning and organization affect daily tasks, reflecting on what life balance means for them, and gaining insight into their strengths and challenges. After graduating with a degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Junerose went on to complete a clinical research fellowship at the Madison VA Geriatric Research, Educational, and Clinical Center where she applied her therapeutic executive function skill set to her team as they submitted proposals, worked in the clinic and prepared manuscripts. This validated her belief that executive function skills are critical all throughout one’s lifespan and that students building these skills are at the start of that lifelong success. This, combined with the vast repertoire of tools and strategies provided through our training and ongoing professional development within Beyond BookSmart equips Junerose to successfully coach students with a variety of learning needs.
Kaman Hung, D.HSc. Ed.S., M.Ed. M.S. is a coach and certified teacher with over a decade of teaching and coaching experience in both academic and non-academic settings. Dr. Hung specializes in helping individuals achieve their goals by developing their growth mindsets, organizational and study habits, and will work to prioritize goals and systematically target gaps in productivity, and foster an environment that will help his clients succeed. He is guided by the belief that positive habits cannot be learned until negative habits are unlearned. Kaman holds a Doctorate in Health Science (D.HSc) in Leadership and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania; a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Technology from Lamar University; a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) from Arkansas State University; a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Experiential Learning; and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a dual major in Education and Communication from Kean University. Kaman has expertise in supporting individuals with diverse executive function challenges, as well as a deep understanding of the evidence-based methodology of behavior change.
Brittany Peterson is a college writing instructor, certified writing tutor, and senior executive function coach at Beyond BookSmart. She began her career in education at Quinnipiac University earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and Masters degree in Secondary Education. Brittany earned a second Masters degree in Composition and Rhetoric at the University of Massachusetts Boston. After graduating, she became a full-time lecturer at UMass Boston where she currently serves as the Assistant Director of Composition and teaches first-year composition to a diverse classroom culture including English Language Learners and nontraditional students from a variety of academic backgrounds. Brittany's experience with adult learners, diverse cultures, and a range of learning abilities has enabled her to become a flexible educator who is sensitive to individual learning needs and intrinsically invested in their educational success.
The ability to work 1:1 with your child is an essential element of coaching, so we make sure that our coaches have the interpersonal skills necessary to be successful with your child. By working with your child online, coaches are able to meet virtually and safely with students in their own workspace where they work most comfortably, and engage with them effectively.
Unlike parents and teachers, our coaches don’t assign grades or consequences based on a student’s behavior. Students value this unique relationship which allows them to connect with their coaches, who remain supportive and empathetic to the child’s mindset and circumstances. We provide this support online for flexibility in scheduling.
Executive function coaching for students online throughout the U.S. and internationally.
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