SUPPORT THAT BUILDS SKILLS, CONFIDENCE, AND AGENCY

Academic Coaching for Students Who Learn Differently and Parents Ready to Stop Managing It All Alone

We help students who learn differently build the skills and systems they need to feel capable, confident, and in control of their learning.

We support families by taking school-related stress off your shoulders and giving you a trusted partner who understands the full picture: academics, identity, and everything in between.

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You:

Your Student:

If you’re nodding your head, we want you to know: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.

Does This Sound Like Your Family?

YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE IF ANY OF THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR

Struggles with focus, time management, or completing tasks

Shuts down under pressure or resists help (even when they clearly need it)

Has ADHD, autism, anxiety, or an undefined learning difference

Gets by academically but only with constant reminders, late nights, or high stress

Seems to be “doing fine on paper,” but you know they’re not okay

Are exhausted from nagging, arguing, and managing all the school things

Feel frustrated by one-size-fits-all systems that don’t work for your child’s unique needs

Are wondering if this is a motivation issue or a deeper executive function challenge

Have considered (or are already using) 504s or IEPs, but are unsure if they’re working

Feel ready for help but overwhelmed by the options

Empower doesn’t just give students a list of study tips. We walk with them to build systems that actually stick, centered on their who they are, how they think, and what real-life challenges they face.

Our coaching is rooted in both executive function and student voice work because knowing how to plan is only half the battle. The other half is knowing how to speak up, self-advocate, and feel seen in spaces that weren’t built for your brain.

The team is made up of trained educators who specialize in working with neurodivergent students and anxious learners. We don’t lecture or rescue; rather we coach with compassion, strategy, and a calm presence that helps students feel safe while stretching their skills.

For families, this means fewer meltdowns, less managing, and the peace of mind that your student is making meaningful progress.

Coaching That Meets Students Where They Are And Moves Them Forward

how empower is different

parent of a 10th grader

"[My son] really struggled with 10th grade and was pessimistic about his ability to succeed with a challenging case load. His coach did not give up and really helped him push through resistance to attending tutoring, trying new study habits, and speaking with teachers. It's still tough but I see him making progress and the accountability with his coach helps me to sleep easy at night."

parent of a 6th grader

“We love [our son's coach] and she has been amazing when it comes to helping him build a homework and study routine. This week, [he] had three big tests. Together, they came up with a study ahead plan for the weekend and nights prior to each exam. It was SO helpful to have that daily checklist when he sat down to study. I love that she sends me a copy, too. With two tests today, [he] was still excited about going to school!"

parent of a 11th grader

"After my daughter's diagnosis of dyslexia in 5th grade and 2 years of OG tutoring, we realized she needed more academic support in all academic areas. For the past 3 years, she has steadily grown in time management, study skills, teacher communication, and CONFIDENCE!!! She enjoys school and feels good about herself (and our relationship has improved significantly)."

academic coaching student

"I was never a planner before I worked with you. My mom would buy me a new planner every year and it would just stay empty. After I started academic coaching, I just felt so much more on top of things and so prepared."

academic coaching student

"I became much more school-driven and I'm ready to do well again next year. I'm ready to put energy back into school now that my mindset is in a good place."

michelle furlong, parent

"Caroline and her team of academic coaches are absolutely amazing. My daughter thrived academically in school with Megan Buck's expertise on how to support a young woman who has ADD and dyscalculia.

You will be 100% happy with Empower Academic Coaching. They are simply the best!"

heather tell, parent

"They have helped our high achieving high school students learn essential organizational skills like time management for balancing a rigorous course load and demanding extracurriculars, and how to work smarter, not just harder. They've been a great sounding board for our students during stressful times and have been flexible in the services they've provided, always meeting our students' needs."

amy d'unger, parent

"[Caroline] was incredibly responsive and supportive of my son during the college application process. She was able to pull out his best writing and highlight that he had more than he thought in terms of involvement and experiences. He applied to 17 schools and was admitted to 16 of them. In addition, he received about $80,000 in academic scholarships. He's now in college at his top choice school and on the Dean's list."

courtney burnett, parent

"Working with Empower Academic Coaching has been a fantastic experience for my child. We have have been a client with them for six years and I have seen tremendous growth in my child. Her coach is terrific and has been a great support for my child as she navigates high school."

heath alexander, parent

"Empower Academic Coaching has been transformative for our daughter! Caroline has drastically improved my daughter's overall academic confidence by strengthening her organizational skills and study habits, which has resulted in her feeling less overwhelmed and more in control of her academic life. Can’t recommend Caroline highly enough, she has been a lifesaver!"

macie turner, student

"I have been with Empower for five years, my senior year of high school all the way to my senior year of college. [Caroline] has been an incredibly valuable resource for me through my educational career. I've been able to learn how to establish routines, make a schedule (and stick to it!), and have learned ways to study that work for me. I could not recommend Empower Academic Coaching more!"

jennifer price, parent

"It has been so nice to have someone knowledgeable checking in with my children each week and helping them to get organized and plan for all of the assignments and activities on the horizon. While all of this has been very helpful, it also helps my husband's and my relationship with our teens because we are comfortable backing off a bit and trusting that they are getting their things done."

gary carter, parent

"My child's experience with Empower Academic Coaching was great. Jess was an incredible mentor that connected immediately with my student. She provided a blueprint for my child to follow and reinforced positive behaviors. During the two years of participating in the program, my child's confidence and ability to own their actions improved. The coaching skills Jess provided will be with my child for the rest of their life."

anne-marie anderson, parent

"Empower is truly committed to helping young people survive and thrive. Caroline provided calm and sage advice as we negotiated the challenges of an education system that does not easily accommodate young people who do not fit the standard mold. They provided tireless, flexible and enthusiastic support and advocacy for our teen daughter over the course of two years, truly "seeing" her spirit and talents."

heather smith, parent

"My daughter has been with Empower Academic Coaching for 5 years. They have grown with her to address her changing needs and my daughter feels so comfortable with her coach that there is never complaining that she has tutor that day. We have also done an ADHD class for parents that was very helpful."

lisa crawford, parent

"Like a lot of young adults entering higher education, my son struggled at the beginning of his college career. Coach Jess stepped in and completely turned him around. She helped him get on track and stay on track by giving him tools to help him manage his time and assignments He went from almost giving up to making Dean's List second semester while still enjoying his college experience."

Suzann Knap, parent

"Our son always receives Caroline's full commitment, her respect and empathy as she teaches him about accountability and meeting her expectations. Thanks to Caroline, our son is successfully completing his assignments, is prepared for tests, and, also importantly, is learning about his strengths and weaknesses. She is extremely professional, sensitive, and caring. Working and interacting with Caroline is always a pleasure."

emi, student

"As a student with autism and ADHD, Empower has helped me so much throughout my high school experience, and now with the process of submitting my college applications. I love my coach, and consider her to be someone I can truly count on whenever I need her. I’ve learned so much from my coach, such as how to build a good schedule, studying techniques, how to properly interview with a college, and so much more."

shannon hirsh, parent

"Caroline is the best. She has been invaluable to my son in helping him navigate high school academics and now, currently, with the college application process. Not only has she been an outstanding (knowledgeable, dedicated, and compassionate) academic coach to Eli but also a tremendous support to me, as a parent. Having Caroline in Eli’s corner has afforded me a peace of mind I wouldn’t have otherwise had."

parent

"Tiffany has been such an incredible support for our daughter, and her work with our daughter helps us better support her as parents. I really appreciate the session recaps as often that’s when I find out about things that she should celebrate!"

What Parents, Students, and Schools Are Saying

COACHING THAT MAKES A REAL IMPACT

in academic scholarships awarded to families that needed our help but faced barriers to accessing this type of support

$20k+

retention rate of our client roster over the 2023-2024 school year

80%

in scholarships awarded to our class of 2024 student coachees

$2.4M

of students describe tangible, specific academic strategies they’ve implemented from coaching*

98%

of students report that they’re completely different students because of our coaching (more motivated, balanced, and focused)*

93%

of students shared that they enjoy their coaching sessions and working with their coach*

100%

real numbers. real outcomes.

The Tangible Results of Our Work

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What Will Coaching Actually Look Like for Your Student?

Friendly, low-pressure check-in

Scaffolded planning session using personalized tools

Review of in-use systems and upcoming responsibilities

Support on current school assignments (like outlining essays, breaking down projects, or using math problem-solving strategies)

Application of study skills to prepare for upcoming tests using strategies like retrieval practice or spaced repetition

Modeling or practice with academic or executive function skills (e.g., email writing, calendar blocking)

Values-based coaching around confidence, boundaries, communication, or goals

Student-driven reflection and session recap

Parent email sent in follow up

What is Academic Coaching?

with Coach Caroline

*requires student permission if student is over 18

get started with a consultation

Optional school support (meetings, accommodations review, 504 and IEP planning)

Parent support via summaries and consultations*

Personalized tools and systems (planner setup, study techniques, etc.)

What's Included?

Unlimited between-session communication during business hours

Weekly or twice-weekly 1:1 coaching sessions

Go all in and ensure your student has the tools, tactics, and accountability to make this school year really count. [32 weeks]

$6,450

The Mastery Package

Take the next step and commit to a full semester of tailored support. [16 weeks]

$3,500

The Momentum Package

Get a sense of what academic coaching is like and if it’s a good fit for your family. [6 weeks]

$1,350

The Jumpstart Package

Strengthening follow-through and executive functioning habits

Balancing academics, life, and self-doubt

Coaching around accommodations, systems, and adulting

Time and task management for full academic independence

For College Students, This Could Include:

For Middle and High School Students, This Could Include:

Building a strong foundation for postsecondary success

Navigating 504/IEP processes with clarity and confidence

Improving teacher communication and self-advocacy

Planning, prioritizing, and managing workloads

We provide comprehensive 1:1 academic and executive function coaching for students in grade 6 through college. Our coaches help students build executive functioning, confidence, and ownership over their school life so they stop spiraling and start thriving.

Our method works because it’s relationship-based and rooted in your student’s unique identity and brain-based strengths. We don’t just teach them how to fit into systems that weren’t built for them—we help them reframe what success looks like and build the tools to navigate it on their terms.

Identity-Centered Support for Student Clarity & Confidence

Note: Decision support and post-application coaching can be added on to any Pathfinder Program package. Please connect with your coach to discuss options

get started with a consultation

Resume and application review

Personal statement and supplement guidance

Timeline and task management

What's Included?

Balanced list building

Weekly 1:1 coaching

Over four sessions, we'll work together to develop your essay idea, create a first draft, and refine it. [4 sessions]

$800

Essay Support Mini-Package

If time is short and you need to move fast, we'll prioritize your to-dos and knock them out together. [8 sessions]

$2,000

Express

When you're looking for complete college prep support for an entire semester, from list building to application. [15 sessions]

$3,700

Comprehensive

The Pathfinder Program blends executive function coaching and strategic advising to guide students through the college application process without overwhelm or pressure.
This is a relationship-driven process that centers student voice, builds ownership, and avoids the “prestige panic” so many families experience.

Our program works because we help students take ownership of their college admissions process rather than shutting down or putting it off. We break things down into manageable parts with accountability, executive functioning support, and neurodivergence strategies built in, as needed.

No panic. No perfectionism. Just progress.

Essay coaching (brainstorming, structuring, editing, polishing)

Emotional coaching and identity-affirming guidance

Parent touchpoints to align support without micromanaging

01

Parent Consult Call

The Process

how it works

student Consult Call

02

03

inivitation to the program

coach pairing & onboarding

04

05

sessions are scheduled

weekly coaching begins

06

07

ongoing parent updates

optional school collaboration

08

let's talk about it

Whether you’re not sure if your student needs academic coaching, college support, or something else entirely—we’ll help you figure it out.

Not Sure What Your Family Needs?

Our Framework for Student Success:

The Power Method™ is our signature coaching framework that gives students the structure, language, and repeatable strategies to build academic confidence, self-trust, and follow-through. It’s strengths-based and neurodivergent-affirming plus it’s structured enough to keep students moving forward reliably yet flexible enough to evolve as students grow.

Over time, students internalize the POWER Method as a toolkit they can apply across classes, semesters, and life transitions.

Here’s what each step looks like in action:

We help students identify what actually matters right now so they stop spinning and start focusing.

 This includes checking in on the goal they’re currently working toward—whether that’s reducing missing assignments, improving communication with teachers, or managing time more effectively—and assessing their progress. We ask: What steps did they take since last session? What worked? What didn’t? What’s next?

Then we guide students in learning how to assess urgency, importance, energy levels, and expectations to make strategic choices about what to tackle today.

01. Prepare

 “What’s most important today? What can wait? How are we tracking on your goal—and what’s your next step?”

We co-create systems that make sense for how the student’s brain works without resorting to a one-size-fits-all productivity model.

This might mean a digital planner, a hybrid paper system, or even a color-coded whiteboard that lives behind their desk. The goal is having a system and owning it. Our coaches build these with students through real-time trial, error, and iteration.

02. Organize

“Does this tool help you stay on track or is it adding stress?”

We guide students in taking aligned, sustainable action toward their goals—without burnout.

This step is about skill-building. That might include breaking down multi-step tasks, initiating a hard assignment, using study strategies like retrieval practice or the Pomodoro technique, outlining an essay, tackling math problems, or practicing self-advocacy with a teacher. Coaches model, scaffold, and coach through execution.

03. Work

“What’s your next step and what might get in the way?"

We pause to notice what’s working, what’s not, and why so students can make smart decisions based on real inputs.

This is where students begin to flex their metacognition. Was that strategy effective? Was that planner realistic? Did you feel more or less in control this week? Our goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress students can recognize and adjust for.

We also use this time to identify clear next steps for the week ahead, anticipate challenges that might get in the way, and brainstorm strategies to work around them—so students leave with a realistic, doable plan they feel confident in.

04. Evaluate

“How did that go? What helped—and what needs to shift? What’s your next move, and what could make that tricky?”

We help students step back and see the big picture while connecting their actions to identity, values, and growth.

Reflection might mean celebrating a tough win, acknowledging how anxiety showed up in a difficult situation, or naming how it felt to self-advocate. This stage often results in a meaningful coaching moment that helps students rewire beliefs, shift perspectives, and chart a course for the future.

05. Reflect

“What did you learn about yourself this week?”

We always include a student consultation before enrolling so they can feel empowered in the decision, too.

What if my child doesn’t want coaching?

Not at all. Many students come to us before or without a diagnosis. If they’re struggling with focus, follow-through, or overwhelm, we can help.

Do students need a formal diagnosis to work with you?

Schools often want to help but don’t have the time, staff, or training to offer individualized coaching. Empower fills that gap with expert, personalized support.

Why can’t the school provide this support?

No. Coaching is distinct from tutoring or therapy. It focuses on strategy, skill-building, and systems. We often work alongside those providers for a well-rounded support team. Some families find that they no longer need subject-specific tutors after beginning work with us since we teach these executive function skills alongside content students are learning in school. Others appreciate having both a separate tutor and an academic coach, and we are happy to collaborate with those tutors.

Will you replace my student’s tutor or therapist?

You’ll receive summaries, updates, and access to the coach whenever needed. You’ll always know what’s going on without having to manage every detail.

How involved are parents?

Nope. But we will help them figure out what to say, how to say it, and how to get it done without melting down.

Do you write college admission essays for students?

No. It’s built with neurodivergent brains in mind, but any student who struggles with executive function, confidence, or structure will benefit.

Is this just for neurodivergent students?

Perfect. We’ll work within that structure to support implementation, advocacy, and mindset. We’re here to bridge the gap between what’s on paper and what’s happening day to day.

What if my child already has a 504 plan or an IEP?

Frequently Asked Questions

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If you're ready to stop managing your student’s stress alone, let’s talk about what support could look like.

Ready for Support that Actually Feels Supportive?