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Katherine MacDonald, Ed.d
Katherine MacDonald, Ed.d
Hi! My name is Katherine (but you can call me Kate!). I'm an academic coach who works with middle school, high school, and college students, as well as adults, with executive functioning challenges. What does that mean??? I help with learning skills such as goal setting, planning and organizing, prioritizing and time management, focusing and perseverance, impulse control, motivation and procrastination, and follow-through and task completion. I also support clients with academic skills development, including study skills, test taking skills, note taking skills, and reading comprehension techniques. While many of my clients are neurodiverse (diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, Autism, and/or Learning Disabilities), I work with anyone who wants to improve their executive functioning or academic skills!
I have worked in education for almost 15 years as an exceptional education teacher, higher education disability services professional, college professor, professional trainer, and coach. As such, I also consult with students and families about K-12 exceptional education services (IEP and 504 plans) and transitioning from the K-12 to higher education learning environment. In addition, I provide professional training/presentations on higher education disability services topics and external reviews of higher education disability services offices. I look forward to working with you!
Why a Coach?
Why a Coach?
Coaching, done right, is both enlightening and empowering for people who want to develop resiliency, explore life with curiosity, discover their confident selves, and find what brings them joy and happiness.
Teens and young adults have many wonderful resources to help them succeed. While tutors can provide invaluable instruction and therapists provide expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and learning differences, coaches also provide a unique type of service. Coaches work with clients to support them as they learn to take charge and lead their own journey and build confidence, resilience and creativity - replacing fear of failure with anticipation to try new things and curiosity to learn from setbacks.
Why a Coach for Neurodiverse Adolescents/Adults?
Why a Coach for Neurodiverse Adolescents/Adults?
Coaching is a particularly useful platform for those who are neurodiverse (have ADHD, Autism, or Learning Disabilities). Many neurodiverse people have become used to, and frustrated by, receiving a large amount of instruction. Their parents (or partners) may also be exhausted by their own efforts to provide timely reminders and oversee day-to-day routines. A coach can step in both to work with the client to create their own structures, and help identify opportunities for greater self-reliance.
Interested in learning more?...
NY Times Article
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/22/well/mind/adhd-coaching.html
ADDitude Magazine Article
https://www.additudemag.com/shopping-for-a-coach/
(Reference: Kyra Todd- Northern VA Coaching Solutions)
"Kate provided the tools for our son to learn how to establish daily schedules, study techniques, test taking and time management strategies. Kate’s coaching assistance provided our son with the skills to establish both short- and long-term goals which resulted in greater accountability and responsibility with his schoolwork. Kate’s academic coaching was critical to our son’s success in high school.
I would highly recommend Kate’s academic coaching for any students that need to improve their academic performance and skills. Kate’s personalized, one-on-one coaching helps students develop skills in time management, test preparation, and goal setting."
-Parent, High School Student
"I cannot thank Kate enough for the incredible support she’s provided to my son. As a teenager with ADD, he has struggled with focus and organization, which made schoolwork feel overwhelming. Since working with Kate, we’ve seen a significant improvement. Not only does he have strategies for managing his time and assignments, but his confidence has grown as well. Kate’s patience, understanding and personalized approach have made all the difference in helping my son be successful academically and feel more in control of his studies. I highly recommend Kate’s services to any parent seeking to help their child with ADD reach their full potential. "
-Parent, High School Student
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