Personalized coaching and support for children, teens, and young adults

Helping students and young adults with ADHD, ASD, and learning differences unlock their potential through personalized one-on-one executive function and academic coaching that builds confidence, structure, and lasting success!

Let’s talk about how I can help!

Services

Personalized 1-1 Coaching

At NJ Academic & Executive Function Coaching, I provide personalized one-on-one coaching tailored to the unique needs of each student, young adult, and family. Whether your child is facing challenges with schoolwork, organization, motivation, or transitioning to college or independence, I create coaching plans that align with their learning style and support them throughout their journey.

I focus on supporting learners with diverse needs, including those with ADHD, autism, and various learning differences. My aim is to empower each client with the tools, strategies, and confidence necessary to excel academically and personally.

I specialize in working with neurodiverse learners, including students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences. My goal is to help each client develop the strategies, systems, and confidence they need to thrive in school, in life, and beyond.

Academic Coaching

Personalized Support for Sustainable Success

Academic challenges often arise not from a lack of effort or intelligence but from missing systems, inconsistent habits, or a lack of confidence.

Academic coaching bridges that gap.

I collaborate closely with each student to discern their unique learning style, pinpoint obstacles, set achievable goals, and devise effective strategies for progress. Together, we establish routines, tools, and academic plans tailored to their individual needs and learning preferences.

Unlike traditional tutoring, which focuses on reteaching specific subjects, academic coaching develops essential skills that enable students to learn effectively across all areas. It empowers students to become more self-reliant, organized, and proficient, ensuring they not only navigate school successfully but also flourish in their educational journey.

What We Work On:

Planning and Organization

Create realistic, repeatable systems to manage schoolwork, track assignments, and prepare for upcoming deadlines.

Goal Setting and Academic Confidence

Define short- and long-term goals that feel achievable, track progress over time, and build confidence through small wins.

Study Skills and Learning Strategies

Practice note-taking, test prep, and active reading strategies tailored to the student’s learning profile and academic needs.

Using Tools That Work for the Student

Incorporate AI tools, digital calendars, note-taking apps, and other academic technology to support organization, productivity, and independence.

Accountability and Motivation

Establish regular check-ins, build momentum, and keep students engaged—even when motivation is low or distractions are high.

Collaboration with Parents and Teachers

Coordinate support between home and school to ensure consistency and reinforce strategies across environments.

AI Tool optimization

Correctly exploit AI tools in the academic environment, especially in assisting executive function skills.

Academic coaching helps students take control of their learning and believe in their ability to succeed.

Executive Function Coaching

Helping You Stay Organized, Focused, and in Control

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help us manage time, stay organized, follow directions, and complete tasks. These skills don’t always come easy, especially for students and young adults diagnosed with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other neurodivergent needs.

That’s where executive function coaching makes a real difference.

Through one-on-one coaching, I help students and young adults strengthen the practical, brain-based skills needed to succeed. These skills impact school, job, and everyday performance. My approach is structured, supportive, and always tailored to you.

We'll work together to build systems that help you take control of tasks, responsibilities and feel more confident in your ability to manage school, work and life.

What We Work On:

Time Management and Scheduling

Time Management and Scheduling

Learn to plan ahead, use calendars effectively, and reduce last-minute stress.

Task Initiation and Follow-Through

Task Initiation and Follow-Through

Overcome procrastination and develop routines that support follow-through, even on tasks that feel difficult or boring.

Organization and Prioritization

Organization and Prioritization

Create systems for managing papers, materials, and digital assignments, and learn how to prioritize what matters most.

Working Memory and Attention

Working Memory and Attention

Use tools and strategies to improve focus, retain instructions, and limit distractions.

Emotional Regulation and Self-Monitoring

Emotional Regulation and Self-Monitoring

Build the awareness and coping skills needed to manage frustration, anxiety, or setbacks and stay on track.

AI Tool optimization

AI Tool optimization

Correctly exploit AI tools in the academic environment, especially in assisting executive function skills.

Executive function coaching helps you regain your power and build confidence to stay on top of school, work and beyond.

Parent Coaching

Empowering Parents Through the Educational Process

Navigating the school system can feel overwhelming especially when your child has ADHD, ASD, or learning differences. I help parents understand their rights, advocate for support, and make confident decisions that benefit their child.

Navigating the Process with Confidence

As a parent, you want what’s best for your child but navigating special education services, school-based supports, and legal accommodations can be confusing and exhausting.

With over three decades of experience in the New Jersey’s public school system, I’ve designed and led academic intervention programs, built multi-tiered systems of support, and collaborated with Child Study Teams, Case Managers, School Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and Learning Consultants. I use this extensive expertise to help you navigate the educational process with clarity and confidence so you can make informed and empowered decisions that support your child’s success.

Through parent coaching, I guide families through every step: from understanding their learning profile to understanding and advocating for appropriate supports and working effectively with teachers, administrators and school teams.

Whether you’re just starting the journey or already deep into the process, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Schedule a free consultation meeting with me today!

Parent Coaching Focus Areas:

Child Study Team (CST) Referrals

Understand when and how to initiate a CST referral, what the process involves, and how to prepare.

504 Plans & IEPs

Clarify the difference between 504s and IEPs, learn how to request them, and understand what accommodations your child may be entitled to.

Educational Evaluations

Learn what evaluations schools provide, when outside evaluations may be helpful, and how to interpret results to advocate effectively.

Don’t navigate your child’s journey alone. With expert insight and practical guidance, you can make confident, informed decisions that support your child’s success.

Executive Coaching for Young Adults

Support for the Transition to Independence

Building Independence with Purpose

Young adulthood can be overwhelming, especially for individuals with ADHD, autism, or executive function challenges. Whether you’re starting college, beginning a career, or learning to manage life on your own, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Many young adults struggle to stay organized, follow through on goals, and build the confidence needed to take meaningful next steps.

That’s where I come in.

Through a personalized coaching approach, I help young adults build the practical skills and self-awareness needed to Rise & Thrive. Together, we focus on career exploration motivation, stress & time management, and decision-making within a structure that fosters accountability and growth. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your personality, strengths, and talents while setting manageable, achievable goals. My coaching process keeps you accountable, helps you develop sustainable routines, and supports the long-term success you’re striving for.

My coaching provides a steady hand and a safe space to help them move forward with clarity and independence.

What We Work On:

College Transition Support

Learn how to manage academic schedules, balance coursework, self-advocate with professors, and navigate campus life independently.

I also guide students and families through the process of securing appropriate accommodations and academic support services through the college’s disability or accessibility office.

Career and Life Planning

Clarify career goals, manage job or internship responsibilities, and develop personal systems for success at work or in vocational settings.

Includes job interview preparation, resume building, and guidance in using professional networking tools such as LinkedIn.

Executive Function Skill Building

Strengthen planning, organization, time management, and emotional regulation skills tailored to the unique demands of adult life.

Building Independence and Self-Confidence

Learn how to make decisions, follow through on personal goals, and develop habits that support success and well-being.

If you're a college student or young adult and feel overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward, I can help. Let’s build the tools you need to thrive and build the life you deserve.

My Approach

A Personalized, Relationship-Based Approach

Every client is different and so is every coaching plan. At NJ Academic & Executive Function Coaching, I build a relationship with you that is rooted in trust, consistency, and personal growth.

My coaching is never one-size-fits-all. I take the time to understand the your strengths, challenges, learning style, and goals. I create a personalized coaching plan and adjust it as we go, based on what works and where more support is needed.

Collaboration is key. I work closely with my you to create consistent routines and practical strategies that promote clarity, confidence, and accountability. My goal is to help you build the skills and mindset needed to achieve your goals and feel ready to move forward!

Core Values

Trust, consistency, and accountability

Clear, manageable timelines and realistic goals

Flexible, adaptive coaching that grows with the you

Let’s create a plan together.

About

Meet Dr. Julianne Kotcho

I've spent more than three decades working with students, families, and educators as a teacher and public school administrator. My passion has always been helping students learn and grow, especially neurodiverse learners by guiding them to understand who they are, build self-confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive. I bring both professional expertise and personal commitment to every client I serve.

As a coach, I bring deep experience, a calm and compassionate presence, and a clear understanding of how schools, systems, and students operate. Whether I’m supporting a middle schooler with organization or a college student navigating independence, my approach is grounded, thoughtful, and responsive to the learner’s unique needs.

“I am convinced that every student possesses the potential to excel. With the right guidance, they can achieve remarkable growth.”

I'm also the proud mother of three adult children, my daughter who has successfully graduated from college as a Division I athlete and is thriving in both academics and career, and twin college-age sons, both of whom are neurodiverse and thriving academically. My personal journey as a parent has deepened my understanding, and inspired the heart of my coaching work.

Education and Credentials

Ed.D., Educational Leadership
Seton Hall University
M.A. Ed., Educational Leadership
The College of New Jersey
B.S., Elementary Education
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
A.S., Elementary Education
Becker College
Board Certified Coach (BCC), specializing in academic and executive function coaching
Center for Credentialing & Education

My Story

Why I Created NJ Academic & Executive Function Coaching

After more than 33 years as a public school principal and teacher, I’ve worked with hundreds of students, many of them bright, capable, and neurodiverse, but struggling to thrive in traditional academic environments.

I saw how overwhelmed parents felt. I saw students with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences lose confidence not because they weren’t smart or motivated to learn, but because they didn’t yet have the tools or support that matched how their brains work.

I created NJ Academic & Executive Function Coaching to change that.

My mission is simple: to help students understand themselves as learners, build essential academic and executive function skills, and move forward with confidence. I work one-on-one with students and their families to create realistic, customized plans and then coach them through the follow-through.

At NJ Academic & Executive Function Coaching, student potential transforms into lasting progress by guiding growth, building confidence, and creating the momentum they need to succeed in school and beyond.”

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. I believe in helping every learner discover what works for them. If you’re looking for someone who understands the educational system and how to help your child succeed within it, I’d love to work with your family.

Testimonials

“Julianne brings both heart and structure to her work. She sees the whole child and supports them with compassion, clarity, and high expectations.”

Elementary Educator

“As a principal, Julianne was deeply respected for her leadership and understanding of how to support neurodiverse learners. Her ability to translate complex challenges into manageable steps is what sets her apart.”

Former Assistant Superintendent

“Julianne has always had an incredible ability to connect with students who learn differently. Her insight, patience, and practical strategies make her a true asset to families and students alike.”

School Counselor

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the free consultation?

We’ll talk about your child’s current challenges, your goals, and whether coaching is a good fit. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the next steps whether that’s working with me or exploring another resource.

How do I know if my child needs coaching?

If your child is struggling with organization, completing homework, managing time, or staying motivated, academic or executive function coaching can help. It’s also helpful if your child is neurodiverse or navigating school-related stress.

What is academic coaching

Academic coaching helps students build the skills they need to be successful in school, including organization, planning, study skills, time management, and goal-setting. It’s different from tutoring—it’s about how to learn, not just what to learn.

What is executive function?

Executive function is a set of brain-based skills that help with planning, focus, task initiation, emotional regulation, and time management. These are essential for success in school and life and they can be taught and strengthened.

Will coaching help my child with ADHD or autism?

Yes. My coaching is specifically designed for students with ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse needs. I tailor each plan to the individual and adjust based on what works best for their learning style.

Let’s Connect

Whether you’re ready to get started or just want to learn more, I’d love to hear from you. Please fill out the form below or use the link to schedule your free consultation.

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