where meaningful relationships blend with effective strategies to cultivate crucial executive functioning skills for young people
Susan Muldoon, Founder
M. Ed (Social Emotional Learning)
Individualized Coaching Plans
Unfolding Hope believes in power of connection and the strength of teamwork. Creating a meaningful relationship with the student, teacher(s), and/or coaches provides a comprehensive understanding of each student’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges. This knowledge serves as the foundation upon which we build a personalized coaching plan, tailored to individual requirements of every young person we work with.
What is executive functioning?
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills that are necessary for managing and regulating behavior. These skills are essential for tasks such as planning, organizing, working memory, and self-control. Executive functioning helps individuals to set goals, make decisions, problem-solve, and adapt to new situations. It is a complex set of abilities that is important for success in many areas of life, including school, work, and daily living. Some people may have difficulty with executive functioning, which can affect their ability to complete tasks and achieve their goals. However, with practice and support, individuals can improve their executive functioning skills and reach their full potential.
Lack of E.F skills can be misinterpreted as...
- Laziness: difficulty with task initiation, completion, and missing deadlines
- Disorganization: scattered or lost materials and messy work space
- Lack of effort: difficulties with planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks
- Procrastination: seen as a choice rather than struggle. This is a result of challenges with self regulation and time management
- Inattention - can be perceived as a daydreamer with lack of interest
Understanding E.F challenges
- It’s difficult to organize thoughts, materials, and time - impacting ability to handle tasks effectively
- There is trouble controlling impulses
- Adapting to change or switch tasks effectively may require explicit guidance and support
- Working memory can lead to forgetfulness or trouble following multi-step directions, requiring strategies and accommodations.
- E.F challenges may hinder starting tasks and seeing them through, necessitating structure, visual cues, and support.
How can Executive Functioning coaching improve family dynamics?
When your child struggles with E.F skills, such as organization or time management, parents may often find themselves constantly reminding or pressuring their child to complete tasks or stay organized. This can create tension, frustration, and strain on the parent-child relationship.
By choosing to work with Unfolding Hope, the child receives targeted support to develop skills to manage their responsibilities independently.
As their E.F skills improve, the child becomes more self-sufficient and capable of managing tasks without constant parental intervention. This shift allows parents to step back from a nagging or managing role and step into a more supportive and encouraging stance.
As a result, the parent-child relationship can become more positive and harmonious. The child gains a sense of autonomy and accomplishment, fostering their self-esteem and self-confidence. The parent, on the other hand, experiences relief from the stress and strain of constantly reminding and managing their child's tasks, leading to a more relaxed and enjoyable parent-child dynamic.
This improved relationship allows for better communication, mutual trust, and a more balanced family environment.
Benefits of 1:1 Coaching
Improved organization & time management
Increased self-awareness & self-regulation
Enhanced planning & goal setting abilities
Reduced procrastination & impulsivity
Improved academic, work, and/or sport performance
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Better attention & focus
Reduced stress & anxiety
Who we work with
Individuals with ADHD, Autism, or Learning Differences
College Students ,
Working Young Adults ,
Youth Organizations
Highschool/College
Athletes
&
Sport Organizations
Unfolding Hope Process
Build self-efficacy, & provide skill building. The student moves toward strategy implementation and practice
Establish relationships, gather assessments, and create mutually agreed upon goals
Schedule 1:1 session frequency & duration
Provide accountability check ins and informational updates - maintaining consistent communication
Call or Email to schedule a free 30 min consultation
Meet the Coach
Thank you so much for visiting Unfolding Hope. I'm thrilled to have you here! I'm Susan, and if anybody understands the struggle of ADHD - it's me! Unorganized folders and backpacks, missing homework, failing classes, and the loss of confidence - I've been there. I understand all too well the challenges that arise when executive functioning skills don't align with the demands of reality.
During my time as a student and athlete at Medaille University in Buffalo, NY, I experienced the trial and error of finding strategies to tackle my own ADHD challenges. Motivated by the desire to help other learners like myself, I put in the time to understand various learning styles and strategies. I'm dedicated to supporting individuals in creating their own executive functioning toolkit, arming them with the skills and confidence to tackle their responsibilities and achieve their goals.
My mission is to enhance organization, planning, and time management skills because I believe they form the foundation for building a fulfilling life. Grounded in mindfulness, I build strong relationships with my students, taking the time to understand their unique personalities and learning styles. By creating personalized coaching plans, I foster independent thinking and creativity. I am committed to culturally responsive teaching and inclusivity, valuing and supporting all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community.
With a background in special education, specializing in grades 7-12 with a concentration in English literature, I've worked extensively with young people aged 2-25. My experience includes positive youth development, youth employment programs, social-emotional learning interventions, and academic and career coaching. In addition, my passion for volleyball has led me to coach for the past 10 years.
Throughout my studies, I have delved into the competency of self-management, and have made deep connections to executive functioning. I am excited to share the years of research and knowledge with you, supporting your journey to gain new and meaningful skills.
Aligned with the spirit of Unfolding Hope, my coaching approach follows a process. Together, we gain skills, practice them, and ultimately build self-efficacy. I prioritize nurturing self-confidence and providing easily digestible and implementable skills for my students. Through this growth process, the possibilities become endless - hope unfolds, paving the way for a happy and successful future that awaits everyone.
I can't wait to embark on this journey, unlocking true potential and embracing the unfolding hope within.
Tier System & Rates
Tier 1 - Basic Support ($40/hr)
Focus: Academic support & progress monitoring
High quality 1:1 instruction
Biweekly email reports to parents summarizing progress and areas of focus
Tier 2 - Enhanced Support ($60/hr)
Focus: Academics, Behavior, & Social Emotional Well-Being
Personalized attention and regular check-ins
Weekly communication updates with student & caretaker
Customized strategies meeting student needs
Tier 3 - Intensive Support ($80/hr)
Complex needs, individualized plans, and targeted interventions
Focus: Hands-on, specialized intervention
Collaboration with other professionals (therapist, teacher, counselors, coaches)
Frequent communication with parents & school staff
For additional contracts with organizations for daily support for students within schools or organizations, the cost is dependent on factors such as: the number of students, intervention duration, and intensity. A fair estimate would be to calculate the total hours needed per week and multiply by the hourly rate of Tier 2.
Let’s
Connect
Susan Muldoon (M.Ed - SEL)
Call: 716-544-3846
Email: UnfoldingHopeCoaching@gmail.com
Follow: @unfolding_hope_coaching
