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I help students and caregivers develop
executive function skills

through custom coaching

EF Coaching Academy Certified
NCSEAA Preferred Provider
Orton Gillingham Trained
Meet Ann
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Meet Ann Harris

Experienced. Empathetic. Skilled. 

I'm an educator. Teaching students has kept me active (and young hearted!) for 25 years. What makes me unique as a tutor/coach? I have taught every age from preschool through university, founded and run a school, worked both locally and internationally, and conducted policy analysis for educational programs.  I feel like I have a handle on what works and does not work in our systems, and I have chosen to offer what I think works best - individualized, tailored instruction.

 

As a public high school teacher in my 20s, I learned the importance of connection and used relationship to inspire and sustain my teaching practices with students. My years working with Outward Bound instilled grit and resilience, which has affected my coaching skills. Later, while earning my M.A. in Education Leadership, I explored the power of imagination to improve memory. My methodology, which incorporates elements of many proven educational approaches, is prescriptive, interactive, and co-creative. I am dedicated to finding the approach that works best for your child and your family. Come get to know me, and rest assured that I will prove to be a committed, empathetic mentor.

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Why Coaching?

Why Coaching?

It can help with

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Orton Gillingham Literacy Tutoring student

I teach using a variety of creative and tactile tools to ensure learning is memorable and fun. I keep the glitter at hand so you don't have to. We move, sing, and co - create, all while following the OG sequence of learning.

Turtle in the forest

Sessions on site are taught in a screened porch that reaches out to the forest. Peace within five minutes of downtown.

Our family

 

When we feel that our children are supported with their learning, we as parents can focus on a joyful relationship.

Nature and fluffy bubbles on the beach

1 in 5 people are dyslexic and have associated neurological constraints such as ADHD, OCD and tics. These same traits also offer the gifts of hyper focus and awareness. Coaching helps adults and kids understand how to make the most of their brilliant minds. 

Whitman our dog helper!

Meet Witty. He acts as my therapy dog and will greet you happily, sit on your lap, and consider himself blessed to be near you. Kids love him, and he helps ensure a smooth drop off!

My son on the beach

By high school, dyslexia can be compensated to the extent that students squeak by academically. Anxiety and depression can surface if the underlying issues are not resolved. Coaching addresses metacognitive needs and bolsters esteem. 

Distance learning and online students

After working internationally for years, I have the tools to support learners abroad. Instruction occurs through ZOOM and honors time zones differences and cultural variation. I specialize in the I.B. approach.

Quote by Brene Brown
Executive Functions Skills Coaching Student Painting

Confidence contributes to skill building. Many dyslexic learners fall behind with whole language instruction and feel insecure and ashamed. Explicit OG instruction helps them see patterns in words and increases fluency.

Hawk feather from the forest

I provide academic writing support for

K-12 students in a wide range of classes.

Nature Therapy Student Learning

Many students with dyslexia or ADHD are gifted with spatial understanding and imagination. My approach rallies these gifts and makes them apparent to even young learners.

Tree in front of sunset

Feeling isolated?

You are not alone.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Advocating for your child's needs can be exhausting. Outsourcing to experts in the field helps build essential connections of support.

Reach out.

Our family

I support all family structures. Whether you are a single parent, blended family, same sex parents, yellow, brown, or purple, politically polar or neutral. 

I commit to serving black and brown families locally through Open Doors and I work within most private and public educational institutions with approval.

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Hike, stroll, or mountain bike while your child is tutored! The Mountains to Sea Trail is directly adjacent to our parking area. Add some time in nature for your child as a supplement to their coaching session.

Mushrooms in the Blue Ridge Parkway forest

Testimonials

We are thankful for Ann! She’s very skilled and talented and has amazing techniques to help our teenager who struggles with executive functioning skills, ADHD. We are able to use our ESA+ scholarship which is a great help. This next year Ann will transition from a tutor to our main care Team Coordinator so she can keep in contact with all the teachers, teach our teen how to manage her schedule and have techniques that help with executive functioning struggles. Thank you Ann for being a blessing.

- Nicki Williams

Prescriptive Services

Services

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