Virtual support for college students who are struggling to manage school
[Individual Sessions via Zoom]
This is for Students Who...
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Struggle with organization, planning, or time management.
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Feel overwhelmed by school expectations.
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Have ADHD, executive function challenges, or learning differences.
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Capable students whose academic performance does not reflect their ability.
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We want to reach students before they are actually failing as well as students already experiencing serious academic difficulty.
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Avoid or delay assignments until it's too late.
High School Students
Organization, assignments, writing, studying, time management, advocacy, and preparation for greater independence.
College Students
Managing multiple courses, deadlines, studying, professor communication, accommodations, routines, independence, and academic recovery.
Parents
Consultation about supporting a student while helping the student develop greater responsibility and independence.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone--and there is a structured way to address it!
What We Work On...
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Breaking down assignments into manageable steps.
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Creating realistic weekly plans and routines.
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Building systems for tracking work and deadlines.
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Improving task initiation and follow-through.
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Developing accountability and consistency.
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Supporting communication with teachers and parents when needed.
The goal is not just to get through this week--but to build skills students can use independently.
More Than Planning...
Many students already know what they should do. The difficulty is getting started, following through, and managing the work consistently.
We don't just make a plan. We begin the work together.
After organizing and prioritizing, we move into the student's actual work. This might include starting an assignment, working on writing, studying for an exam, communicating with a teacher or professor, or addressing another immediate academic demand; or some or all of these tasks within a session. Executive-function and learning strategies are taught and practiced in the context in which students actually need them.
How the Process Works...
Step 1 -- Assessment
We identify where the student is getting stuck--whether that's planning, organization, follow-through, or managing their workload.
Step 2 -- Ongoing, Hands-On Support
Most college students with significant executive-function needs meet twice weekly throughout the semester. This frequency allows us to organize and prioritize academic demands, begin and continue the actual work, troubleshoot problems as they arise, and maintain follow-through across a demanding college schedule. Session frequency can be adjusted when a student’s needs or course load change.
As students develop stronger systems and greater independence, session frequency can decrease.
Step 3 -- Building Consistency Over Time
With regular support, students begin to develop more consistent routines, stronger follow-through, and greater independence in managing their work.
Typical Outcomes...
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More consistent assignment completion
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Fewer missed deadlines
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Improved organization and routines
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More effective studying
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Greater ability to initiate and complete work
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Stronger self-advocacy
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Increased academic independence
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Better ability to manage high school or college demands
*Progress varies based on the student's engagement and consistency, but many families report meaningful changes over time.
Testimonials...
Ellen represents and understands how to offer my son support, yet challenges him to be as independent and self-sufficient as possible."
Ellen put a plan together specific to [my son's] needs. My son has built tremendous skills [...] that will last throughout his life."
Ellen helped our son restore confidence in himself. He's excited to go back to school in the fall."
Ellen's support and encouragement gave my daughter the confidence to advocate for herself and achieve academic honors."
About...
Ellen Cuthrell, M.S.
I am an educational therapist with a background in reading, executive function, and student support. I have over a decade of experience working with students who struggle with organization, follow-through, and academic independence.
My work focuses on helping students develop systems and habits that extend beyond individual assignments.
*Note:
This is not single subject tutoring (we can provide tutoring when needed).
The goal is not just better grades in the short term, but stronger systems for long-term independence.