About

Holly Hirshfield_Executive Function Coach.JPG — Too often, I’ve seen kids who struggle in school assume they’re not smart or that they can’t succeed.
Too often, I’ve spoken to adults who feel overwhelmed by life’s demands.

*Better outcomes are achievable!*

When I was teaching in the classroom, I reached out to students to give them the organizational tools they needed and remind them of their many strengths, encouraging their efforts.

*I found this work to be so powerful and rewarding, that I decided to make it the focus of my career!*

These days, students are asked to juggle so much: classwork, homework, email, and the many online platforms their teachers use, that keeping track of it all taxes students’ working memory and can feed into a sense of overwhelm.

*I help students understand their working memory and build practices to support it.*

Holly Hirshfield_EF Coach_compassion for ADHD students — Part of the work I deeply value is getting to educate students about what’s going on with their brain.
For instance, a hallmark of ADHD is “consistent inconsistency”. A student who could do something last week or apply a skill in one context may not be able to do so the next week or in another context.

*I’m here to help students have some patience and compassion for themselves on their learning pathway.*

Over the years, as I’ve talked with friends about the work I’ve done with students, many have turned and said, “Hey, I need that too!”

Holly Hirshfield (18).png — Many adults who were never formally diagnosed with a learning disability when they were young, still recognize that they struggle with organization and focus as adults.

*Good news grown ups: I’ve got your back!*

I can help with short term projects or with more general needs such as creating a family calendar system or setting weekly goals.

*I am here to offer support in those moments!*

H_Hirshfield+and+pup_web.jpg — It’s my joy and privilege to help students and adults alike who may be struggling in their lives.
I am here to help you see how you learn best, teach you how to ask for help as needed, and to cheer you on endlessly and with good humor.

How Can I Help You?

“Holly, and our Team, worked with students who most often had challenges with executive functioning, either related to AD/HD or other learning differences. Holly always offered thoughtful advice based on her deep experience teaching and supporting strategies to help students understand, and build, an effective toolbox to mitigate/bypass EF challenges. She is compassionate, caring and has a terrific sense of humor. Great connections with students, parents, faculty and the Team! ”

— Charles P. Roth, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Specialist in Neuropsychological Assessment

H_Hirshfield+web.jpg — Holly Hirshfield is an Executive Function coach and curriculum designer in the fields of humanities, history, and social studies.
Her clients are children and adults looking to gain clarity and agency. And they are not exclusively, but often learning to work with an ADD/ADHD brain.
She has worked 20+ years in education with students, educators, and companies in need of curriculum design.
Her whole-student approach includes a focus on mindfulness, building self-advocacy, and creating confidence in unique strengths.
She empowers students who have executive function challenges to grow their skills as students and individuals.
Her curriculum writing experience is deep and includes writing for schools, non-profits, and education companies.
She lives in San Francisco with her family and “pandemic puppy”, Mocha. And a hamster named Pirate, let’s not forget about him.

Let's Talk!

Just For Fun

The pup

It took 10 years and a pandemic but my family finally talked me into a puppy and let me just say, it was love at first sight.
Surprise!

One of my biggest surprises was last summer when my daughter taught me to stand-up paddle board. I had no idea she knew so much!
Kiddos

Favorite quality time activities with the kids: playing cards, baking or reading together.
Skiing

My first job was as a ski instructor and I learned the secret to teaching kids a love for the slopes….frequent hot chocolate breaks!
Hiking

I love my family deeply, but I am not immune to the joys of a solitary walk with a podcast and an almond milk latte.
Kid Lit

I am a voracious reader and lean towards historical fiction but also can’t get enough of kid-lit. Give me some Frog and Toad any day.
Italy

I have a connection to Italy that outweighs reality. I studied the language and lived there after school. Am I still fluent? Si! Si, certo!
My Mantra

I mean…would that be so bad???

Services

About

Too often, I’ve seen kids who struggle in school assume they’re not smart or that they can’t succeed.

Too often, I’ve spoken to adults who feel overwhelmed by life’s demands. Better outcomes are achievable!

When I was teaching in the classroom, I reached out to students to give them the organizational tools they needed and remind them of their many strengths, encouraging their efforts.

These days, students are asked to juggle so much: classwork, homework, email, and the many online platforms their teachers use, that keeping track of it all taxes students’ working memory and can feed into a sense of overwhelm.

Part of the work I deeply value is getting to educate students about what’s going on with their brain.

For instance, a hallmark of ADHD is “consistent inconsistency”. A student who could do something last week or apply a skill in one context may not be able to do so the next week or in another context.

Over the years, as I’ve talked with friends about the work I’ve done with students, many have turned and said, “Hey, I need that too!”

Many adults who were never formally diagnosed with a learning disability when they were young, still recognize that they struggle with organization and focus as adults.

I can help with short term projects or with more general needs such as creating a family calendar system or setting weekly goals.

It’s my joy and privilege to help students and adults alike who may be struggling in their lives.

I am here to help you see how you learn best, teach you how to ask for help as needed, and to cheer you on endlessly and with good humor.

The pup

Surprise!

Kiddos

Skiing

Hiking

Kid Lit

Italy

My Mantra

Too often, I’ve spoken to adults who feel overwhelmed by life’s demands.

Better outcomes are achievable!