Our Team
Executive Function Coaching
from Prepped and Polished
Our roster of professionals includes graduates from some of the nation’s most elite institutions including Harvard, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, Vassar, Duke, the University of Michigan and MIT.
These instructors bring valuable insights gained through years of career and academic experience to each session. The efficiency of our services and the consistency of our impressive results has even garnered recognition from major media outlets such as NBC and CBS.
Our Experienced Staff
Alexis A.
Founder / CEO
Alexis A.
Frequently quoted by U.S. News & World Report, Alexis founded Prepped and Polished to help elementary, secondary, college-level, and adult students improve their grades and test scores. While tutoring for several small and large commercial test prep companies, Alexis envisioned growing his own independent educational services company run entirely by educators, for the love of education.
Alexis and other members of the Prepped and Polished team have collectively traveled one hundred thousand miles to educate students in person, working with well over a thousand families both nationally and internationally. Described by students as supportive, patient, and enthusiastic, Alexis has helped students and adults gain confidence, maximize academic potential, and achieve dramatically improved grades and test scores.
Said by one of his clients:
“I have know Alexis personally and professionally for over 25 years. Since we met at the University of Michigan until now with my daughter receiving tutoring from his company, Alexis has always approached life with a great drive for success, empathy and compassion for others as well as enthusiasm to find the joy and humor in whatever he does. With these attributes and outlook coupled with his pride for his Puerto Rican family and traditions, Alexis has always looked for and drawn to him a diverse group of individuals in his life. For example, through the Big Brothers/Big Sister program he has served as a big brother to a young man from Cape Verde for over 15 years and truly treated this individual as family. In college, Alexis tutored students at the local middle school and this passion to help young persons evolved into his successful business which has not only tutored 1000s of kids but also employed many tutors and grown into a global Social media platform that brings together experts to help students and families cope with countless issues that confront families. Alexis is a shining example of how one can have great business and personal success and have a Tremendous impact to the community”.
Jacqueline O.
Executive Function Director
Jacqueline O.
Jacqueline has been working in academics for over six years, both in the classroom and through one-on-one instruction. As the Director of Executive Function Coaching, Jacqueline empowers students by bringing them into the educational process and helping them to dictate their own learning by recognizing and addressing their specific needs. Since completing the online course “Study Skills: Strategies to Support Executive Function” through the Landmark School Outreach Program in Beverly, Massachusetts, Jacqueline has developed an Executive Function training program here at Prepped and Polished. She wrote and constructed our workbook on Executive Function, which guides students through a set of modules that address each component of the learning process, from organizing workspace and materials to planning and following through on academic assignments.
Our program establishes foundational organization and study skills, implementing individualized learning methods to address and support specific clusters of executive function. Alongside her weekly sessions, Jacqueline trains new tutors, helping them translate their unique skillsets to targeted, one-on-one teaching environments.
Jacqueline graduated with honors from the University of Vermont in 2013, earning a Bachelor’s degree in History and English, and went on to complete a Master’s degree in English literature from Boston College in 2016. She currently lives in Boxborough with her Fiancé, where she enjoys hiking with her dogs and writing poetry.
Tracy S.
Office Director
Tracy S.
Tracy joins Prepped and Polished as an experienced Office Manager and Executive Assistant. Over a 23 year career she has worked in the Middle East and the UK. She was an EA for a major Management Consultancy company, and worked as an Office Manager for 2 startups. Tracy and her family moved to the USA in 2011 and she now brings her skills to Prepped and Polished. She lives in MetroWest and is a keen gardener. Tracy is also an avid cook and enjoys hiking with her husband and dog.
Diane F.
Creative Specialist
Diane F.
Diane is a graphic designer and illustrator and has worked with many small businesses and organizations to establish and support their visual identities. She earned her BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. Her portfolio includes a broad spectrum of marketing and promotional materials, and custom invitations and stationery.
While she enjoys running, hiking, and watching true crime documentaries, Diane is happiest when spending time at Lake Winnisquam and wandering southern Maine beaches with her family. She especially loves cheering on her children during their many extra-curricular activities.
Alyssa K.
Executive Function Coach
Alyssa K.
Alyssa is a recently retired teacher from the Norwood and Sudbury Public Schools. She spent twenty-five years as a Literacy Specialist supporting students who struggle with difficulties in reading and writing in both small groups and one-on-one. She has been trained in several reading programs, including: Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Fundations, and Project Read.
Connecting with students and understanding their needs is the most important aspect of tutoring. She believes that students need to be engaged and motivated in order to learn and do their best work. Alyssa is passionate about helping students be successful and independent learners.
Alyssa graduated with an MA in Teaching from Simmons College, and a CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) in Literacy from MGH Institute of Health Professions. Alyssa lives in Sudbury with her husband, and has two adult children living in NYC. Besides spending time with her family, Alyssa enjoys golfing, biking, knitting, cooking, and of course reading!
Angela M.
Executive Function Coach
Angela M.
Angela graduated from Wellesley College with degrees in Latin and Philosophy. She has been a public high school teacher for 28 years, including nine years as the World Language Department Chair. She has taught Latin, Classical Greek, Spanish, English, SAT, ACT, and TOEFL prep. She has travelled much with her students, including Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Greece, and Turkey. Angela loves the personal aspect of tutoring – finding out what works for each individual student and building upon that skill set to help students reach their goals. She also teaches piano! Outside of work, Angela enjoys reading, writing, and anything outdoors with her dog Bruno.
Anna-Mariya K.
Executive Function Coach
Anna-Mariya K.
Anna-Mariya holds a B.A. in Neuroscience from Skidmore College and dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health from Boston University. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and has over five years of experience working with high school and college-aged students, focusing on career and academic skills development, organization and time-management, and holistic wellness. Anna-Mariya previously worked as an instructor and coach at the Boston University College Mental Health Education Programs, providing individual coaching to college students to support their academic and personal growth. She has also coordinated pre-employment programs for youth with disabilities in Boston with a focus on inclusion and accessibility.
Anna-Mariya is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for her students. She believes in the power of building strong, positive connections and works collaboratively with each student to help them uncover their strengths and develop effective strategies for overcoming challenges. Her approach is student-centered, emphasizing personal growth and empowerment.
Outside of work, you’ll find Anna-Mariya painting with watercolors, walking her dog, or cooking up new recipes in the kitchen.
Dr. Dana M.
Executive Function Coach
Dr. Dana M.
Dr. Dana Marie is a Massachusetts native and a former Social Studies educator, special educator and special education Evaluation Team Leader. She worked for over 15 years in K-12 settings and has worked with young people Kindergarten through post secondary aged. She is a curriculum writing enthusiast and loves creating learning opportunities that are both engaging and challenging for the students she works with.
Currently, Dana Marie works as a parent advocate for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and special needs. In this role, she supports families as they navigate the often confusing special education process. Her specific area of interest is student voice and encouraging young people to be empowered agents of their own learning and growth.
Outside of her professional roles, Dana Marie enjoys reading, playing with her 6 year old Husky, and hosting unique gatherings for her family, friends, and community.
Dana Marie holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts Boston, a Masters degree in special education from Boston College and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Stonehill College.
Emma G.
Executive Function Coach
Emma G.
Emma graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She attended Lesley University and is now a Master’s level group practice therapist and is working towards her state licensure. While at UML, she worked both as an English tutor for K-12 students and as an online tutor for UML’s Writing Center. Since 2018, Emma has engaged with diverse types of students, focusing on academic subject support, coping with learning challenges and executive functioning skill-building.
John C.
Executive Function Coach
John C.
John is an accomplished educator and communicator having taught in a variety of settings from lectures to small groups to one-on-one. With an understanding of how we learn he helps the student to identify and process information from a perspective of what is important and how it relates to the whole. Drawing on the individual students’ unique abilities, experience, and understanding to digest and consider material in a way that makes sense and is easy to remember. He teaches practical tools to alleviate anxiety around test taking and performance, helping build self esteem through success. His goal is to help students to think critically, improve their focus and attention, increase retention and recall, and reduce the associated stress.
His areas of expertise in tutoring are in the sciences including biology, math, chemistry, physics. He also has a love and passion for language and writing, with accomplishments in technical and creative writing and enjoys teaching and coaching writing skills. Native fluency in Spanish.
Growing up in a small northern New Jersey town just outside of New York City, John distinguished himself as a scholar and an athlete. He attended college at Harvard University and graduated with a degree in biology and a particular interest in neuroscience. He spent a year at the C.S.I.C. in Madrid, Spain researching neurodevelopment before attending Yale University School of Medicine where his interests focussed on cardiovascular medicine. Returning to Boston, he completed his postdoctoral training in medicine and cardiovascular medicine at Boston University Medical Center before practicing as a heart rhythm specialist. He later worked at Nashoba Valley Hospital before stepping away from the practice of medicine and has been writing and mentoring college students with an interest in healthcare and biomedical careers.
He has gained expertise in meditation and is happy to share tips. An avid runner with a growing expertise in fitness and a particular interest in endurance training and longevity. Rock climbing, snowboarder. Otherwise, he is usually writing, reading, or playing guitar.
Josh S.
Executive Function Coach
Josh S.
Josh has 20+ years experience working in education, as both a teacher and private tutor. He has worked as a special education teacher in both private and public schools and has taught multiple subjects. He has a degree in Classical & Medieval Studies from Bates College and a Masters in Education from Lesley University. Recently, Josh has completed a CAGS program in Educational Leadership.
Josh has loved his experience in tutoring a wide variety of subjects and board exams in addition to regular teaching duties. His special education background has been extremely beneficial for students struggling with executive functioning and/or learning disabilities.
In his free time, Josh loves to spend time with his wife, two children and his family’s very energetic dog!
Judy C.
Executive Function Coach
Judy C.
Judy is a native of Massachusetts and is an experienced Executive Function Coach. She is passionate about helping others achieve independence and self-sufficiency through skill enhancement and the development of self-awareness and self-advocacy. Throughout her fourteen-year tenure at Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), Judy has provided tailored 1:1 coaching to neurodivergent teens and adults. She is recognized by colleagues, clients and families for her dedication to helping clients achieve their goals.
Judy’s skill set includes proficiency in organization and planning, effective communication, a commitment to fostering motivation and collaboration, and a deep understanding of neurodiversity and learning differences. Judy’s expertise extends to college student success, pre-employment, and career support. She consistently cultivates her professional skills through ongoing continuing education.
Outside of work, Judy loves spending time with family and friends, reading, nature walks, and taking care of her two cats.
Kari P.
Executive Function Coach
Kari P.
Kari graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Economics and has worked in a range of fields from management consulting to yoga. As a parent of two, she sees the daily stressors on kids and the need for compassionate guidance to foster organizational skills and responsibility. She has taught social emotional learning and mindfulness classes to middle and high school students, and is trained in both Learning to BREATHE, a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for adolescents, and the Mindful Schools curriculum. Kari helps students learn strategies to accomplish their goals while thriving as human beings. In her free time she enjoys running, hiking, and solving crossword puzzles.
Kayla O.
Executive Function Coach
Kayla O.
Kayla earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boston University and her M.Ed. and Educational Specialist degrees as a School Psychologist from Tufts University. Her position as a School Psychologist has provided her the opportunity to work with a wide range of students in one-to-one and small group settings to strengthen their self-awareness, self-regulation, and executive functioning skills. Kayla strives to help students reach their full potential by learning strategies to effectively set and carry out goals.
In her spare time, Kayla enjoys reading, exercising, being outdoors, and spending time with her loved ones, including her dog, Leo
Kelly C.
Executive Function Coach
Kelly C.
Kelly attended Salve Regina University for both her undergraduate and first graduate degree, earning a BAS in Secondary Education and English Literature, and an MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry. She began her career as a High School English Teacher, and quickly identified gaps in education that needed to be bridged by differentiating curriculum to meet individual student need. She therefore transitioned to tutoring and spent the next 4 years supporting students across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Las Vegas, and California.
She has tutored various subjects including English language, literature, writing, social sciences, and test prep. Kelly then shifted her work to higher education, earning an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Providence College. She became an Adjunct Professor of the Humanities, teaching courses focused in First-Year Writing, English, Creative Writing, and Critical Thinking.
She contracts for a Non-Profit Organization that guides First Generation Students through the college application process, where she helps students build their college list, write the college essay, and respond to supplemental questions. She also began work as an Executive Function Learning Specialist in Accessibility Services, dedicating the last three years to coaching students with disabilities in time management, organization, scheduling, note-taking, and study skills.
Kelly is committed to creating equitable environments that serve the academic and social needs of all students.
Kyle R.
Executive Function Coach
Kyle R.
Kyle has been teaching for over 12 years, working in both private and public schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Providence College and a master’s degree in Education from Boston University.
He is adept at differentiating instruction to align with a student’s goals and interests. He considers himself a life-long learner, and hopes to impart that same passion for learning to his students. He has experience teaching English and history at the high school and middle school levels. He also has experience with standardized test prep and academic coaching. As an experienced executive function coach, he has guided students to improve their academic performance through positive thinking and effective organization.
He enjoys movies, exercise, and reading about history. He is a father of two young children and manages a fantasy movie league. He’s still trying to decide which is the greater accomplishment…
Marcy S.
Executive Function Coach
Marcy S.
Marcy has a rich creative professional background which she brings into her coaching relationships. Her strength is in quickly establishing deep trusting relationships with individuals, and helping them set personal actionable goals and develop strategies for achieving those goals. Her empathetic approach and sense of humor brings levity to her clients in moments of stress and frustration.
Marcy graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in English literature. After a successful creative career in Children’s TV production with programs such as Curious George, Martha Speaks, and Blues Clues, and then in Freelance Design with clients such as the Boston Red Sox, Nike and Nickelodeon, Marcy transitioned to teaching at various private schools in Massachusetts. Schools included Creative Arts at Park, The Charles River School and Acera School. Her personal goal in all creative and teaching jobs was to make learning fun and help kids feel good about themselves.
As the mother of three teenagers, Marcy understands the emotional complexities and daily stressors and demands on kids and parents and the need for empathy, a sense of humor, strong organizational skills, and compassionate guidance. Through personal experience, Marcy understands the frustration and challenges children with ADHD face and knows how to capitalize on the strengths of the ADHD mind while also developing the critical executive functioning skills necessary for navigating day to day life and achieving goals.
Marcy completed an online Executive Functioning course with Sarah Ward at Communication Works in Concord, MA, and trained in the Think Kids Collaborative Problem Solving approach through Mass General Hospital.
When Marcy isn’t working with clients, she enjoys spending time with her family, drawing humorous comics about parenting, swimming at the YMCA and napping on the sofa with her golden doodle.
Megan D.
Executive Function Coach
Megan D.
Megan has been teaching for over three years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University in Elementary Education and is currently completing her master’s degree at Salem State University for Special Education. Megan’s goal as an educator is to make learning fun.
Her favorite part of teaching is watching students master concepts that were once difficult for them. Megan enjoys working with students one on one, and can provide different ways to approach a concept.
When not teaching, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, and reading.
Meghan W.
Executive Function Coach
Meghan W.
Meghan earned a B.S in psychology from UMass Amherst and a M.A and Ed.S in school psychology from Tufts University. She has eight years of experience working in education with students from early intervention through graduate school. While attending Tufts, she worked as an academic skills consultant supporting both undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of executive function and test taking skills. Currently, Meghan is a school psychologist in central Massachusetts.
Meghan’s enjoys working one-on-one with students and seeing the meaningful progress that this setting allows for. Her coaching style emphasizes forming authentic, positive relationships with students. She is passionate about helping students identify and use their strengths, while also building strategies to support their areas of challenge.
Outside of work you’ll find Meghan at the gym, hiking with her husband and dog, or in trying out new restaurants.
Michelle B.
Executive Function Coach
Michelle B.
Michelle holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies, Sociology, and English from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Michigan. She is a lifelong learner who is now working on her doctoral degree in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education at the University of Indiana, Bloomington. She has been teaching for 20+ years in grades 6-12 and sits on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages (MATSOL). She is dual licensed in English and ESL and currently teaches at Natick High School where she teaches three levels of Multilingual Learners, Advanced Placement Literature & Composition, and Advancement Placement Language and Composition. Michelle is also a reader for the College Board where she scores AP Lit exams and uses her expertise to empower students to help students prepare for and exceed on the exam. Michelle believes deeply in the power of voice and choice in the student experience and encourages every student to find their own best path to learning.
She has broad experiences teaching reading and writing from highly analytical and academic to more creative and experimental. With that experience, she uses writing as a means for students’ to find their narrative voices and embrace writing as a tool for self-expression. She also builds strong, trusting relationships with her students and encourages all of them to push themselves to their greatest potential. To that end, she invites all students into her AP classes, not just high-achievers, in order to provide access to rigorous and engaging content, and with her support, they succeed in tackling college-level work.
When Michelle is not teaching or tutoring, she is training for triathlons. She loves swimming, biking, and running, and shares all that she has learned while training and racing — the importance of grit, perseverance, determination, and failure– with her students.
Suzanne C.
Executive Function Coach
Suzanne C.
Suzanne received her Master’s degree in Education from UMass Boston and has worked as a middle school Special Education teacher for the past 17 years. Throughout her teaching career, she has also taught summer school to elementary and middle school students, after school math club to 4th and 5th graders, provided home-hospital tutoring and coached volleyball, cross country and spring track. Suzanne also tutors test prep and executive function coaching & college admissions privately to middle school and high school students. She enjoys assisting her students with their transitions to further their education.
Suzanne holds a professional teaching license in Mild to Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 and a Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement. In her teaching role, Suzanne has worked with both regular education and special education students within the general education classroom setting and has taught specialized literacy, math and executive function classes.
In her spare time, Suzanne enjoys traveling and making candles and essential oil products. Suzanne is compassionate, patient and has a good sense of humor.
Wendy F.
Executive Function Coach
Wendy F.
Wendy received Master’s degrees from Boston and Lesley Universities. She has worked with diverse groups of students across grade levels, both in the classroom and in one-to-one settings for over 20 years. Having experience as both a Special Education Teacher and Administrator, Wendy has taught students with neurodivergent learning styles and executive function challenges.
She holds a license to teach students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities in grades PreK-8, but has also worked with high school students focusing on academics, life skills, as well as college and beyond readiness. Wendy has experience with programs developed by Lindamood-Bell for supporting students with reading, spelling, speech, and language comprehension.
In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to music, and traveling the world.
Ready for coaching?
Start your path towards success.
Flexibility
We offer a variety of flexible attendance options to meet the diverse lifestyle of the individuals we coach and their families.
In-person meetings can take place at any of our local offices in Sudbury, Wellesley, and Natick, Massachusetts.
Our coaches also travel to communities throughout the Greater Boston area to hold at-home sessions.
You or your child can even attend virtual sessions facilitated by face-to-face video conferencing and live screen sharing software.
Attendance options can be combined and adjusted as you see fit (a hybrid of virtual and in-person options).
Call (781) 753-9951 to discuss executive function coaching with a knowledgeable member of our team today.
Testimonials
★★★★★
Thomas M. (College Student)
“Before going to Prepped and Polished, I was struggling academically in all my classes. Working with Amy, I was able to change my study habits. As a result, I’m much happier and currently on Dean’s List.”
Nicole G.
“Our son, who can be quite shy, engaged easily with Jackie and developed a great working relationship with her. Jackie understood our son’ss strengths and weaknesses and tailored every session and homework assignment to them. She also helped our son develop greater confidence with the test taking process and we were able to see the progress in that area each week. Additionally, she was able to support our son in managing his stress while going through the challenging process of applying to private high schools. We highly recommend Prepped and Polished!”
Nora M. (Parent of College Student)
“Prepped and Polished has completely changed the direction of my son’s college career. He is more focused and organized and his grades have never been better. I would highly recommend working with Prepped and Polished if you have a child who is struggling.”
Michelle P.
“What a great experience! Our son’s tutor, Michelle, was excellent. While she covered all the material in depth, the approach was highly customized based on areas that needed extra attention. She was able to take what seemed like mundane tasks and made them manageable and easy to complete. Alexis was super organized and always updated us on progress. He even sent our son cookies on his birthday! Of course, results matter- and Prepped and Polished delivered. I’d recommend them without hesitation.”
Trip B. (College Student)
“I have been working closely with Jackie over the past semester and we plan on working together with weekly meetings over the upcoming semester. She is a great resource for organizational help as well as writing/drafting help. There have been more than a few times where my weekly meetings with Jackie have been critical to keeping me on track with my course-load at the university. That being said, the assistance that she offers is mainly focused on developing the skills necessary for academic independence. From how I understand my relationship with Jackie, her role in the service is more to set a kind of organizational template that can only work in tandem with the students’ engaged effort and responsibility. My work with Jackie has made a significant difference in my academic experience at the university. I sincerely hope that you consider her. She is an excellent resource.”
As Seen On
Get Started
Additional questions? Fill out the form below, email us, or call 781.753.9951.
"*" indicates required fields