Woman with long blonde hair wearing a red lace dress smiling at the camera.

About Nicole

I am a special educator and executive functioning coach with more than 15 years of experience helping children feel understood, capable, and successful.

I created Brain Buddy Coaching because children need more than reminders to “calm down,” “get organized,” “be flexible,” or “make a better choice.” They need those complex expectations broken into concrete, understandable skills—and they need to learn them from someone who genuinely sees their strengths.

Why I Created Brain Buddy Coaching

Throughout my career, I have worked with bright, creative, caring children who knew what adults expected from them but did not always have the skills or support needed to meet those expectations consistently.

I saw how often children were defined by their difficult moments rather than understood through the full picture of who they were.

Brain Buddy Coaching was created to offer something more personal: a relationship-based approach that begins with connection, builds practical skills, and helps children apply those skills in everyday life.

I use each child’s interests, strengths, humor, creativity, and personality to make coaching engaging and meaningful. My goal is for children to feel that they have a trusted person on their team—a Brain Buddy who helps them better understand themselves and recognize what they are capable of.

My Experience

My background includes classroom teaching, special education, individualized coaching, behavioral support, parent collaboration, IEP development, school consultation, and small-group instruction.

I have supported children and families across New Jersey, New York City, California, and Vermont, including neurodivergent learners and children with ADHD, autism, learning differences, executive functioning challenges, emotional regulation needs, and social-emotional goals.

This experience allows me to look beyond one environment or one difficult moment. I consider how a child’s strengths and needs interact across home, school, friendships, and daily routines.

Education & Credentials

  • NYU dual Bachelor’s degree in Special Education + Childhood Education (Grades 1–6)

  • Minor in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Studies

  • NYS Licensed Special Education Teacher

  • Clinical internship training at NYU Child Study Center under the supervision of ADHD expert, Dr. Yamalis Diaz

  • Former Executive Functioning Coach at Pediatric Assessment & Learning Support (PALS), NYC with Dr. David Salsberg

  • Over 15 years classroom + individualized coaching experience

  • Extensive Social Thinking® training

  • Professional development through Teachers College, Columbia University

    Professional Experience

  • Classroom teaching

  • IEP writing and implementation

  • Small-group intervention

  • Individualized behavioral supports

  • School collaboration

  • Family coaching

Every Child Deserves to Feel Understood, Supported, and Capable.I’d love to learn more about your child and how I can support their growth.

I would love to learn more about your child and what you hope will feel easier for them.

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