Raising and educating children during this period of history is one of the most challenging and important tasks we face. Never before has a generation of children faced so many unique challenges: a global pandemic, climate change, and polarizing politics set against the backdrop of a digital world. When Alison left the classroom to start Building Savvy Learners, these concerns weighed most heavily on her mind as the mom to two young girls.
Founder & CEO of Building Savvy Learners
Lead Executive Function Coach
Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy, University of Georgia
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Michigan State University
B.A.s in Elementary Education & English, Michigan State University
Alison was an award-winning classroom teacher for over 15 years before becoming an executive function coach. Featured twice by the Georgia Department of Education as an expert on writing instruction and digital literacy for teacher professional learning initiatives, she presents at schools and conferences on topics related to technology integration, executive function, and subject-specific strategies for differentiation.
Alison believes in putting students first and developing solutions tailored toward their strengths and interests. She’s developed many strategies to navigate the necessary evils that often come with school, such as testing and grading policies. She recognizes that schools, teachers, and parents are all doing their best to support young people, often with significant constraints on their time and available resources. That’s why much of Alison’s work focuses on bridging those relationships through student-centered, easy-to-implement strategies that can maximize student success.
While co-teaching Decatur’s model assistive technology classroom, Alison recognized that an emphasis on developing executive function skills benefitted ALL students. She founded Building Savvy Learners as a way to bring more awareness and support to the ever-evolving skills needed to thrive in the school environment and beyond.
As an executive function coach, Alison brings expertise in several topics, including:
Alison lives in Decatur, GA, with her husband, two daughters (ages 13 and 9), and dog. She loves racing through jigsaw puzzles, playing board games with family and friends, and curling up with piles of nonfiction and a bottomless cup of coffee.
Executive Function Coach
M.S. in Math & Science Education, Brenau University
B.A. in Middle Grades Education, Clayton State University
Maria served as an 8th grade science teacher and tutor (science, math, and ELA) for 15 years, and leaving the profession was a bittersweet decision. The classroom had been her second home, where she nurtured young minds, witnessed tremendous growth, and forged lifelong connections with teens during their awkward middle school years. After a two-year stint in the corporate world of curriculum development, however, Maria recognized how much she missed working with students and having the sense of purpose that comes with being an educator.
Maria’s desire to support individuals in a new capacity outside a classroom setting and the autonomy of coaching propelled her to join the BSL team. She loves developing personalized strategies to inspire young individuals to thrive and is energized by the prospect of empowering them to unlock their potential in fresh and meaningful ways.
As an executive function coach, Maria’s expertise includes:
Maria lives in Avondale Estates with her wife and three children. She and her family love the area and spend a lot of time in Decatur and Avondale, visiting libraries and parks and enjoying the vibrant restaurant scenes both cities offer. She is a first-generation American whose parents were from Greece and Switzerland. She loves to play softball and kickball, read, and travel.
Executive Function Coach
M.Ed. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Kennesaw State University
B.A. in History, Georgia State University
Michael brings over 13 years of teaching experience and a passion for student growth to Building Savvy Learners. During his career, Michael has taught 4th and 5th grades, Early Intervention Program (EIP) students, and served as a Gifted Resource teacher. His dedication to education and student success was recognized when he was named District Teacher of the Year for the City Schools of Decatur.
Michael spent his first three years teaching at The Main Street Academy in College Park and currently teaches for City Schools Decatur where he has been for the past decade. Throughout his career, he has prioritized building student confidence through personalized strategies for growth and fostering strong interpersonal relationships. He is excited to work one-on-one with students to help them discover the tools and strategies that work best for their unique needs, empowering them to thrive academically and personally.
As an executive function coach, Michael’s expertise includes:
Originally from California, Michael has called Georgia home since 2000. He resides in Decatur with his amazing wife and their beloved pets. When he’s not working, Michael enjoys cheering on the Braves, watching loads of 70s, 80s, and 90s schlock cinema, and both playing and listening to music.
Michael is thrilled to bring his expertise and enthusiasm to Building Savvy Learners and looks forward to guiding students toward greater success and confidence.
Executive Function Coach
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, George Mason University
B.A. in Psychology, George Washington University
Holly has spent over 20 years working with students of all ages as a teacher, executive function coach, and instructional coach in public and private schools in the Northern Virginia/Georgetown areas. She completed her Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) through the International Coach Federation (ICF). She also serves on the Board of Directors of Heart Leaf — a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to underserved children and families.
Holly believes students are most successful when provided alternate ways of learning and approaching situations and tasks. She cultivates a supportive coaching environment using a growth mindset and couples her experiences as a yoga and mindfulness instructor with various executive function strategies to help students manage stress and anxiety. Holly understands that each student has a unique learning style, and she is particularly adept at supporting neurodiverse learners to develop skills for emotional and self-regulation through her strengths-based approach.
As an executive function coach, Holly’s expertise includes:
When Holly isn’t working, she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, spending time with her rescue dog, or reading a good book under a tree.
Learn more about executive function coaching through our FAQ section. Then, when you’re ready, schedule a free, no-obligation discovery Zoom call with one of our coaches to learn about our executive function coaching services and find out if it might be a good fit for your child.