Love your brain. Ditch the drain. Embrace change.
A comprehensive, specialized approach to life coaching and academics tailored to your unique brain.
No two brains are exactly the same. But if you have ADHD or ASD, or simply learn differently from others, your experience of the world is fundamentally unique. The support you get should reflect that.
Located somewhere between therapeutic work and teaching, my approach focuses on compassionate, collaborative skill building (especially in areas of executive functioning), and practical problem solving, building self-awareness and self confidence, and reaching realistic personal goals through scaffolded support designed for an individual’s personal needs.
Integrating multidisciplinary knowledge and techniques from the fields of educational theory, psychology, and sociology, I help clients to:
identify and assess recurring blocks to personal or academic progress
set approachable goals that work with strengths, personal readiness, and current mental health plans and create an action plan to get there
increase healthy motivation and avoid the traps of procrastination
develop flexible tools and strategies, in areas such as mindfulness & stress reduction, executive functioning, and academic strategies
identify necessary outside resources and bridge gaps between various providers and stakeholders (school personnel, mental health/medical providers, families, state agencies)
“pull the thread through” the change process through accountability, consistency, and endless encouragement
Understand their brain and how it’s built, and LOVE it just as it is
Examine and assess growth and wellness from a holistic perspective, and find balance in the demands of everyday life
Coaching sessions are typically held once a week in my Northampton office, as in-person coaching tends to be more effective for neurodiverse individuals.
I also offer video conference sessions for out-of-town clients, and those who strongly prefer this modality. Multiple sessions per week are recommended for time-sensitive goals and/or high needs. Ages 16 and up.
Serving Agawam, Amherst, Chicopee, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Hadley, Holyoke, Northampton, Southampton, Springfield, Westfield, Westhampton, West Springfield. If you are interested in conducting virtual coaching only, I welcome clients from other areas and states.
Areas of Focus
Time Management & Organization
Self-Care/Stress Management
Motivation & Goal Setting
Self-Advocacy
Social Skills
Self Awareness & Emotional Regulation
Independent Living
Confidence Building
Job Coaching
Learning Strategies & Accessibility
About Me
My name is Rebecca Francione, and I’m a Masters-level educator, Certified Autism Specialist, a Mom, and a coach with over 10 years of experience working with people of all ages with diverse needs.
While the road that led me to coaching was not exactly linear, it was one that, in retrospect, was paved with much of the experience necessary to do this job well. After years of being a caregiver and working in after-school education, I decided that I wanted to dive a bit deeper into my work with young adults, so I went back to school for a Masters in Education. There, I focused on working with diverse students, with a special interest in multi-modal learning.
I also joined the university’s Disability Services Department, as a Learning Specialist for students with accommodation plans, and I discovered a passion for individualized instruction and providing guidance that stretches beyond the classroom. Soon after, I headed into the classroom as a certified English teacher, a job that I found to be both deeply fulfilling and frustrating. Fulfilling because of the incredible relationships and learning experiences I was able to cultivate with my students, but frustrating because of the lack of individualized time and resources necessary to properly accommodate 60 students’ individual learning needs. I wanted to do more to accommodate diverse learners in a meaningful way.
I then returned to my work with college students as a program coordinator at the UMASS Amherst Office of Disability Services. There, I gained further insight into the challenges and stumbling blocks that exist for students with invisible disabilities. While at the university, I also worked with the Autism/Aspergers Network as a one-on-one LifeMAP Coach for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This would ultimately lead me to where I am today, serving as an academic and life skills coach for the non-traditional learner. I welcome any and all further inquiries into my experience, my coaching philosophy, and professional offerings; simply fill out the contact form below or email me directly at: rebeccafrancione@gmail.com
Testimonials
“One thing that makes Rebecca so effective is that she’s a good listener and good at finding ways to approach the Asperger’s roadblocks in ways that let you deal with them without setting them off.””
“I think everyone in our family would agree that our son’s life changed drastically as soon as he started working with Rebecca. It was an overnight metamorphosis. Paths became open to him that none of us dreamed of. We went from thinking he might never graduate from college, to being mentored by his favorite author, pulling top grades at a top college, living independently, and...making friends! We’re thrilled that we went down this path and highly recommend Rebecca for your family too!”
“Rebecca has been working with my son for more than a year and we are extremely pleased with her services. It has been such a relief to find someone who truly understands the issues at hand and creatively presents strategies all while offering support and guidance every step of the way. Rebecca is a warm, compassionate, dedicated professional with exceptional knowledge and experience with the Autism spectrum. She takes time to get to know and understands the individual she is working with. She possesses a keen ability and adapts her approach accordingly. My son has gained confidence and learned life skills, allowing him to move forward. We are forever grateful.”
“I am now 29 years old. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 24, and now, so much more of my life makes sense to me. Rebecca ended up being one of the most helpful, influential, and supportive people in my life after that moment. It felt so incredible to be understood, to know I wasn’t alone, but most of all, to know there was light at the end of a dark tunnel. Rebecca worked with me to identify areas of struggle and then provided the tools and coping mechanisms I needed to help me regain my confidence and get back into the work world. ”
“Rebecca is incredible. Right off the bat she helped me create a morning routine that puts me on track for my day. She has an amazing gift for listening and understanding what type of help is needed, then coming up with solutions for all the types of challenges in life where you wish you had someone to give advice and support you. She’s really great to talk to and it’s a huge relief to have someone who is knowledgeable and so relatable to offer assistance with adulting. I am so grateful for my sessions with Rebecca!
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Contact
Address:
3 Ferry St, Suite 409
Easthampton, MA 01027
