Hi! I’m Anna Lawler. I’m based in Portland, Oregon and have a strong passion for helping others and making a difference.

As a mom, coach and mentor for my own child with executive function skill development needs, I’ve learned firsthand what it takes to navigate challenges.

In addition, I have a corporate leadership and process background and have worked with a variety of people and corporate cultures. Currently, I am involved with lead fulfilling consultation, collaboration & project management needs.

My work in the business world has provided me a tremendous amount of experience and the tools, lessons and problem-solving skills to help students and families lead their best lives. I have been immersed in the world of Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) and discovering the support / resources students need to help them into adulthood.

Over the last ten years, I have educated myself on what it takes to mentor other parents and most importantly guide my own son on how to set goals and build their own toolkit to fulfill his dream of attending college.

 

Direct Experience

I am a parent who has navigated the challenges of special needs and executive function for my own son. I am actively engaged with many organizations that support parents and students on the journey.

Below are just some of the organizations with whom I’ve trained and immersed myself:

  • Autism on the Seas- Direct Volunteer including caring for children with special needs and assisting their parents, siblings and extended family during the Autism on the Seas activities and events. - October 2023

  • Sara Ward with Cognitive Connections - Practical strategies that work to improve executive function skills - January 2021

  • Rush Neurobehavioral Center - Executive Function Curriculum Teacher Training -Jan 2021

  • PEERS Social Skills Group - Parent Component, March 2019

  • Introduction with HELP - Nonprofit program offering both testing & associated programs to help improve skills. - June 2019

  • Collaborative & Proactive Solutions by Ross Greene, Advanced- October 2018

  • Social Thinking on Executive Function is closely tied to “SQ” or Situational Intelligence - April 2018

  • Social Thinking with Michelle Winners for early learners, Classroom learning and Executive Function, Helping Teens and Social Competencies - November 2017

  • Collaborative Problem Solving by Think Kids - February 2017

  • Collaborative & Proactive Solutions by Ross Greene: Understanding and Helping Students with Social, Emotional & Behavioral Challenges"- March 2016

  • Social Thinking Conference: Executive Functioning: Tackle Homework and Classwork with these Helpful Strategies, Strategies for Concrete Learners, etc. - March 2016

 

Certifications / Degree:

I attended Oregon State University and have worked in the professional sector for many years where I learned several platforms and processes that now help me relate to students and adults across multiple settings. The key with Executive Function Coaching is understanding the brain and various learning styles while tailoring approaches for individuals to build the skills to become successful and independent.

  • B.S. Speech Communications, Oregon State University
  • Certificate of Marketing, Portland State University
  • Salesforce Administrator
  • Certified Business Analysis Professional with a passion for problem solving and process improvement.

  • Executive Function Coaching Certification, Executive Function Coaching Academy