EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING COACHES/TUTORS
Thrive College Counseling is pleased to offer students an opportunity to work with a coach/tutor to support them in managing the tasks needed to complete the college applications. As Dr. Schwartz does not monitor the deadlines and tasks needed for the college applications, working with an EF coach/tutor is a wonderful way to receive the individualized support a student might need to navigate the application process. The tutors are independent contractors and work separately from Dr. Schwartz. However, for students that Dr. Schwartz is working with, the EF coach/tutor will have bi-monthly check ins with Dr. Schwartz to ensure excellent communication in this process. In addition to supporting the student in the tasks for the college application, the coach/tutor can also address overall organizational skill building, task management, and other college readiness skills that would be helpful to a student.
To get started with a coach, you can connect with Dr. Schwartz to discuss your needs, and we will work together to move forward in finding an EF coach/tutor that is a fit for your family. A meeting will be held with Dr. Schwartz, the coach/tutor, parent/caregiver and the student to discuss the goals to address. The parent/caregiver and student will be working out a schedule with the coach/tutor that is convenient to all. Dr. Schwartz will manage the billing at the end of each month.
MarciSchwartz@thrivecollegecounseling.com or
Admin@thrivecollegecounseling.com
MEET THE EF COACHES/TUTORS
To get started with a coach, you can connect with Dr. Schwartz to discuss your needs, and we will work together to move forward in finding an EF coach/tutor that is a fit for your family. A meeting will be held with Dr. Schwartz, the coach/tutor, parent/caregiver and the student to discuss the goals to address. The parent/caregiver and student will be working out a schedule with the coach/tutor that is convenient to all. Dr. Schwartz will manage the billing at the end of each month.
MarciSchwartz@thrivecollegecounseling.com or
Admin@thrivecollegecounseling.com
MEET THE EF COACHES/TUTORS
Rheanna Bates

Twenty years of experience as a writing coach and tutor have honed Rheanna’s expertise in supporting a wide range of students with improving their self-awareness, confidence, and communication skills. Rheanna also guides her students to craft impactful high school and college admissions essays, master test preparation, and cultivate effective study habits.
As a certified specialist in the University of Kansas SIM strategies for writing, Rheanna is uniquely qualified to offer personalized support in writing to students with diverse learning needs. Her empathetic and adaptable approach enables her to tailor teaching methods to each individual student, connect with students on a personal level, and encourage them to reach their full potential.
Rheanna graduated cum laude from Harvard University in 2002 with a concentration in English and American Literature. She currently serves as the Membership Director of the Bay Area Tutoring Summit, California’s premier professional organization for educational service providers, and is pursuing an Independent Educational Consultant Certificate through UC Irvine.
As a certified specialist in the University of Kansas SIM strategies for writing, Rheanna is uniquely qualified to offer personalized support in writing to students with diverse learning needs. Her empathetic and adaptable approach enables her to tailor teaching methods to each individual student, connect with students on a personal level, and encourage them to reach their full potential.
Rheanna graduated cum laude from Harvard University in 2002 with a concentration in English and American Literature. She currently serves as the Membership Director of the Bay Area Tutoring Summit, California’s premier professional organization for educational service providers, and is pursuing an Independent Educational Consultant Certificate through UC Irvine.
Dr. Leslie Brown

Dr. Leslie Brown is an educator and learning intervention specialist with more than 18 years of experience teaching and providing academic support to undergraduate students. His most recent appointments were with the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Director of Academic Success Initiatives at Brandeis University. At UNC, he develops the training curriculum for writing tutors working with student athletes, utilizing prior classroom and writing center experiences as well as trends and best practices in the field. While working for Brandeis, Dr. Brown oversaw academic support services for the university during Covid-19. Dr. Brown has also taught academic skills in both one-on-one and small-group sessions to increase engagement and improve classroom performance; provided assistive technology services to students as well as worked to improve retention and persistence.
Dr. Brown earned his BA in English at Elizabeth City State University, his MA in English at North Carolina A&T State University, and his PhD in Higher Education Administration at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His dissertation research was an examination of the external factors and motivating forces that help underprepared students succeed.
Dr. Brown earned his BA in English at Elizabeth City State University, his MA in English at North Carolina A&T State University, and his PhD in Higher Education Administration at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His dissertation research was an examination of the external factors and motivating forces that help underprepared students succeed.
Cheri Gaylord

As an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) and principal of Gaylord Consulting, Cheri offers services to individuals and their families using a strength-based approach to coach students in their current and future academic endeavors and independent life skills. While her specialty is assisting families and students in the area of LD/ADHD/Autism Spectrum Post Secondary Transitions, she works with all adolescents and young adults to explore college majors, career choices, executive function skills, self-advocacy skills, and gap year options.
Although Cheri started her career as a Residential Mortgage Consultant, she pursued her passion for education by obtaining a Certificate in Independent Education Consulting at the University of California, Irvine. It was after several family members diagnosed with learning disabilities and attention issues that Cheri Gaylord became an outspoken advocate for children with learning disabilities. Cheri currently resides in Laguna Niguel, California. She has one son and two grown stepsons. The youngest is on his way to launching as a young adult and pursuing his dream of graduating from college in Oregon .
Although Cheri started her career as a Residential Mortgage Consultant, she pursued her passion for education by obtaining a Certificate in Independent Education Consulting at the University of California, Irvine. It was after several family members diagnosed with learning disabilities and attention issues that Cheri Gaylord became an outspoken advocate for children with learning disabilities. Cheri currently resides in Laguna Niguel, California. She has one son and two grown stepsons. The youngest is on his way to launching as a young adult and pursuing his dream of graduating from college in Oregon .