EF Specialists

What EF Specialists does

EF Specialists is an executive function coaching company focused on helping students and adults build the skills they need to manage their own lives and learning. Founded in 2021, the organization emerged to address what it describes as a clear gap: "schools were not teaching the organization, time management and follow-through skills students need to thrive." The company specializes exclusively in executive function coaching, not tutoring, therapy, or broader academic support. The leadership team brings expertise in education, psychology, and business.

The organization serves three main audiences: individual students and adults seeking one-on-one coaching, schools and districts looking to embed coaching in their systems through professional development and staff training, and educators and parents seeking resources and training to build executive function skills in the students they work with.

EF Specialists describes its coaching as distinct from other interventions. The company explicitly does not claim to offer everything. Instead, it focuses narrowly: "We do one thing and we do it better than anyone else -- executive function coaching for middle, high school and college students." The website notes that other companies offer subject tutoring, adult coaching, parent guidance, and other services but specialize in none. EF Specialists' narrower focus is intentional.

How executive function coaching works

EF Specialists uses a five-step coaching process. It begins with a free inquiry meeting where the coach and family explore their goals and determine fit. During assessment, coaches evaluate the student's current executive function skills and review IEP goals to develop a progress pathway.

Weekly sessions are held online using a multi-sensory approach. All coaches are certified in EF Specialists' methodology and have completed AB 1172 PBIS training. Coaches use the P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. skills framework: Planning, Organization, Self-advocacy, Initiation, Time management, Inhibition management, Visualizing outcomes, and Evaluating priorities. They teach these skills at the point of performance, during the student's actual challenging academic situations.

A family-team meeting brings stakeholders together to celebrate progress, identify new goals, and assign responsibility with timelines. This meeting is facilitated to ensure everyone is heard while the student's voice drives the process.

The final step is gradual phase-out to help students take ownership of their developing skills while reducing coaching intensity. The company recommends a minimum of 6 months to fully integrate the P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. skills, though many students benefit from longer timelines.

Team credentials and hiring standards

EF Specialists employs a highly selective hiring process: only about 1% of applicants become coaches. The company explicitly notes it receives many applications from skilled educators, administrators, and service professionals who want to work at EF Specialists because it offers generous pay, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to make a real difference in students' lives.

All team members undergo background screening and complete annual AB 1172 Positive Behavior Training. The team consists of a diverse group of professionals from fields of education, psychology, and special education with a proven track record of success. The company emphasizes that all coaches are employees, not independent contractors, and offers generous benefits including a 401(k) with a match.

The founding and leadership team brings specialized expertise: Sean McCormick, M.Ed., ET, is the founder and executive director. Jan Gauthier, B.A., serves as CFO. The site indicates the leadership team is available to support clients.

Billing, commitment, and policies

EF Specialists requires a commitment of weekly sessions and asks clients to commit to a minimum of 12 sessions. Sessions are set up with the specialist at an agreed time for the duration of the school year and breaks until the client cancels.

Billing occurs every 2 weeks for the upcoming 2 sessions. Invoices are automatically emailed and payment is processed on billing, unless another arrangement has been worked out with the billing department (such as third-party payor or institutional billing). A valid payment source, either credit card or ACH, must be on file.

Payments are considered delinquent if not paid within 3 days of the billing date, with 1.5% interest added on late invoices. The company requires one responsible party for invoicing but can provide invoice copies to multiple parties as needed.

Regarding cancellation, the FAQ asks clients "What is your cancellation policy for scheduled sessions?" but the full answer is not provided in the captured pages. Similarly, the FAQ asks "Does EF Specialists have a guarantee?" but the answer is not visible in the captured materials.

What EF Specialists covers and does not cover

EF Specialists does not accept insurance. The service does work with adults as well as students, though its primary focus is middle, high school, and college students.

The website does not publish specific pricing. The FAQ mentions billing structure and commitment requirements but does not list hourly rates, package pricing, or total cost ranges. Potential clients must contact the company directly for pricing information.

The company offers professional development for educators and a coaching certification program for people interested in becoming certified executive function coaches. It provides a free workbook, training webinar, and the "EF Coach Book." The organization maintains an EFS Directory, described as a curated list of top support professionals, and a library of deep-dive guides on executive function skills.

Customer reviews and outcomes

EF Specialists publishes customer reviews prominently on its site. One parent shared: "My experience with Executive Function Specialist has been amazing! My son has been working with them for the past two years and his progress has been outstanding. They have exceeded my expectations with his results. Ever since my son has started working with the team his executive function skills and time management skills have improved drastically. Ms. Ella and Ms. Lindsay worked very well one on one with him and Sean along with the rest of his team are great at helping my family advocate for son's educational needs during IEP meetings. This has been one of the best investments I have made for my sons education, and we look forward to continue working with them." - Veronica L, Parent, San Francisco

The company boasts over 70 five-star reviews on Google and states it is not afraid to ask for client feedback and take it seriously.

Who EF Specialists suits

EF Specialists is designed for middle, high school, and college students who struggle with executive function challenges, including those with ADHD, learning disabilities, or other conditions affecting organization, time management, and task initiation. The structured coaching approach works well for students who benefit from concrete skills-building and systematic support in applying those skills in real school situations.

The one-on-one format suits students who need individualized attention and coaching tailored to their specific challenges. The school district and professional development offerings make EF Specialists an option for systems-level implementation where a school wants to build executive function coaching into its support structure.

The company is less suitable for students seeking tutoring in specific subjects, therapy for mental health concerns, or medication management. It is also not a fit for families unable to commit to the 12-session minimum or weekly session schedule. The lack of published pricing means families need to be comfortable inquiring directly for a cost estimate before committing.