Annie Neary, M.Ed.

she/her

Executive Functioning Coach, level 3

Serving Clients VIRTUALLY IN ANY LOCATION

Growing up, teachers and adults told me I was smart. For a while they even told me I was good at school. As a tween and teen, managing big emotions and piles of school work felt overwhelming. I became an expert at masking the struggle instead of raising my hand for help.

In college my emotional health crashed. I overcame my setbacks, but I still didn’t understand what was at the root of my struggles. As a teacher in public, charter, and private schools, I helped students whose struggles mirrored my own, and I finally had words for my experience: struggles with executive functions and processing speed. Later in life I got an ADHD diagnosis.

Mostly I’ve worked as a middle and high school teacher for over 20 years before I became an executive function and academic coach.

…but there was that one stint as a farm apprentice. Unfortunately, I let the pigs out on more than one occasion and pulled up all of the broccoli seedlings instead of the weeds.

What does my experience mean for you as a client?

I know what it's like to think either I'm not smart, or I am smart, but something is really wrong with me. I also know what it's like to be a joyful out-of-the-box thinker; sometimes that rattles traditionalists, and I'm fine with that.

I help people understand how their brains may lead them to create masterpieces but also forget to put on their shoes before they walk outside. I bring a ton of strategies to the table to help with procrastination, overwhelm, disorganization, and perfectionism. I won’t tell you to use a planner if it doesn’t interest you.

I support couples, adolescents, emerging adults, and busy people balancing family and professional lives and am dedicated to the one-on-one coaching process of helping people feel functional and fulfilled in their daily lives.

*Portrait by Nathan McConnell*
I am a quirky, queer cis White woman born and raised in Indiana, living just outside the constant churn of Washington DC.
When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my kiddo baking and in nature and just generally goofing off.

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Frequently Asked Questions…

What is your favorite color?
- First it was teal, then it was mustard yellow.
What are your favorite TV shows?
- Right now, I'm a Ludwig fan, but I also loved the first season of Wednesday.
What’s your favorite video game?
- THE ORIGINAL MARIO BROTHERS, but only if I'm watching my brothers play in the basement.
Do you have any pets?
- I have an elderly, barky terrier - Earnestine. She's such a scruff muffin.

Why did you decide to be an executive functioning coach?
- While still a teacher, I came across a training on ADHD & Student Coaching. In taking the training, I realized it was a separate career path where I could really listen to students and help them leverage their strengths.
- (I was also over being in buildings with florescent lighting - especially once I got my own diagnosis and realized how overstimulating the school environment was for me!)
- I love working with people one-on-one to help them get over the idea that there is a way they SHOULD be organized or planning or getting stuff done.