EF Skills Coach, Passionate Educator, Scientist and Community Leader
Welcome! I'm Gabriella de Souza, an accomplished biologist, educator, entrepreneur, and executive functioning skills coach based in Wilmington, NC. I hold an M.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where my research has contributed to a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and educational methodologies.
After teaching at Cape Fear Academy for four years, I now engage students at the university level and manage my own business ventures. My commitment extends beyond traditional teaching; since 2019, I have specialized in Executive Functioning Skills Coaching, helping students with challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, anxiety, depression, and dyscalculia. I work closely with each student and their teachers to ensure no assignments are missed and to aid students in navigating the structure of their courses, ultimately relieving parents of the stress of managing their child’s academic responsibilities.
My role as a coach and advocate helps strengthen the relationships between students and their families, making me a trusted go-to person for the students I work with. As a leader and organizer in both educational and community settings, I am dedicated to creating supportive environments that foster both academic success and personal growth. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact through my various roles in education, research, community service, and entrepreneurship.
EF Skills Coach
As an Executive Functioning Skills Coach, I am dedicated to collaborating with both parents and students to foster independence, self-confidence, and academic resilience. I hold a B.S. in Organismal Biology with a minor in Spanish and am currently pursuing my M.S. in Marine Biology at UNCW. My experience as both a student and educator has provided me with insight into the demands of academic life and I am committed to helping students develop strategies to manage their workload effectively. I take pride in my ability to adapt my teaching approach to meet each student’s unique needs, and I look forward to supporting them as they build skills that will support their success both in school and beyond.
EF Skills Student Coach
As a North Carolina native, I have called Wilmington home for the past fifteen years. I enjoy reading, sightseeing, and connecting with others. I pride myself on my work ethic, and aspirations to be resourceful to those around me. I began advancing my education at Isaac Bear Early College High School and have also spent time at both Cape Fear Community College and UNCW. As a student, and someone with ADHD, I recognize how difficult it is to stay organized and motivated. I am eager to assist other students in learning how to use Executive Functioning Skills to improve academically and personally!
Our process begins with a complimentary intake session conducted over the phone. During this initial conversation, we discuss the student's needs in detail to determine if our services are the right fit. This session is designed to understand the unique challenges and goals of the student, ensuring we can provide the most effective support possible.
The first in-person or virtual meeting with the student is dedicated to understanding their course structure and schedule. Together, we will set achievable short-term and long-term goals tailored to the student's specific needs and academic objectives. This meeting establishes a solid foundation for their academic journey and a clear roadmap to success.
We hold regular meetings to ensure students are progressing towards their goals, providing ongoing support and accountability. We offer frequent phone check-ins at no extra cost. At the end of each week, we communicate with the student and their parents to summarize the week, set expectations, and plan for the next meeting.