About
Experience
Ali Zidel (formerly Meyers) holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan. She graduated with highest distinction from both universities. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in Executive Functioning (EF) Coaching for youth and adults, Career Coaching, and Writing Coaching (including private school, college, and graduate admissions essay development). Ali consults for and presents at schools, parent groups, corporations, and nonprofit organizations on teaching and effectively building these skills. In addition, she is among the founding partners of the Children's Health Council's Executive Functioning Advisory Group and the Learning Specialist Collaborative. She earned her Career Coaching Certification from the National Career Development Association.
Ali’s coaching focuses on helping students realize and leverage their unique assets while confronting weak areas with practical tools and a supportive, caring attitude. Beyond coaching, Ali has led a writing group at Stanford Cancer Center's Supportive Care Program, along with authoring creative nonfiction and poetry which have been published in literary journals and on the website: holymess.com. Outside of her work, Ali loves to walk, dance, read, write, and be with her young adult children.
Professional memberships and affiliations: Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNCC), Guiding Bring Minds Collective, National Career Development Association (NCDA)
Approach
I coach the whole person, addressing the holistic needs of each unique learner. While others may try to fit you into a generic client model, at Launch Learning, you are the model. Everything I do is tailored to the clients with whom I work.
My customized approach leverages learner strengths while targeting individual weaknesses in the creation of customized support.
Clients describe me as a caring educator and coach who is experienced, patient, creative, honest, encouraging, detail-oriented, and hard-working. I also see myself as an accountability partner for my clients
I am a coach, not a tutor. Coaches view their work on a larger time horizon, teaching students the processes and tools that enable them to succeed in the long-term. Tutors may focus solely on content, to complete assignments or courses with a certain grade, in the short-term. I want my clients to cultivate and develop skills that will last a lifetime, not just a semester or season.
Support for the Learning Journey
Life isn't about finding yourself; it's about creating yourself. Launch Learning began with a passion for learning and empowerment. Too many view education or work as a means to an end. Launch Learning supports clients in claiming their learning and their lives through conscious goal-setting, skill development, and action.
NEXT STEPS:
I offer a free, 30-minute consultation to learn about your needs and answer questions as you consider hiring the best support person for your challenges. Finding the best fit is essential; I know this both as a provider and as a parent of young adults who has hired other professionals to support my children throughout their learning journeys.
It's a privilege to engage with my clients in co-creating a goal-oriented, tailored educational program for launching success. Contact me today to learn if my coaching services may be the right fit for your needs. (All services are conducted remotely, via Zoom.)