Testimonials

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“You are an extraordinary human being. I had no idea you provided so much careful consideration and focus for [my daughter]...I'd be a more successful person today if you had been my teacher!”          -Mother of 9th grader

"Thanks again for all your help... Since he has come to you I think he has had the most noticeable change/progress in the last 18 years!" -Mother of 12th grader

“It is helping our family SO much by having you help out. You are helping our family dynamics and my stress level TREMENDOUSLY!"  -Mother of 6th grader

“You must have ‘the magic touch’ because [my son’s] unsolicited comment upon your departure was ‘she’s excellent!'” -Mother of 5th grader 

“I appreciate all of your knowledge and time....You never seemed rushed or stressed when you arrive. You have the uncanny ability to make her feel that she is the only student that you work with…an amazing gift! Your spirit is positive and caring…two essential components to success!” -Mother of 7th grader

“You are amazing and know how to motivate! Many thanks.” -Mother of 8th grader

“I wanted to drop you a note expressing my thanks and gratitude for all your efforts with [my son]. You have done an excellent job teaching him the skills to become more productive and efficient in his study skills. When I asked yesterday if he was sad to end his sessions with you, he immediately answered yes. While he feels you have taught him the skills he needs, he said he was going to miss working with you. This says it all.”  -Mother of 10th grader

“I think you are an outstanding teacher and human being. Thanks for helping us.” -Mother of 7th grader

“Your work with [my son] has been helping him in so many ways.  This is straight from his mouth.  I also see it in his school work.  He proudly came home yesterday and showed me a full page of notes he took…he did an awesome job.  That, a few months back, would never have happened. Best of all, he feels competent and proud....He absolutely loves his time with you.  Thanks from all of us!” -Mother of 9th grader

“You are an amazing educator, focusing on both the IQ and EQ." -Mother of 7th grader

"I so appreciate your integrity, which feels woven into the fiber of your very being. I also appreciate the beautiful space you create when you teach/facilitate -- the warmth, passion, clarity and encouragement you bring to your students of all ages! You are a gift." -Mother of 10th grader

"Ali is the best educator we have ever had. She has been working with all three of our teenage boys for over two years now, and easily adjusts to their different learning styles and needs. One has executive functioning challenges and Ali helps him with writing and teaches him an organizational strategy to manage his homework; he now has better grades across all his subjects. Our older son received college app help from Ali two years ago, and he still calls her from college when he needs help with a particularly complex research paper. She is an incredible communicator and listener, and honestly, a wonderful person." -Mother of high school and college students

"Ali is a pro! She worked with both of my sons to support their essay writing for college applications. She made a challenging process into one that both of my sons actually enjoyed. Their confidence grew with Ali's expert coaching. She provided a tool to help them stay organized and it worked very well. After each session, Ali sent me and my husband a detailed summary of what occurred during the session and what our sons needed to do prior to their next session. Our family is truly delighted with our Launch Learning experience. Ali gets our highest recommendation!" -Mother of twin high school students

“Thank you for your endless support during my years at Castilleja school. Each meeting has been a joy. You allowed me to connect my thoughts with my words, a skill that will serve me well throughout the rest of my life.... I have been so lucky to have you as a mentor and as a friend. I certainly would not have had as wonderful school experience as I did without you.” -12th grader

"Thank you so much for your help on my college essays. You are so incredibly insightful when it comes to finding just the right words.  I am so lucky to have someone like you to teach me the they ways of the force!" -12th grader

“You’ve been a great coach … My confidence has gotten better and my homework is easier.” -7th grader

“This is fun!” -6th grader

“You taught me very much over the past year. You taught me how to take notes and writing strategies. You also helped me with my homework. I have improved my organization skills because of you. You really helped me. I'll miss you!” -5th grader

“Thank you again. You are invaluable.”  

-10th grader

"Thank you for being so committed to me and my learning. I can't believe that we have been working together for six years! Thanks for everything that you have done for me." -11th grader

"Thank you for your unwavering support...I have grown more confident with my writing abilities and learned to express myself clearly. I can truly say that I enjoyed working on my college essays with you." -12th grader

"Thank you for teaching me all the skills and methods for high school and life. You have helped me a lot through the abstract thinking of literature. I really like learning from you." -9th grader

"Thank you for all the help during high school. It was a pleasure working with you and I learned a lot about writing. In addition, I thought I would let you know that my graduation speech went really well!" 

-12th grader

"You’ve changed my life for the better, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you." 

-college student

"I want to thank you for making the (college application) process enjoyable and helping me choose topics to write about that I was passionate about. I'm really proud of all my essays -- especially my personal statement -- so thank you for helping me to relax and find joy in the process." -12th grader

“Thank you! I think this workshop helped me a lot to prepare for school and now I know what I need to do for myself to make my school year easier and less stressful.” 

-8th grader

"Ali has changed the lives of both my brother and myself, enabling us to get into our top choices for college and graduate school respectively. From middle and high school tutoring, executive functioning coaching, college/graduate school applications, and more, Ali has been my family's one-stop-shop for everything learning and school related. We have recommended her to countless friends, and will continue to do so. Ali is truly the BEST of the best at what she does."  -graduate student

"I recently worked with Ali on my college applications and she really made a big difference. In general, I would say I am not the strongest writer. I struggle with organization and getting my ideas down on the page in a clear and concise way, and Ali really helped with this....I noticed as we continued to work...we required fewer meetings as she was helping teach me the pattern of what colleges expect... As a student, I really appreciated that she helped teach me how to write as opposed to just writing it for me. She was patient with me when I made mistakes, and I strongly recommend Ali to any other student going through the application process!"   

-12th grader

“I attended a presentation of Ali's on time management and organizational skills. Ali received very positive evaluations from the attendees...and also attracted a large crowd of grateful parents. On a more personal note, I learned some helpful strategies that I am still using today--Ali made a positive difference in my life, and I can think of no higher praise than that.…things run more smoothly in our home, thanks to her wisdom…any parent would benefit from her insights.”    -Parent Education Coordinator  

“Wonderful presentation with lots of real advice and tools.” -Parent attendee 

"Your discussion was not only interesting, but full of down-to-earth, practical advice for dealing with everyday organization issues. Very honest and frank speaker. Thanks to Ali for spreading the good word!" 

-Parent attendee 

“Very organized—and a very positive approach! Thank you!”   -Parent attendee 

"Ali gave a presentation to a class of students in a program I direct. I could not have been more impressed and pleased.  Her style was engaging, her content was excellent, and her materials were extremely useful.  My students loved her.  She was upbeat and positive throughout.  I plan to use some of her tips myself to increase my productivity and decrease my work stress!  I give her my highest recommendation." 

-Middle School Program Coordinator

“In my advanced years I LEARNED SO MUCH about myself and how I should work on my Time Management. Thank you so much for your efforts in helping all of us. I appreciated your time, effort and commitment…you taught me well…and I will become a better teacher, adviser, mentor and coach because of this experience.” -Middle School Teacher 

"Your presentation tonight was superb...You are so engaging, relaxed, and professional, able to put parents at ease...Thank you for your gift to us all." -Program Coordinator, Bay Area parent support nonprofit organization

"Your talk today was fabulous!!!  I thought you had a perfect balance of research to validate and methodology to use right away.  As well, I really like how you used stories...to connect to real life. Awesome! I have been hanging out at talks for 11 years now and find I have heard a lot of it before; however I felt that your talk was extremely useful to me. Thank you." -Parent attendee

"Thanks so much for coming out and speaking with our parents last week.  I heard nothing but positive feedback and they all felt like they walked away with something that they could try!  We are so fortunate to have...you to help support our students, families, and teachers." 

-Head of Private School 

"Ali has taught a Time Management, Organization, and Study Skills Course to our intermediate and upper grades and it has paid off significantly.  She has instant rapport with the students, always comes organized, and shows great enthusiasm in her interactions with the classes.  We also frequently ask her to participate in our Parent Education Nights as they offer timely and specific ways parents can work with their child to improve organization and study skills.  I highly recommend Ali."  

-Private School Principal

"I work as a child psychologist, and I am always looking for excellent resources for children. Ali is a highly educated, compassionate and dedicated professional. I have also recommended her to local schools where she has provided trainings to teachers. The clients I have sent have been thrilled with the progress their children have made. I would highly recommend her." -Psychologist

"As a referring professional, not only have I observed excellent individualized approaches to students' learning and organizational needs, but I have also experienced excellent coordination of intervention and responsiveness from Ali with others professionals supporting the student and family." -Psychologist