Unlocking Potential: How Executive Functioning Impacts Learning and Growth

Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) announces an important leadership transition. Executive Director Maureen O’Toole will be stepping away from her position to attend to family health matters. The entire LPLC community expresses deep gratitude for Maureen’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to advancing our mission of helping students, families, and educators overcome learning challenges and reach their full potential.

During her tenure, Maureen guided the Center through a period of growth and adaptation while strengthening relationships with community partners, expanding access to services, and championing programs that ensure all learners have the tools and support they need to succeed. Her empathy, professionalism, and focus on mission-driven impact have left an enduring mark on the organization and those it serves.

Stepping into the role of Executive Director is Dr. Lindy Crawford, who previously led Lee Pesky Learning Center and now returns with optimism and a renewed vision for impact. Dr. Crawford brings deep institutional knowledge, decades of educational leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to the Center’s mission. Her familiarity with LPLC’s team, community, and the broader educational landscape in Idaho ensures continuity, stability, and momentum during this transition.

“Lee Pesky Learning Center’s professional expertise is second to none and it is my great honor to once again serve alongside an incredibly accomplished and deeply empathetic team,” said Dr. Crawford. “For close to 30 years, LPLC has led educational innovation using an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. I am excited to play a small part in our continued evolution.”

Board Chair Jim Foudy added, “We are profoundly grateful to Maureen for her care, leadership, and commitment to every learner we serve. We’re equally confident in welcoming Lindy back to guide LPLC into its next chapter. Her deep knowledge of LPLC and her passion for education will be a great asset to the organization during this transition period.”

For nearly three decades, Lee Pesky Learning Center has helped thousands of students, families, and educators overcome obstacles to learning through direct academic and clinical services, professional training, and community partnerships. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

Executive Function (EF) refers to the essential mental processes that help us plan, organize, solve problems, manage emotions, and regulate our actions. These skills are crucial in everyday life and especially vital for success in learning environments. For students, EF plays a critical role in their ability to break down large assignments, prioritize tasks, manage distractions, and follow through with plans. However, challenges in EF can lead to struggles with procrastination, time management, and emotional regulation.

At Lee Pesky Learning Center, our Academic Coaching program provides personalized support to students from middle school through college who face EF challenges. Using our Self-Regulated Learner framework, we focus on building habits that lead to tangible, lasting results. We emphasize that micro changes lead to meaningful progress, celebrating each step forward and helping students adjust their goals along the way.

Supporting Students with Executive Functioning Challenges

Parents often wonder how to best support their teens or young adults struggling with EF issues. Here are a few insights we’ve gathered from our coaching sessions:

Define Success Together: Collaboratively set specific goals. Success might look like straight A’s, completing assignments on time, or simply giving their best effort in each class.
Embrace Mistakes: Allowing students to experience failure teaches them resilience and fosters problem-solving skills.
Listen More Than Teach: Often, students just want to feel heard and understood. By listening without judgment, parents can create a supportive environment that encourages growth.

A Coaching Success Story

Meet Jane, a 15-year-old student navigating a hybrid school environment. Jane struggled with goal setting, prioritizing, managing distractions, and time management. Through academic coaching, we identified her strengths and built small, achievable goals. Her first step was simple: use a paper planner twice a week, even if it was just for doodling.

As Jane progressed, we adjusted her goals and celebrated milestones. Over time, her use of the planner became a daily habit, allowing her to track assignments independently. The most remarkable change wasn’t just her improved EF skills but her newfound self-confidence. Jane began advocating for herself, seeking support when needed, and adapting when challenges arose. Her journey highlights how small, consistent efforts can lead to significant growth.

How LPLC Can Help

If your student is facing EF challenges, we’re here to help. Our academic coaching sessions empower students to build the skills they need to succeed, leveraging their strengths to address areas of growth. Together, we can help your student gain confidence, independence, and the tools to navigate their learning journey.

If you would like more information about our one-on-one services, please contact our intake coordinator at (208) 333-0008 or info@lplearningcenter.org.

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