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Momentum begins with  

One. Small. Win.

Welcome to The Small Wins Coach—where meaningful progress begins with small, consistent steps. We trade perfection for momentum and walk alongside you, one small step at a time.

Meet The Small Wins Coach

Founder | Executive Functioning Coach | Speech-Language Pathologist

​Kristin Spivey is not just a coach—she’s a partner in your journey. With over 18 years of experience as a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, executive functioning coach, and systems-level school leader, Kristin brings a powerful blend of clinical insight, coaching strategies, and real-world leadership to every interaction.

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She founded The Small Wins Coach to support schools, families, and youth-serving organizations in building momentum—one small, strategic win at a time. Whether working with a neurodivergent teen, a parent navigating hard moments, or a team of educators seeking better systems, Kristin meets every client with empathy, clarity, and sustainable strategies that stick.

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What sets Kristin apart is her lived experience. As someone who navigates life with ADHD—and as a parent of a neurodivergent teen—Kristin knows firsthand how hard it can be to feel stuck, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by everyday tasks. Her approach is practical and deeply personal. She believes executive functioning support isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about building systems that honor your unique rhythm, strengths, and capacity for growth.

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Through coaching, training, and technical assistance, Kristin has supported:

  • Teens who want to feel more confident, focused, and in control of their time
     

  • Parents who want to reduce conflict, build routines, and support their teen’s growth
     

  • Educators and teams who want to strengthen systems of support for all learners

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Why Executive Functioning?

Executive functioning refers to the brain’s ability to plan, organize, focus, manage emotions, and follow through. These aren’t just school skills—they’re life skills. And for teens, they’re still developing.

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What the Research Tells Us:

  • The prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive function) continues to develop until age 25. That means most teens will struggle—not because they’re unmotivated, but because their brains are still growing.

  • 1 in 3 teens will experience executive functioning challenges at some point.

  • These challenges increase risk for academic setbacks, anxiety, and low self-worth.

  • Executive functioning is a stronger predictor of academic success than IQ.

  • Teens with weak EF skills are 2–3x more likely to experience stress, avoidance, or school disengagement.

  • Strong executive functioning is linked to better mental health, safer decision-making, and stronger peer relationships.

  • Parents who receive EF coaching report a 40–60% drop in daily conflict.
     

Why It Matters

For Teens:

  • Normalize challenges and reduce shame

  • Build skills for focus, planning, and emotional regulation

  • Learn to self-advocate and build trust in themselves

  • Start with small steps—and keep moving forward
     

For Parents:

  • Reframe procrastination and forgetfulness as skills gaps, not defiance

  • Support your teen with structure and shared strategies

  • Reduce power struggles and family stress

  • Foster independence—without doing it all for them
     

 

At The Small Wins Coach, we don’t chase perfection. We build momentum.
Let’s take the next step together.

Why Executive Functioning Matters in Schools?

Building executive functioning skills isn't just an intervention—it's a schoolwide strategy for equipping students to thrive in the classroom, in college, and in life. Here’s how it impacts every corner of a school community:
For Students:
Executive functioning skills are the behind-the-scenes tools that help students feel more in control of their day—and their future. When students build these skills, they’re better able to:
  • Avoid procrastination and build routines that support follow-through
  • Develop self-awareness and learn how to advocate for what they need
  • Feel more confident and capable—both inside and outside the classroom
     
For General Education Teachers:
Executive functioning strategies help general education teachers manage classrooms more effectively by:
  • Reducing student overwhelm with systems, routines, and planning tools
  • Increasing work completion and task follow-through without constant reminders
  • Supporting differentiation for students who struggle with attention, organization, or time management
  • Fostering a more productive classroom culture where expectations are clear and students feel empowered
     
For Support Teachers & Specialists
(Special Educators, SLPs, School Psychologists, Counselors, etc.)
Support professionals are key to helping students build and generalize executive functioning skills across settings. These strategies help by:
  • Targeting the root causes of academic and social difficulties (e.g., task initiation, working memory)
  • Integrating EF goals into IEPs, 504s, and intervention plans
  • Support students with prioritizing tasks, completing projects, and developing strong work habits that foster independence and academic success across settings.
  • Collaborating with general educators to embed EF supports in the classroom environmen
 
For School & District Administrators
Executive functioning support aligns with your goals for academic achievement, equity, and long-term readiness. Investing in EF systems helps administrators:
  • Strengthen college and workforce readiness by equipping students with planning, organization, and emotional regulation skills
  • Improve equity and access by supporting all students with targeted, research-based strategies
  • Increase staff capacity and retention by reducing burnout and empowering teachers with tools that work
  • Create sustainable systems that integrate EF skill development into everyday instruction
     
 

Book a Discovery Call

Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk.

Whether you're a teenager, parent, school leader, or youth program director, a free 20-minute discovery call is the best way to explore how The Small Wins Coach can support your goals.

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What to Expect:

During this no-pressure conversation, we’ll:

  • Learn more about your child, school, or organization’s needs

  • Explore which coaching or consulting services are the best fit

  • Answer any questions about process, pricing, and outcomes

  • Discuss next steps if you’re ready to move forward

This is a chance to connect, ask questions, and make sure it’s the right fit—for you and for the students you support.

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Who It’s For:
  • Teenagers who need executive functioning support

  • Parents of  teens who need executive functioning support

  • Educators or administrators exploring professional development or consultation

  • Youth-serving organizations interested in custom workshops or training

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Schedule Your Call

Click below to find a time that works for you. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a Zoom link and a short intake form to help us make the most of our time together.

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