Speaking & Parent
Workshops
Empowering parents & educators in supporting student success
What parents say
"The workshop exceeded my expectations; the content was very clear and understandable. Sarah was so relatable and the presentation was interactive with real life examples. A very approachable speaker which made it easy to contribute and ask questions. Extremely useful materials. "
Beyond Behaviours Workshop Participant.
"I have attended and even organized many parent/caregiver sessions and I can confidently say, Sarah Zeilstra delivers one of the most valuable workshops I've attended. Her presentation on executive functions clearly explained why these skills are essential for learning and long-term success, and how difficulties are often misunderstood as behaviour problems. The strategies she shared were realistic, respectful, and easy to apply at home. I left with a deeper understanding of my child and practical steps to support their growth with confidence instead of conflict. Every parent needs to attend this workshop."
Sadaf S.C., Beyond Behaviours Workshop Participant.
"The workshop was clear and interactive. Sarah made it so relatable with real life examples. It helped me to know I am not the only one struggling."
Beyond Behaviours Workshop Participant.
As an executive function coach, college professor, and parent, I help families understand how to build the skills students need to thrive - from self-management and motivation to focus, organization and resilience.
My workshops blend current brain science, real-world strategies, and compassionate insight that leave parents feeling informed, confident and capable of supporting their child's learning journey.
Beyond Behaviours: Demystifying Executive Functions
Why executive functions are critical for learning and success, and what parents and educators can do to strengthen executive function skills, not only for academic success but for success in life.
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This interactive workshop provides parents and educators with practical strategies to support their child's development in planning, organization, time management and working memory; and how to utilize these strategies effectively, particularly when facing challenges with homework, tasks, and daily routines. ​
Participants will learn:​
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What executive functions are and why they matter
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How these skills impact learning, motivation, and behaviour
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Simple, actionable ways to support students' in planning, organization, time management and working memory.
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How to create a supportive environment that encourages growth and foster independence and self-advocacy.
Every student needs strong executive function skills - planning, organization time management, self-regulation - to thrive academically and emotionally. This interactive workshop helps parents understand these skills and provides practical, research-based strategies to support their children at home, particularly when facing challenges with homework, tasks and daily routines.
Ideal for:
Parents, caregivers and educators of elementary and high school students
Sarah Zeilstra, M.Ed., is the founder of Student Success Coaching, with 28 years of experience as a professor, academic advisor, and executive function coach. She helps students thrive by fostering resilience, accountability, and independence, while equipping parents to be effective partners in their child's success.
Keynotes, Workshops, Articles & Presentations
Use your PRO Grant Funding (Parents Reaching Out)
Ontario parent councils receive annual PRO Grant Funding to support parent engagement initiatives. My speaking engagements are an eligible expense, making it easy and affordable to bring professional development to your school community.
What is PRO Grant funding?
Funding made available by the Ministry of Education program in Ontario.
Parents Reaching Out, PRO Grants, provide funds that support School Councils in identifying barriers to parent engagement in their own community and to find local solutions to involve more parents in support of student achievement and well-being.
PRO Grants allow schools to meet specific needs within their community.
If you want to increase parent engagement and support of students executive function skills, please reach out for more information.
