Executive Function and Goal-Setting: Reaching the Target for Academic Success and Beyond

Goal setting is a critical part of success in school and in life.  So, why is goal setting so challenging?  Why do some students avoid setting goals while others set goals that are unrealistic? Attendees will learn practical strategies to help students set realistic and achievable goals so that they can achieve success in all areas of their lives. 

Donna Kincaid, M.Ed., Assistant Director and Director of Outreach and Professional Development, ResearchILD, Educational Specialist

Donna Kincaid, M. Ed. has been with Research ILD since 2003 and serves as Assistant Director and Director of Outreach and Professional Development. Donna coordinates and facilitates professional development for educators and provides educational therapy and executive function coaching to high school and college students, as well as adults, with learning and attention issues.  

Over the course of her career, Donna has worked with all levels of educators from paraprofessionals to superintendents and was the Director of Special Education at a bilingual charter school. Donna co-authored the chapter Remembering: Teaching Students How to Retain and Mentally Manipulate Information in Dr. Lynn Meltzer’s book for teachers titled Promoting Executive Function in the Classroom.   Donna holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, along with Supervisor/Director Certification in the areas of Special Needs, from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.  

Barbara Hunter, M.Ed., is an ADHD/Executive Function Coach in the greater Cincinnati region, a SMARTS coach and trainer for RILD, and a Learning Specialist with over 30 years of experience in ADHD, executive function challenges, and learning disabilities. Barbara specializes in providing adolescents (age 15 and up), and adults with structures and systems that support greater organization, productivity, better decision-making, and accountability. Barbara works closely with clients and colleagues using research-based methods, coaching principles, and questioning techniques toward dynamic outcomes. 

Barbara received a BS in Special Education from Indiana State University, and a Master of Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and completed Approved Coach Specific Training hours through the International Coaching Federation. Barbara is a highly skilled speaker and presented at the International Conference for ADHD, and numerous other local and national conferences.