As a dedicated husband and father of three girls, (and one very good boy!) my family thrives in the outdoors, and we live for beach-filled summers!

I am also deeply connected to my community because I believe in creating inclusive environments where everyone and anyone can find success and joy.

Throughout my wonderful career, I've always focused on empowering children and families in adolescent development and special education.

I try to take a holistic approach, looking at external and internal factors in identifying strengths and areas for growth. Ultimately my role is to create a tailored plan that improves confidence, while presenting appropriate age and grade level challenges. This leads to a positive transformation in your family dynamics as youths begin to understand their individual roles and responsibilities.

I began my career as a young, eager, enthusiastic educator. I evolved into an educational leader, and a mentor gravitating towards struggling youths. My most challenging years were spent at a private school for court-adjudicated youths. This experience cemented my belief that helping struggling teens is my passion. I then pursued an extensive graduate and post graduate program in special education and adolescent counseling and coaching where I gained a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by youths. Throughout the years, I have been so very fortunate to have helped people achieve transformative, life-changing results. Consider Me Your Ally In This Journey.

While teaching in my first 10 years, I began to encounter a trend of very troubled Teens and Pre-Teens. In delving further, I found that the cause was most often deep interpersonal issues, i.e. Home, Parents, Friend Conflict, Low Motivation, Lack of Confidence, Peer Issues. My initial idea was to hold short ‘sessions’ before and after class where I encouraged the kids to talk and air out their grievances.

My motto was ‘Let me help you see things with a different set of eyes”. I experienced some success where kids felt heard in a judgement free zone. The results were slow but steady.

It wasn’t until years later that I was summoned to a hospital to speak with one of the kids I’d see after class. I found out that she had tried to harm herself. After she was stable, she asked her parents to call me and see if I’d come see her in the hospital. Upon arriving, I told her parents, “I would be happy to talk with her, but it sounds like she needs a really good therapist!” Her parents’ response? “Paul, the therapists weren’t working and she’ll only talk to you.” Needless to say, I was floored. (Remarkably, she is now a thriving young adult living her best life!) But my impact on these kids was crystal clear. Something was working here.

There is little doubt that we, as a society are experiencing a growing trend of troubled youths and they are begging for help. They are facing issues far beyond their capabilities.

Motivated to make a more meaningful impact, I delved into research, initiating a journey of further education and certification to better support these struggling kids.

And That is When I Discovered Youth Coaching and Mentoring.

Advance AcademicAlly!

I’m proud to say that After decades of coaching, I have had the pleasure of helping hundreds of pre-teens, and teens reach their goals.

My Beginning:

You’re probably asking yourself, What sets him apart from others?

Let my extensive experience and my credentials do the talking, and rest assured, my commitment to service is resolute.

My Experience:

I’ve been a NYS certified educator for over 30 years in one of the top 100 schools in the nation. I was part of a Special Education department that was innovative, adaptable and worked with some incredibly difficult issues to create a cohesive program for our neediest kids.

As a consultant and adolescent coach, I held professional development seminars, lectured at Pace University, mentored student teachers and helped create assessments to help our most talented young people enter into Special Education! Working with young people, I helped them navigate through profound interpersonal issues stemming from the complexities of our current society.

I bring a deep understanding of pedagogy, and adolescent development which allows me to assess and address your child’s specific needs.

My 30 years as an educational leader gives me the ability to mentor adolescents by providing a wealth of experiential knowledge, a deep understanding of the educational landscape, and the skills necessary to guide them through the crucial and sometimes difficult stages of adolescence.

My credentials:

MS.Ed Special Education

Special Services Endorsement: Adolescent Counseling

NYS/CT Certified SPED and Gen Ed teacher (Social Studies and Secondary Education 7-12,)

USMC Graduate of NCO School of Logistics/Leadership

ICF Certified Professional Coach

organizations:

American Counseling Association

Council for Exceptional Children

COPPA Certified

ICF Certified

National Association of Special Ed Teachers

NYSPHSAA Certified Coach Football/Baseball/Softball