Certified Life & Executive Function Coaching
I help adolescents, parents, young adults, and individuals seeking support, clarity, and growth.
Zlata Danese
Certified Life Coach
Feeling overwhelmed by school, work, or life's many responsibilities?
Struggling with motivation, organization, or finding balance?
Looking to build confidence, develop new skills, or navigate a life transition?
Wanting to help your child become more independent and resilient?
Ready to take the next step toward meaningful, lasting change?
You don't have to navigate it alone.
At Heart & Mind Coaching & Consulting, you'll find personalized support, practical strategies, and compassionate guidance to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
Call or text 201-540-9887 today to schedule your complimentary consultation and take the first step toward meaningful change.
Board Certified Coach
LDT-C · 15+ years supporting families
About
I'm a certified life coach with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families through academic, personal, and life challenges. With a background in special education, training in clinical mental health counseling, and an LDT-C (Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant) certification, I bring a unique blend of educational expertise, coaching, and compassionate guidance to every client I work with.
My journey began long before I entered the field of education. Growing up during the Bosnian War taught me the power of resilience, hope, and perseverance. Those experiences shaped my belief that while we can't always control the circumstances we face, we can choose how we respond—and those choices have the power to create meaningful change.
That belief is the foundation of Heart & Mind Coaching & Consulting.
Whether I'm working with an adolescent building confidence, a parent seeking guidance, or an individual navigating a life transition, my goal is always the same: to create a supportive, encouraging space where people feel seen, understood, and empowered to move forward.
At Heart & Mind, I combine evidence-informed strategies with empathy, practical tools, and personalized coaching to help clients gain clarity, strengthen essential life skills, and create lasting, meaningful growth because meaningful change starts with both the heart and the mind.
Board Certified Coach — a nationally recognized coaching credential.
“Meaningful change begins with feeling seen, heard, and supported. Together, we'll build a path toward the life you envision.”
Work with me
Whether you're a student finding your footing, a parent looking for support, or an organization planning an event, there's a path here for you.
Personalized one-on-one coaching that empowers adolescents and young adults to build confidence, strengthen executive functioning skills, and navigate school, college, and life's transitions with greater clarity and independence.
A steady partner for parents working through academic, behavioral, and educational challenges, with strategies you can use at home right away.
Story-driven talks for schools and organizations on resilience, hope, and the power of choice, drawn from a life that began in the Bosnian War.
“Real change doesn't come from doing more. It comes from the right support, a clear plan, and the belief that growth is always possible.”
— Zlata Danese, Heart & Mind Coaching
Speaking Engagements
I share my personal journey of growing up during the Bosnian War and connect it to lessons of resilience, hope, and the power of choice. Each talk is shaped for its audience and designed to leave people moved and ready to act.
The goal is simple: students leave motivated, educators leave equipped, and families leave empowered to support real growth and success.
How it works
No pressure, no jargon. Just a clear path from first hello to real momentum.
Book a free discovery call or send a quick message. We'll talk about what's feeling hard right now and whether coaching is the right fit.
Together we map the real challenges and goals. Not sure where your child stands? Start with the free executive function assessment.
You get a personalized coaching plan built around your strengths, your schedule, and the outcomes that matter most to you.
Through regular sessions we build skills, confidence, and momentum, with steady encouragement every step of the way.
Questions
Life coaching is a collaborative, goal-focused partnership that helps individuals develop the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to overcome challenges and create meaningful change. Life coaching focuses on where you are now and where you want to be, providing practical tools, accountability, and personalized support along the way.
Executive Function (EF) coaching is personalized, one-on-one support designed to help students develop the essential skills they need to succeed in school and everyday life. These skills include planning, organization, time management, prioritization, task initiation, self-monitoring, and follow-through.
Unlike tutoring, which focuses on teaching academic content, executive function coaching focuses on how students learn. Together, we develop practical systems, routines, and strategies that help your adolescent become more organized, confident, and independent.
Through personalized coaching, your child will strengthen executive functioning skills, build self-awareness, develop a growth mindset, and gain the confidence to navigate challenges with greater independence.
I work with:
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll discuss your goals (or your child's and family's goals), current challenges, strengths, and what you hope to achieve through life coaching. Together, we'll develop a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs or your family's unique needs, ensuring you leave with a clear direction and the next steps toward meaningful growth.
Most clients meet weekly or every other week, depending on their goals and level of support needed. We'll determine a schedule that works best for you or your family.
Most coaching sessions last approximately 50 minutes.
Yes. I provide parent coaching and educational consultations to help families better understand their child's unique strengths and challenges. Together, we explore practical strategies, improve communication, support executive functioning development, and navigate academic or behavioral concerns with greater confidence. My goal is to empower parents with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to help their child thrive while creating a more positive and productive home environment.
Absolutely! I provide workshops, keynote presentations, and professional development for schools, parent organizations, educators, and community groups.
Getting started is simple. Schedule a complimentary discovery call to discuss your goals, learn more about my services, and explore how we can work together. I look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Get started
Tell me a little about what you're looking for and I'll get back to you personally to arrange a time that works for you.
A relaxed conversation to talk through what's going on and see if coaching is the right fit. No commitment.
Request your free callReady to dive in? Reach out about a dedicated coaching session and we'll start building your plan together.
Ask about sessionsNot sure where to begin? Take the free executive function assessment to see if coaching could help.
Get in touch
Tell me a little about what you're looking for and I'll get back to you personally. Prefer to reach out directly? Use the details below.
