Meet Catherine

Catherine Hatch, the YA Success Coach, is a former classroom teacher. With experience in both traditional public and private Montessori settings, Catherine has taught every grade from 6-12 and has a passion for helping teens and young adults become the best versions of themselves.

Through her experience in public schools, Catherine learned about the ways in which many students, particularly those with ADHD, ASD, or others with Executive Functioning difficulties, struggle to find success in a traditional school setting. Seeing these struggles and wanting to help, Catherine sought out a less traditional school model that focused more on individualized education through a Montessori approach. She noticed that even in this supportive setting, many students still struggled to find success.

Her experience in both public and private school settings revealed that the biggest indicators of student success are strong Executive Functioning skills and confidence. Students who could manage their time, stay organized, be self-aware, and believe in themselves did well, and those who needed to grow in those areas struggled. While these attributes come naturally to some, as an educator, Catherine naturally asked: What if I could teach young adults to develop those skills? Thus, the idea for YA Success Coach was born.

In success coaching, clients learn hard skills around organization and time management to build systems that are supportive to their unique needs. They also learn self-awareness and discipline, and discover their strengths, weaknesses, and passions. They learn how to set goals for themselves that are both exciting and achievable. Through this process, they develop their confidence.

Catherine's approach is deeply rooted in Maria Montessori's belief that through meaningful work and development of independence, adolescents become what she called "valorized," meaning they realize their own value and view themselves as capable. Catherine combines her Montessori and traditional educator training with specialized training in Executive Functions coaching in an approach that is individualized, supportive, and centered around empowerment. The goal of her coaching practice is to help every young adult discover their full potential and take ownership of their life and their future.

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a Master of Science degree in Secondary Education, and a Executive Functions Specialist certificate from the Executive Functioning Coach Academy. She also holds a Texas ELAR Teaching Certificate for grades 7-12 and a Montessori Adolescent Guide Certificate from the Prepared Montessorian Institute.