Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Ann Finley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lisa Ann, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For nearly 15 years, I was a full-time classroom teacher. Over time, I became increasingly frustrated by the limitations placed on teachers. There were so many constraints that prevented me from giving students what I knew they truly needed, especially those who, like me, faced challenges like ADHD and/or struggled with math, organization or study skills. I’ve lived that experience, and I understood these students on a deeper level, which made me effective in supporting them.
At one point, my boss encouraged me to share my own ADHD story with my students. It made a big impact—students and parents appreciated my openness. But then, my boss reprimanded me for disclosing this personal detail. That experience was a turning point for me. I realized that the classroom wasn’t where I could make the kind of difference I wanted.
I considered stepping away from education altogether. I applied for other jobs outside of the field and even received offers. But none of them sparked any excitement in me. That’s when I began to reflect on what I was truly good at: helping kids who think and learn differently. That’s how I found the courage to start my own business as a Holistic NeuroGrowth Learning Success coach, focusing on executive functions, ADHD, and study skills. Now, I can give students the personalized support they need to thrive, not just in the classroom but in life.
But this journey hasn’t just been about my students—it’s also about my family. I’m the mother of two special needs children, and this work has given me the flexibility to support them in a much more effective way. Being a mother is my first and most important purpose, and now I can be there for my children in ways that I couldn’t before.
Looking back, I see how all these experiences—my personal struggles, my classroom years, and my journey as a mother—led me here. I found my purpose in helping children, both in my home and in my work, find their own path to success. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a Holistic NeuroGrowth Life and Learning Success Coach, I work primarily with middle school students in one-on-one and small group sessions, mostly virtually. My approach centers on identifying each student’s unique strengths—what I like to call their “superpowers”—and the gaps they may have in their learning. Together, we harness these superpowers to fill in those gaps, creating a personalized path to success.
What excites me most about my work is the collaborative process. Sometimes our focus is on developing a positive mindset, while other times, we dive into skill-based learning or specific content areas. One of the core strategies I use is the Meta-Learning DeStress Method, which teaches students how to learn without anxiety, empowering them to embrace their learning journey and build confidence.
In addition to my coaching, I occasionally offer short-term workshops and classes on various topics, including science, math, executive functions, and study skills. These sessions provide an engaging way for students to deepen their understanding while developing essential skills.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce a new workshop series for parents focused on practical strategies for supporting neurodiverse learners.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Self-Belief: I had to believe in myself. This often meant being selective about who I shared my business ideas with—there were certain people who didn’t believe in me, and their doubts could have influenced my own. I needed to get into alignment with my values and purpose, allowing them to guide my decisions. For anyone starting out, I recommend surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who uplift and encourage you. Seek out mentors or communities that recognize your potential, helping you cultivate that belief within yourself.
2. Clarity of Vision: Having a clear vision of what I wanted my professional and personal life to be was crucial. This vision served as my guiding star, helping me make decisions aligned with my goals and values. I recommend taking the time to articulate your own vision, writing it down, and revisiting it regularly to ensure you stay on track.
3. Resourcefulness and Time Management: Finally, the combination of resourcefulness and time management has been essential in navigating my journey. As both a small business owner and a single parent, I frequently encounter challenges that require creative solutions while balancing multiple responsibilities. For instance, I had to try several different calendar and organization systems before finding one that truly worked for me. Streamlining the onboarding process for new clients and managing the business side of things became essential so I could spend more time focusing on what I enjoy— spending time with my children and helping my students.
I encourage others to develop these skills by setting clear priorities, creating structured routines, and remaining open to innovative problem-solving approaches.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is an upper elementary or middle school student who is struggling in school, but the reasons behind their challenges aren’t always clear. These students don’t just need a tutor for specific subjects; they require support in becoming confident, independent learners. Often, they need help establishing effective organization and time management skills to complete tasks, but they may not know how to implement these strategies on their own.
Typically, their parents have explored various options and interventions but are still puzzled about why certain aspects of school are difficult for their child. My goal is to work with these students to identify their unique learning styles and develop the tools and confidence they need to succeed academically and personally, including the organization and time management skills essential for navigating their educational journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pathways2potential.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa143/
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