About Aliza Starr
Founder of StarrHacks | Executive Functioning Coach & Educational Advocate
Executive functioning coaching and advocacy that builds lasting skills for school and life
The❣️Heart Behind My Work
I’ve always believed that being different isn’t a deficit. As a child, I was bright and curious, but also overwhelmed by procrastination, perfectionism, and an undercurrent of anxiety I could not yet name.
On the outside, I appeared to be doing fine. Inside, I was exhausted.
I was finally diagnosed with ADHD in college, and later with anxiety. The clarity helped, but what truly changed my life was learning to build systems and strategies that worked with my brain, not against it. For the first time, I felt capable, confident, and in control.
When my daughter was born in 2017, everything shifted. She inspires me every day and reminds me why this work matters. Every child deserves to feel seen, understood, and empowered to thrive.
In 2018, I founded StarrHacks so that students who struggle, as I once did, could experience the same transformation: turning challenges into strengths and discovering their full potential.
How My Coaching Process Works
Every assignment is a chance to build skills for school and life.
In my sessions, students don’t just learn strategies. They practice them in real time while completing their own schoolwork. Whether it’s planning a project, preparing for a test, or managing daily assignments, skills are learned through real application.
I guide students closely at first, offering structure and support, and gradually step back as confidence and independence grow.
Parents receive thoughtful updates along the way, so they feel reassured and can clearly see meaningful progress taking shape.
This process creates growth on two levels:
Immediate success: assignments are completed with less stress.
Lasting growth: students build independent systems and confidence they carry forward.
Have questions?
Check FAQs
What I Bring to the Table
With more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals across the U.S. and abroad, I’ve seen how the right support can transform confidence, independence, and possibility.
After graduating from Oberlin College, I left West Hartford, Connecticut, for Beijing, China, where I spent ten years designing educational programs, coaching learners, and leading cross-cultural teams. During that time, my work included:
Coaching students, entrepreneurs, and public figures
Designing individualized programs in schools and businesses
Supporting families navigating learning differences and academic stress
No matter the setting, one pattern stood out. Bright, capable people weren’t struggling because of intelligence. They simply had not yet learned how to manage focus, motivation, or overwhelm.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about wellness, fitness, photography, exploring new cultures, and motherhood. These experiences continue to deepen my understanding of the children and families I support.
My Coaching Approach: Strategy Meets Heart
At StarrHacks, I offer more than skill-building. I provide hands-on coaching that blends structure, mindset, and accountability so students gain both the tools and confidence to move forward.
In private sessions, we focus on:
Planning and organization
Time management and task follow-through
Focus and motivation
Self-regulation and emotional resilience
Executive functioning skills are not just for school. They are the foundation for confidence, resilience, and independence.
We work with real assignments, real routines, and real goals so progress is practical, visible, and lasting. When appropriate, I collaborate directly with teachers and schools to support students across environments.
What Makes This Different
This isn’t tutoring. It’s expert coaching that transforms how students learn, think, and show up.
It helps students better understand themselves, move past overwhelm, and build lasting confidence. It also gives parents the peace of mind that comes from knowing their child is truly seen, supported, and set up for success.
“When students feel understood and supported, everything changes. That is when real learning and growth begin.”
Different Isn’t a Deficit
When children struggle, it is rarely about effort or ability. More often, it means they have not yet been given support that works with how their brain works.
That’s what I’m here for.
Let’s help them rediscover their strengths and move forward with clarity, purpose, and pride.
Let’s talk about what your child needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
You want clarity and confidence as you consider support for your child.
Below are the questions families ask most often, so you can better understand how coaching works and what meaningful progress can look like for your child.
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Tutoring focuses on what to learn in a specific subject.
My coaching focuses on how students learn, plan, and manage themselves across all areas of school.
Instead of reteaching material, I help students build focus, organization, time management, and self-regulation skills they can rely on long after a single assignment or class.
This is not about quick grade boosts. It is about developing independence and confidence that carry forward.
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I primarily work with students ages 10–18, and occasionally younger or college students when it is the right fit.
Coaching is especially helpful for bright, capable students who understand the material but struggle to manage it. They may procrastinate, forget assignments, feel overwhelmed, or shut down under pressure. Many have ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences.
With steady support, students begin to experience small, meaningful wins. Confidence rebuilds. Ownership grows. School starts to feel more manageable again.
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It is completely normal for students to feel unsure at first.
Students do need to participate, but many who are hesitant warm up quickly once they see that coaching is practical and supportive, and not judgmental or lecture-based.
When parents allow me to take the lead, families often notice less tension at home and more ownership from their child.
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Yes. Sessions are active and hands-on.
Students work on real assignments and test preparation while learning how to break down tasks, plan ahead, and follow through.
This allows progress to happen on two levels at once. Work gets done, and executive functioning skills strengthen in real time.
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Parent involvement matters, but it does not mean carrying more of the load.
I provide regular updates and guide the process so you feel informed and supported without having to manage every detail. Students receive steady accountability, and parents can step out of the role of constant reminder.
The goal is to help your child grow in independence while bringing more calm to your family.
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Many families notice encouraging changes within the first few weeks, including less stress and stronger follow-through.
Lasting change takes consistency. Over time, students build durable habits, confidence, and independence that extend well beyond coaching.
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Many students continue with a monthly continuation plan.
Ongoing support provides structure and accountability as skills deepen and independence grows. Families can choose the level of support that feels right.
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Yes. Advocacy and school communication can be added to any coaching plan.
When included, I work directly with teachers and staff to help ensure strategies are supported in the classroom and remain consistent across environments.
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In-person sessions are my preferred approach because many students stay more focused and engaged.
In-person coaching takes place in West Hartford, Connecticut, serving families in surrounding communities. Virtual sessions are available when they are the right fit.
Between sessions, I provide check-ins and accountability so students feel supported throughout the week.
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I don’t bill insurance directly. However, I provide detailed receipts that families may submit for possible reimbursement through out-of-network benefits or HSA/FSA accounts.
While reimbursement isn’t guaranteed, I assist with documentation whenever possible.
Still wondering if this is the right fit?