Im so glad you are here!

Welcome to The Learning Collective.

I’m Megan Barnett—Founder & Lead Executive Function Coach at The Learning Collective. I began my journey in 2015 as a tutor and homeschool teacher for neurodivergent children in the small surf town of Nosara, Costa Rica.

Growing up, I struggled with anxiety, perfectionism, and high sensitivity, and often felt out of place within the traditional school system. Living and teaching in Costa Rica inspired me to become the compassionate, thoughtful, and innovative educator I had needed as a child.

Today, I’m the founder of The Learning Collective, where we help neurodivergent students and their families better understand executive function, build practical tools and strategies that work for their unique brains, and develop greater confidence and independence at school.

Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, polyvagal-informed, and trauma-informed, drawing from neuroscience, cognitive diversity, family psychology, and ADHD research.

We specialize in supporting students with ADHD, autism, twice-exceptionality (2e), giftedness, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, depression, PDA, and high sensitivity.

We don't simply coach executive function skills—we help students and parents cultivate the conditions in which executive function can flourish. We recognize that executive function develops within an ecosystem and is influenced by many interconnected factors.

Executive function doesn't develop in isolation. It is shaped by a student's unique strengths, interests, neurodevelopmental profile, nervous system, sensory needs, daily rhythms, sleep, nutrition, technology use, relationships, and learning environments.

That's why we look beyond executive function strategies alone. We design personalized support around the whole student, honoring how they learn best while building on their natural strengths.

We believe meaningful growth also happens through collaboration. We partner with parents, teachers, therapists, physicians, and other members of a student's support team to create an ecosystem where confidence, independence, and executive function can flourish.

Together, we're creating an ecosystem where neurodivergent students can build confidence, strengthen executive function skills, discover how they learn best, and thrive—at school, at home, and beyond.

Credentials

  • Masters of Education in Cognitive Diversity from the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education, with a focus on 2e and ADHD learners. This graduate degree embraces the philosophy of celebrating human cognitive diversity and the belief that education should be strength-based and talent-focused.

  • Trained to recognize cognitive patterns of students with diverse minds (gifted and talented, attention deficit, autism, and specific learning disabilities), understand the importance of identifying, and assessing strengths, talents, and interests and to design learning environments based on theories of strength based, talent focused education.

  • ADDCA is a global leader and pioneer in the specialty arena of ADHD Coach Training and Education. ADDCA is the first and largest comprehensive ADHD Coach Training Program.

  • Studied with Parent Coach Cindy Goldrich (8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD) to guide parents in supporting their child’s Executive Function skills, encouraging independence, resilience, and self-regulation.

  • Trained by the Stephen Porges Polyvagal Institute. Completed the 35 hour Polyvagal Certificate Course: Safety, Connection, and the Human Experience.

  • Completed a training workshop taught by Dr. Eli Lebowitz of the Yale Child Study Center in the methodology of SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).

    Received advanced consultation and training in applying SPACE principles with autistic and neurodivergent teens and young adults, within the SPACE to Grow framework, lead by Dr. Siena Whitham — licensed psychologist, certified SPACE provider, and founder of Grow As You Are.

  • Level 1 Dyslexia Remediation Trained from the Dyslexia Training Institute

Credentials

  • M.Ed. 2012-2014 University of Washington Special Education Teaching Certification

  • University of Washington

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Meet Coach Kenzie

Coach Kenzie is an Executive Function Coach & IEP Specialist with a Master's in Education from the University of Washington and a Special Education Teaching Certificate. Originally from Seattle, she now splits her time between Costa Rica and Denmark, bringing a thoughtful, globally informed perspective to her work with students and families.

Over the years, Kenzie has supported students in public schools, private schools, boarding schools, and remote learning environments, giving her experience working with a wide range of learning profiles and educational settings. She is passionate about helping neurodivergent students build confidence, strengthen executive function skills, and become more independent—always adapting her approach to fit each student's unique strengths, interests, and learning style.

At the heart of Kenzie's work is the belief that strong relationships are the foundation for meaningful learning. She creates a supportive, encouraging environment where students feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and discover the strategies that work best for them. Whether she's helping a student improve organization, develop self-advocacy skills, or navigate school with greater confidence, Kenzie meets each learner with patience, curiosity, and compassion.

Outside of coaching, Kenzie brings her creativity to running a curated vintage and secondhand clothing shop and has a deep love of music. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and fostering puppies. These interests reflect the creativity, curiosity, empathy, and care she brings to her work with students. She believes that every child has unique strengths and that, with the right support and opportunities, every student can thrive.