Im so glad you are here!

Welcome to The Learning Collective.

I’m Megan Barnett—Founder and 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 and create personalized strategies that build confidence and independence.

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, concussions, and high sensitivity.

What sets our work apart is that we don't simply coach executive function skills—we cultivate the conditions in which executive function can flourish. We take a holistic, whole-child approach, recognizing that executive function is shaped by far more than strategies alone.

By considering each student's strengths, interests, neuropsychological profile, nervous system, sensory needs, daily rhythms, home and school environments, relationships, and unique learning style, we develop personalized supports that honor the way they learn best. Together with parents, teachers, therapists, and other members of a student's support team, we create an ecosystem where meaningful growth becomes possible.

As The Learning Collective has grown, I've been intentional about growing thoughtfully. That's why I was excited to welcome Coach Kenzie to the team as an Executive Function Coach and IEP Specialist.

Kenzie has been trained in The Learning Collective's strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and nervous system-informed approach. Whether families work with me or with Kenzie, every student receives individualized support tailored to their unique strengths, learning profile, and goals.

Our goal is to collaborate closely to provide consistent, personalized support for every family and help neurodivergent students thrive in school 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 enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and fostering puppies, a reflection of the same 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.