Jenn Patel
Learning Specialist
Hi, I'm Jenn, a certified Learning Specialist.
I work with college students facing academic challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, and executive functioning.
Through our work, my students learn
time management, organization, study strategies, dealing with procrastination and perfectionism, and more.
what i do
C u r r e n t l y :
I provide weekly, one-on-one learning specialist sessions
(also called ADD/ADHD tutoring or academic coaching),
and teach a college-level course on executive functioning skills
at Fountain House College ReEntry in NYC.
If you'd like to discuss working together, contact me here.
F o r m e r l y :
Throughout 15+ years providing academic support to students in challenging situations, I've served in various Universities and roles, from writing tutor to academic advisor to assistant dean. I recently returned to my roots as a learning specialist, my calling.
A L W A Y S :
My approach is multidisciplinary and grounded in culturally relevant pedagogy and the Freirean/hooks models of education as liberation, freedom, and self-love. I use tools from neuroscience, counseling, positive psychology, and behavioral economics.
My goal is for students to leave our work with skills, confidence, and personalized strategies for getting work done without compromising on physical or mental health.
Therefore, one of the most important parts of my work is helping students cultivate a sustainable relationship to their schoolwork. To do this, we leverage their strengths, build personalized systems for school success, and form healthy "habits of mind".
This leads to academic improvement, and more importantly, to finding satisfaction and meaning in their work.
faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you work with?
I specialize in working with college students in challenging, often high-pressure, situations. This includes students who identify as overachievers struggling with perfectionism and students labeled "at-risk", for a variety of reasons.
-
ADD/ADHD -
anxiety -
depression -
physical conditions -
learning differences
-
Adjustment to college academia after high school -
Succeeding in school amidst demanding priorities (ie: NCAA student-athletes, students who need to perform to keep their academic scholarship) -
Struggles in maintaining self-care "basics" (health, hygeine, isolation, etc.) while in school -
Academic probation -
Returning from a medical/mental health leave of absence (LOA)
What subject areas?
I work with students across a variety of subjects by helping them develop interdisciplinary abilities. We use their current assignments as "labs" in which they learn lifelong skills.
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executive functioning -
time management, including procrastination & prioritization -
study strategies -
critical thinking -
reading comprehension/strategies -
perfectionism -
writing -
communicating with professors
-
essays -
research papers -
capstones/master's thesis papers
What's your academic background?
I also served as an assistant dean of the University Tutorial Program, training peer tutors using the College Reading and Learning Association's accredited curriculum.
What is a Learning Specialist?