
EP 277: From Professor to Coach: Helping Teens Thrive Beyond High School
What makes Krisler Bailey with Coaching with Krisler LLC a good neighbor?
Executive function coaching has emerged as a crucial support system for students transitioning from high school to college, and Professor Krisler Bailey is at the forefront of this important work. With 23 years of experience as a sociology professor, Krisler has witnessed firsthand the struggles freshmen and sophomores face when adapting to college life. These observations led her to launch Coaching with Krisler, an executive function coaching service specifically designed for teens and young adults navigating life’s major transitions.
Executive function skills—the mental processes that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, manage time, and self-regulate—are essential for success in higher education and everyday life. A common misconception Krisler often encounters is that these skills only matter during the academic year. In reality, executive functioning plays a role in nearly every daily task, from deciding what to eat for dinner to managing a personal schedule. That’s why Krisler believes summer is the perfect time for students to build and strengthen these abilities without the pressure of academic deadlines.
Another myth Krisler aims to debunk is that executive function challenges only affect individuals with ADHD or other diagnoses. In truth, everyone uses these skills—regardless of neurological makeup—and everyone has strengths and gaps. Her inclusive, universal approach makes executive function coaching accessible to a wide range of students, reducing stigma and opening the door for more young people to seek support.
Krisler primarily works with older teens (ages 16–18) and young adults preparing for or currently navigating college. Many of her clients are high school juniors and seniors preparing to launch into independence. While parents often initiate the conversation with Coaching with Krisler, Krisler ensures that students are part of the decision from the beginning. She meets with both parents and students during the initial consultation, emphasizing that lasting results depend on student engagement and buy-in. Her process balances parental involvement with student autonomy—supporting the whole family while respecting the independence of young adults.
The heart behind Coaching with Krisler is deeply personal. Krisler reflects on her own challenges as a college student, even with the advantage of coming from a college-educated family. She often says she wishes she’d had a mentor during that time, someone who could’ve helped her navigate the unknowns. Combined with her extensive teaching experience across two-year and four-year institutions—both public and private, online and in-person—Krisler has seen time and again that students of all backgrounds struggle to adapt to higher education. These shared struggles transcend race, income, and academic pedigree, underscoring the universal need for accessible support.
Most importantly, Coaching with Krisler provides a safe, judgment-free space where students can speak freely without fear of criticism or parental reporting. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of her coaching, building trust and encouraging honest conversations (barring health or safety concerns). Her combination of expertise and empathy allows students to not only build critical life skills but also feel validated in their experiences. By meeting students where they are—academically, emotionally, and developmentally—Krisler helps them gain the confidence and tools they need to move forward with clarity and purpose.
In a time when many young people feel overwhelmed by expectations and unsure how to take the next step, Coaching with Krisler offers practical, compassionate support—reminding students that with the right guidance, thriving is within reach.
To learn more about Coaching with Krisler LLC, go to:
coachingwithkrisler.com
Coaching with Krisler LLC
Phone: +1 (972) 697-8621