https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1569280347862-6GZM0X7NGVZ4OADKFODW/Canva%2B-%2BSilver%2BMacbook%2BKaren.jpg Blog https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/study-smarter-how-to-turn-learning-science-into-daily-habits monthly 0.5 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/65913c10-330e-4742-84dd-e0c5269036ce/Karen+Resize.jpg Blog - Study Smarter: How to Turn Learning Science into Daily Habits - Hi! I’m Karen Rodriguez. I help people learn how their brain works so they can get their work done. Trained in the Sklar Method, I use executive functioning tools to help high school and college students and professionals stay on track and succeed at their own goals. Do you or your student need help? Schedule a consultation to learn more. https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/why-cant-my-student-just-start-writing-a-conversation-on-procrastination-with-writing-expert-victoria-payne monthly 0.5 2025-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/65913c10-330e-4742-84dd-e0c5269036ce/Karen+Resize.jpg Blog - "Why Can’t My Student Just Start Writing?" A Conversation on Procrastination with Writing Expert Victoria Payne - Hi!, I’m Karen Rodriguez I help people learn how their brain works so they can get their work done. Trained in the Sklar Method, I use executive functioning tools to help high school and college students and professionals stay on track and succeed at their own goals. Do you or your student need help? Schedule a consultation to learn more. https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/now-that-school-has-started-how-students-can-set-themselves-up-for-success monthly 0.5 2025-08-29 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/6-ways-to-help-your-student-start-college-with-strong-executive-functioning-skills monthly 0.5 2025-08-09 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/why-just-saying-no-is-hard-with-adhd monthly 0.5 2025-01-31 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/does-your-teen-struggle-with-executive-functioning-skills-understanding-the-sklar-method monthly 0.5 2024-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1631141517805-4X56DKRUAERXAUBTUURF/unsplash-image-VMPhyAoVqqk.jpg Blog - Understand the Groundbreaking Method for Getting Work Done - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1631113854127-CFVSO1BJZD0DZ6XX1JIT/Karen%2BRodriguez%2BHeadshot%2Bwith%2BBook%2B.jpg Blog - Understand the Groundbreaking Method for Getting Work Done - Karen Rodriguez As a trained executive functioning coach, I use the Sklar Method to help individuals identify absent areas of executive functioning skills, in order to develop new neuropathways. This work ultimately fosters better habits so they can get things done and handle their lives with ease. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1631140789563-PY2J61HA5VCFDLG25HZU/unsplash-image-O33IVNPb0RI.jpg Blog - Understand the Groundbreaking Method for Getting Work Done - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/the-courage-to-live-whole-heartedly monthly 0.5 2021-08-23 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/i5362iarymp34pioaxg3hnbjbeokg4 monthly 0.5 2021-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1631222109614-D2HAXGY5MPQKFDHJ81BT/Karen+Rodriguez+Headshot+with+Book+.PNG Blog - Letting Go of Perfectionism One Step at a Time - Karen Rodriguez I help individuals learn how their brains work, identify executive functioning challenges, and build long-term systems to help them get work done. https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/making-plans-for-after-thinking-through-your-new-year monthly 0.5 2021-01-28 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/how-can-you-transform-your-pain-instead-of-transfer-it monthly 0.5 2020-09-09 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/3-questions-to-ask-about-learning-pods monthly 0.5 2020-09-04 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/what-really-makes-a-habit-stick monthly 0.5 2020-07-15 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/what-is-executive-functioning monthly 0.5 2020-07-13 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/category/habits monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/category/books monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/category/Notes+from+Karen%27s+Desk monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/category/students monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/category/personal+development monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/category/executive+functioning monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/category/brain monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/college monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/education monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/learning+ods monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/personal+development monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/Executive+Functioning monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/Sklar+Method monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/online+learning monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/corona+virus monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/blog/tag/Turning+work+in+on+time monthly 0.5 https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/home-1 daily 1.0 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1569279144007-DS28WTA4MMT1WJZKTM1P/image-asset.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1569279151396-1HH7YC0UI40ELIZFAUIZ/image-asset.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1569279406838-ZIT78MSAXVR28N5EF4OM/image-asset.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1594668505681-KW91NSLJ2JX8BQTIIBCT/image-asset.jpeg Home - Hi, I’m Karen. I help students and individuals get stuff done, manage their time with ease, and learn to exceed even their own expectations. If planning, organization, or studying aren’t you or your child’s strengths, you deserve to know that it’s not your fault—and it’s not theirs either. As a parent of two children with learning differences, I know just how hard it is when your brain processes things differently. It can affect everything from school, to work, to your self-esteem. In the last twenty years, I’ve partnered with learning specialists, teachers, and schools as a tireless advocate and watched as my children discovered their own capability and bottomless potential. As an executive functioning coach, trained in the SKLAR method—a proven system that’s helped thousands of individuals manage time and master tasks—I know you can gain the essential skills to do more than survive school and work but to thrive in all areas of your life. I’ve recently added advanced training in study skills to help students who want to get more out of their study time and improve their grades. My mission is to meet you or your student right where you are and to support you in your unique goals. Together, we can form a plan to define your own success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567801036025-H0XDKUY1KCRIAEJPWX5P/Boxcar+Writing+Labs+logo+hi-res.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567799903733-0U14YM43JFBCIHGGTDBL/executivefunctioningsuccesslogo.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1569279484823-LJQQRE1PNHJH23I9PJZO/unnamed.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567797689561-0MCHIAYDL23VMUCQ6CIW/Canva+-+Karen+Person+Writing+on+the+Notebook.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1631222109614-D2HAXGY5MPQKFDHJ81BT/Karen+Rodriguez+Headshot+with+Book+.PNG Home https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/studentservices daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/2a6ea7e8-6099-4275-aea5-319fc7dcbd77/unsplash-image-gWZfmnDoL_E.jpg Student Services - Think Bright Program | Executive Functioning Support & Skill Maintenance Stay on top of schedules, due dates, and learning gaps with weekly sessions + check ins. Once you or your student have learned the basics, our work moves into a support phase. We’ll dig deeper into understanding how YOUR brain works so you can manage your life better. Bright Minds Coaching also includes mindfulness training to augment your helpful routines and planning skills. Maintaining Helpful Routines • Planning Projects Backward • Identifying Cracks and Skill-Building Around Them • Managing Projects in Real Time • Strategizing Busy Seasons • Building Study or Presentation Skills https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/f9723aa8-1f36-48f4-9652-2649e298e606/unsplash-image-hgFY1mZY-Y0.jpg Student Services - Learning Reboot | Executive Functioning Fundamentals So You Can Plan Ahead, Get Organized, & Finish On Time Our programs run year-round and you can hop in anytime with our executive functioning skills introduction. Get practical tools and learn how your unique brain works so you can sync it with tasks that matter most. This introduction gives you the skills that make learning in school and/or managing your life easier. The Learning Reboot is an intensive that takes place over 3-4 weeks. Once you’re initiated into the Executive Functioning Fundamentals you’re free to take these skills and run with them or join the Think Bright Program (weekly coaching). Planning Tasks • Planning Ahead • Utilizing Planners • Practicing “Future Thinking” • Organizing Backpacks, Planners, and/or Work Stations • Managing Big Projects in Reasonable Steps • Task Initiation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/da397159-61eb-4a04-bb97-99487d37ce04/unsplash-image-s9CC2SKySJM.jpg Student Services - Back to School Jumpstart | Get Ready & Organized for the School Year Take the stress out of back to school and prep like a pro with the Back to School Jumpstart. Over 3-weeks, we’ll focus on organization (backpacks + binders), planning ahead (calendars/planners), mastering online systems (online grading, announcements, or teacher/student communication), time management (due dates + study habits), & healthy routines (prioritizing rest and fun alongside school, homework, extracurriculars, jobs, family, college plans, etc.). Keeping Track of Your Stuff • Better Backpacks • Notebooks that Work • Notetaking • Future Planning • Time Management • Mastering Online Systems • School/Life Balance • Healthy Routines • Homework Habits • Teacher/Student Communication https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/50a7ab2c-26b9-4b98-ac12-f05028ad47c7/unsplash-image-iMwiPZNX3SI.jpg Student Services - Study Bright Program | Get Study Skills that Work + Grades that Prove It Studying doesn’t have to be a drag. I take students through the Anit-Boring approach, developed by a former teacher and educational specialist to give students basic skills in how learning actually works. From there, they understand how to study effectively, get better results on tests, and use this same foundation to thrive as a life-long learner. Beat Procrastination • Retain Key Points with Better Notetaking • Make Studying Fun & Be100% Ready for Tests • Learn Anything, No Matter How Good [or Bad] Your Teacher Is • Stay Motivated & Calm Under Test Pressure • Be Prepped for Finals & Exceed Your Expectations • Create Your Own Study System & Make Every Semester Better than the Last https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/ee69ea5f-d465-4429-9490-9b70d034a101/unsplash-image--2vD8lIhdnw.jpg Student Services - Academic Recovery Coaching | Get Back on Track at School Many hard-working students find themselves in academic crisis at some point in their high school or college education. Missed assignments, failed tests, prolonged absences, unexpected loss, poor study habits, undiagnosed learning disabilities, and mental health challenges, even poor student/teacher fit can all play a role in your student’s academic performance. When students need academic first aid, our work is intensive. It takes a commitment from the student (and support from the family) to do the work necessary to rebound academically. Academic recovery does not equal an aspirational grade; however, it’s my intention to help students and families navigate these tense times and regain as much academic footing as possible. This program has some unique features. Academic recovery students receive priority scheduling, weekly check-ins, and appointment text reminders and parents receive weekly updates. The process begins with a full academic audit of your student’s grades and assignments. Over the course of 8 weeks, we’ll meet regularly to work to regain academic footing and to skill build in your student’s most pressing areas. After 8 weeks, most students benefit from continuing into the Learning Reboot or Think Bright Program. I’ll include my recommendations in your student’s final assessment at the end of the coaching program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567799513598-FQM3NJUMTY3UXMW0SQGY/Karen.jpg Student Services https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/contact daily 0.75 2019-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1571242021099-MQNBUQHP5EC1MYQ17DUC/Karen+Resize.png Schedule A Consultation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567800995827-ID9J2LLA8QM6HDC8OO5G/Canva+-+Karen+Shallow+Focus+Photograph+of+Pendant+Lamp.jpg Schedule A Consultation https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/about daily 0.75 2022-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567799296771-VWWGINTKU7B1OAJLE6PT/image-asset.png About Karen Cook Rodriguez is a graduate of Santa Clara University, trained executive functioning coach, and a Spanish and English speaker. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her family and their labradoodle, Annie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567801660351-Y7NXABXX1FSTLL7H6YO2/image-asset.jpeg About https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/services-1 daily 0.75 2021-07-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567799513598-FQM3NJUMTY3UXMW0SQGY/Karen.jpg Services (Copy) https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/professionals daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1571242021099-MQNBUQHP5EC1MYQ17DUC/Karen+Resize.png Professional Development - Meet Karen Cook Rodriquez I know how much you want to be a successful manager of your own life. In order to do that, you need help gaining skills in organization, planning, and time management. The problem is that even though these skills are expected throughout our education, and later in our careers, they are not overtly taught. And if you have struggled for a long time, it’s very difficult to get out of this hole alone. This perfect storm can leave you feeling overwhelmed and guilt-ridden, even powerless. As a parent of two children with learning differences, I’ve seen firsthand how underdeveloped skills can affect more than productivity and timeliness. Struggling with what specialists call ‘executive functioning’ means battling confidence, resilience, and overall self-worth. As a trained executive functioning coach in the SKLAR method, a proven process that’s equipped thousands of individuals to manage their time successfully, I believe you’re more than capable to utilize these tools and exceed even your own expectations. It takes time and intention to turn small changes into everyday habits, and with curiosity and commitment, you can have the self-understanding you’ve always wanted and all the benefits that come with it. Our work together can transform bad habits into helpful routines, so you can finally experience what it’s like to perform at your highest ability level. It’s my goal to help you do more than survive the rat race but to thrive in every aspect of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1657225165600-6BRMRHS1VXQF1BO5ZVOU/unsplash-image-unRkg2jH1j0.jpg Professional Development - SMALL CHANGES THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE THRIVE AT HOME, WORK, & LIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1567799513598-FQM3NJUMTY3UXMW0SQGY/Karen.jpg Professional Development https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/learningreboot daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/fa1b3e86-b244-4014-adbc-cbe23f6004b4/unsplash-image-6ypOmTNK2FA.jpg Learning Reboot - Learning Reboot | Executive Functioning Fundamentals So You Can Plan Ahead, Get Organized, & Finish On Time Our programs run year-round and you can hop in anytime with our executive functioning skills introduction. Get practical tools and learn how your unique brain works so you can sync it with tasks that matter most. This introduction gives you the skills that make learning in school and/or managing your life easier. The Learning Reboot is an intensive that takes place over 3-4 weeks. Once you’re initiated into the Executive Functioning Fundamentals you’re free to take these skills and run with them or join the Think Bright Program (weekly coaching). Planning Tasks • Planning Ahead • Utilizing Planners • Practicing “Future Thinking” • Organizing Backpacks, Planners, and/or Work Stations • Managing Big Projects in Reasonable Steps • Task Initiation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1656715278098-BDCQ3ESZ3HZ0SY6KSRG1/unsplash-image-NDLLFxTELrU.jpg Learning Reboot https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/back-to-school-jumpstart daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/b3482046-e883-4d32-b9d9-67252428abd3/unsplash-image-Hr6dzqNLzhw.jpg Back to School Jumpstart - BACK TO SCHOOL JUMPSTART | Get Ready and Organized for the School Year Take the stress out of back to school and prep like a pro with the Back to School Jumpstart. Over 3-weeks, we’ll focus on organization (backpacks + binders), planning ahead (calendars/planners), mastering online systems (online grading, announcements, or teacher/student communication), time management (due dates + study habits), & healthy routines (prioritizing rest and fun alongside school, homework, extracurriculars, jobs, family, college plans, etc.). Keeping Track of Your Stuff • Better Backpacks • Notebooks that Work • Notetaking • Future Planning • Time Management • Mastering Online Systems • School/Life Balance • Healthy Routines • Homework Habits • Teacher/Student Communication https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1656715434989-L4TB4JUX9SI07EO4VYZ9/unsplash-image-gWZfmnDoL_E.jpg Back to School Jumpstart https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/learning-reboot-copy daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/d3027d8b-3891-4b21-91f2-fe5c0b19e622/unsplash-image-s9CC2SKySJM.jpg Academic Recovery Coaching - Academic Recovery Coaching | Get Back on Track at School Many hard-working students find themselves in academic crisis at some point in their high school or college education. Missed assignments, failed tests, prolonged absences, unexpected loss, poor study habits, undiagnosed learning disabilities, and mental health challenges, even poor student/teacher fit can all play a role in your student’s academic performance. When students need academic first aid, our work is intensive. It takes a commitment from the student (and support from the family) to do the work necessary to rebound academically. Academic recovery does not equal an aspirational grade; however, it’s my intention to help students and families navigate these tense times and regain as much academic footing as possible. This program has some unique features. Academic recovery students receive priority scheduling, weekly check-ins, and appointment text reminders and parents receive weekly updates. The process begins with a full academic audit of your student’s grades and assignments. Over the course of 8 weeks, we’ll meet regularly to work to regain academic footing and to skill build in your student’s most pressing areas. After 8 weeks, most students benefit from continuing into the Learning Reboot or Think Bright Program. I’ll include my recommendations in your student’s final assessment at the end of the coaching program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1657211635619-8BC6B1GKA2EDRCBSO04P/unsplash-image-PZzbPYP2mTk.jpg Academic Recovery Coaching https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/think-bright-program daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/36833681-e02e-4a08-8edc-883d9b60438e/unsplash-image-IJrIeCs3D4g.jpg Think Bright Program - Think Bright Program | Executive Functioning Coaching, Support, & Skill Maintenance Stay on top of schedules, due dates, and learning gaps with weekly sessions + check ins. Once you or your student have learned the basics, our work moves into a support phase. We’ll dig deeper into understanding how YOUR brain works so you can manage your life better. Bright Minds Coaching also includes mindfulness training to augment your helpful routines and planning skills. Maintaining Helpful Routines • Planning Projects Backward • Identifying Cracks and Skill-Building Around Them • Managing Projects in Real Time • Strategizing Busy Seasons • Building Study or Presentation Skills https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1657212552401-9O45CFC99N48PAX3CXY5/unsplash-image-QrPrQp3pBlc.jpg Think Bright Program https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/study-bright-program daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/553057ff-5f05-4ae0-ab48-e627940c3874/unsplash-image-OeXcIHFwtsM.jpg Study Success Skills - STUDY BRIGHT PROGRAM | Get Study Skills that Work + Grades that Prove It Stay on top of schedules, due dates, and learning gaps with weekly sessions + check ins. Once you or your student have learned the basics, our work moves into a support phase. We’ll dig deeper into understanding how YOUR brain works so you can manage your life better. Bright Minds Coaching also includes mindfulness training to augment your helpful routines and planning skills. Maintaining Helpful Routines • Planning Projects Backward • Identifying Cracks and Skill-Building Around Them • Managing Projects in Real Time • Strategizing Busy Seasons • Building Study or Presentation Skills https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1657213062117-HZGYQ6SRY8GASEZLTGSD/unsplash-image-PZzbPYP2mTk.jpg Study Success Skills https://www.brightmindscoaching.com/personal-development daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/65913c10-330e-4742-84dd-e0c5269036ce/Karen+Resize.jpg Executive Functioning for Personal Development - Meet Karen Cook Rodriguez Karen Cook Rodriguez is a graduate of Santa Clara University, trained executive functioning coach, and a Spanish and English speaker. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her family and their labradoodle, Annie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/3469b9a8-1267-4384-b480-58d0341c08dc/unsplash-image-IiEFmIXZWSw.jpg Executive Functioning for Personal Development - Understand How Your Brain Works & Get it Working for You Get the Everyday Skills You Need to Be Organized, On-Time, and Less Stressed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d72af6ebf67f75912c9c94a/1657641084191-TX37UWYCWPEI2KFWYIY4/unsplash-image-LqKhnDzSF-8.jpg Executive Functioning for Personal Development