Meet our Team
Kristen Jacobsen, M.S., CCC/SLP
Co-Director
Kristen is Co-Director of Cognitive Connections and co-developer of the practice's signature executive function frameworks, including STOP, Get Ready•Do•Done, and 360 Thinking™. She is an expert in speech and language and executive function evaluations and brings extensive clinical and consultation experience to her work with students, families, and schools. Kristen presents nationally and internationally on executive function instruction.
Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP
Co-Director
Sarah is an internationally recognized expert in executive function with over 30 years of clinical experience. She has trained professionals in more than 2,000 schools worldwide and is the co-developer of the STOP, Get Ready•Do•Done, and 360 Thinking™ frameworks. She coaches elementary school through adult clients.
Amy Annable, M.Ed.
Clinician
Amy brings a deep educator's perspective to her executive function coaching work, drawing on her M.Ed. and classroom experience to help students translate strategies into real academic outcomes. She coaches students via telehealth and supports families in building sustainable home routines.
Emily Lesher, M.S., CCC/SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist, Executive Function Coach
Emily combines her speech-language pathology training with executive function coaching to support students whose language and EF needs intersect. She works with students via telehealth, helping them strengthen the planning, organization, and self-regulation skills that drive independence at school and at home.
Caitlin LaRussa, OT
Occupational Therapist
Caitlin brings an occupational therapy lens to executive function coaching, focusing on the sensory, motor, and self-regulation foundations that support attention, planning, and follow-through. She works with students via telehealth to build the daily routines and strategies that make schoolwork and life feel more manageable.