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the ultimate educational experience
ABOUT ACADEMIC INDEPENDENCE
COACHING
At AI COACHING, we work to put together brain-based strategies of the highest efficiency and effectiveness, bringing to life the most holistic approach to education, as well as the insight and support you need to produce classrooms full of empowered students.
meet the team
lauren Price
Lauren Price, M.Ed., is the director of Academic Independence Coaching, an educational consulting firm that specializes in professional development for educators using self-regulated learning and brain-friendly methods. Lauren was inspired to study self-regulation after watching her brother struggle with dyslexia and ADHD. He tried working with tutor after tutor, but only overcame his challenges when he took responsibility for his own academic independence. She aims to help every student achieve an “aha!” moment that will help him or her become a truly self-regulated learner. After working directly with students one-on-one for almost 2 decades, she founded Academic Independence Coaching to promote research-based, evidence-generated methods in the classroom. Training one teacher is a powerful way to equip more students with the proper tools for success.
Lauren holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Houston with a focus on self-regulated learning. She learned under Dr. Christopher Wolters, a leader in the field who conducted empirical studies at UH into students' self-regulation practices and academic achievement. Lauren's most recent achievement has been the creation of a digital planner and tracker tool that empowers students to be academically independent.
Jen verdugo
Jennifer Wilborn-Verdugo is focused on helping teachers and schools empower students to take ownership of their learning. Jennifer began working as a tutor as early as first grade, continued to tutor at the college level with student-athletes, and pursued tutoring professionally after graduating with honors from Texas A&M University. Jennifer transitioned into an administrative and training role as Associate Director when Academic Independence was founded in 2013. Her ultimate passion is training educators on research-based methods to equip students for success. Moreover, Jennifer manages client relationships for Academic Independence Coaching as well as G.A.M.E. Plan implementation.
Julie hudek
Julie Raye Hudek is a graduate of the University of Texas, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Spanish Teaching. After working as a Spanish teacher and staff trainer at Lamar High School, Julie began working as a Spanish, English, and History tutor for Academic Independence. Through her work with students both in the classroom and one-on-one, Julie realized that utilizing the principles of self-regulation and brain-friendly learning methods was just as important as the content being taught; as such, Julie was inspired to work more extensively with educators to bring classroom teaching to the next level with the latest in brain science and learning research. As Lead Executive Trainer for Academic Independence Coaching, Julie enjoys connecting with teachers to solve the complex problems of the modern classroom. In her spare time, Julie loves to practice yoga and spend time with her husband, baby boy, and silver lab.