Hello! I am Tessa Hesse, Ph.D., founder of Forward Thinking Kids.
I have worked with children with ADHD, Autism, and other neuro-developmental disorders for the last 18 years- it's my true passion! I have extensive training and experience in behavior management, social skills training, executive functioning skills, parent coaching, IEP assistance, and much more.
I have a B.A. degree in psychology from DePaul University, a M.S. degree in child development from the University of California, Davis, where I also earned my doctoral degree in Human Development. My research was focused on both the Autism and ADHD populations.
I am currently offering one-on-one coaching and consultation services in the following areas: executive functioning, behavior management, social skill development, school/teacher consultation, and IEP assistance. Email tessa@forwardthinkingkids.com to find out more!
Executive Functioning
Does your child struggle with homework? Have a hard time keeping track of assignments, materials? Cannot figuring out how to start (and finish!) a big project? Struggle in knowing how to study for exams??
Executive Functioning skills such as organization, planning, time management, working memory and attention (among others) are crucial for academic success, social-emotional development and behavior regulation. As a therapist, I will work with your child (as well as the caregiver) to develop and sharpen executive functioning skills using research-based interventions. Consulting sessions are tailored to the child‘s specific needs, often including assistance with managing and planning homework/assignments, preparing for exams and large projects, and maintaining an organizational system for school and home.
Behavior Management
Do you struggle to successfully manage your child’s unwanted behavior? Oftentimes find yourself yelling, nagging, or constantly asking them to do something only to be met with refusal?
I work with families to develop a positive behavior management system using research-based methods to effectively decrease unwanted behavior and increase positive behavior. I create easy-to-understand action plans that parents implement daily and provide one-on-one coaching and training to tackle problem behaviors in the moment.
Social Skill Training/Coaching
If your child has difficulty making friends and struggles to understand complex social behavior, social skills training and coaching is a great way to help your child navigate the social world. I offer one-on-one social skills instruction using research-based methods to enhance your child’s understanding of social behavior. I also facilitate playdates or hangouts (parent must provide peer, but I can assist) and provide discreet prompting and support for your child as the multifaceted social interactions are taking place in real time.
Dr. Hesse was the first person to suggest that my son Gavin might have ADHD. After being evaluated by his doctor, he was diagnosed with ADHD- Inattentive type. Dr. Hesse helped us navigate his diagnosis, and suggested things we could do at home and school to help him. Gavin is now thriving at school both academically and socially. We are so thankful for Dr. Hesse’s knowledge and experience.
-Parent
When we were at rock bottom and could not imagine life continuing on the downward behavioral spiral- not only for our son, but his behavioral impact on our entire family- Tessa gave us hope. It wasn't just hope that she gave us... she gave us a plan and helped us implement it. She stepped into the classroom and made suggestions that led to positive behavioral and academic outcomes. She supported our son directly, as well as supporting the other members of our family to help it all work! Of course we had to follow her suggestions (and yes she answered all of our questions) to make the plan a success. We are forever grateful for the miracle she worked for our entire family.
-Parent
Tessa provided our family with something we were sorely lacking: hope. As parents to three children with different neurodevelopmental disorders, Tessa listened to our concerns, conducted a thorough assessment of each of the boys needs, came up with individualized plans and continually monitored and assessed progress in executive functioning, social skills, and behavior management. She was with us every step of the way to coach us in how best to support our children. As they have gotten older, Tessa has continued to provide them with support in all areas, and has also advocated for them in contentious IEP meetings. Her passion for this work and her dedication to our family has changed the trajectory of our sons’ lives. We could not recommend her enough.
-Parent
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