About
New Agenda Coaching
We are on a mission to empower individuals with executive function challenges.
Our approach is all about transformation-empowering clients to Rise beyond daily frustrations, REFOCUS their energy on when truly matters, and RENEW their sense of purpose and motivation. Through personalized coaching, we provide the tools needed to tackle goals with clarity and resilience.
New Agenda
The Founders
With over 50 years of combined experience, New Agenda's founders, Amie Davies and Maria DelCorso, have crafted a journey to empower clients managing ADHD and executive function challenges.
Amie Davies, M.Ed.
Founder
Amie received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Special Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She is a Virginia-licensed teacher in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities, English, and English as a Second Language. After graduation, Amie taught as a special education teacher in the public school system for 18 years. Over the years, she has worked with students from Kindergarten through 12th grade which has given Amie the insight to create age and developmentally appropriate activities for students of all ages. Amie has experience with a wide range of disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Executive Function Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Other Health Impairment, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia.
After leaving the classroom, Amie worked as a private special education teacher, tutor, and consultant, helping many clients learn strategies and routines that foster greater independence and success. She uses a variety of hands-on, multisensory programs such as Math-U-See, TouchMath, Orton Gillingham Reading and Math, Wilson Reading System, and Step Up to Writing.
While working with students who have executive function challenges, the need for direct instruction in these areas became apparent. Frustrated parents and students were trying to keep up with the demands of an increasing workload in school with no real relief in sight. Students were dependent on their families to keep them on track. This often led to frequent arguments and meltdowns. Students needed to learn the self-regulation skills necessary to monitor their own learning and progress and generalize the skills in a variety of settings. It is with these beliefs that the idea of NEW AGENDA was born. As a collaborative effort, Maria DelCorso and Amie are working in partnership with families to foster independence in clients with executive function challenges.
When she is not working, you will most likely find Amie in the woods on a hiking trail or getting her vitamin-sea at the beach. She is a wife, mom to two grown children, and lover of all animals.
Maria P DelCorso, MA, CCC-SLP
Founder
Maria P. DelCorso, MA, CCC-SLP (Formerly known as Maria P. DelCorso Zanetti) offers more than 30 years of experience and expertise with toddlers, children, youth, and teens, as well as families, through non-profits, university, hospital, school, and early intervention work, as well as her private practice, RVA Pediatric Therapy & Consulting. She takes great pride in her volunteer work to support children, families, and communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
For 20+ years, “Miss Maria” as she is known by the children and families, has practiced in the Richmond, VA community, offering expertise and support to the professional community and families, focusing on the evaluation and treatment of toddlers, children, youth, and teens.
Miss Maria is licensed and nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in speech-language pathology from James Madison University, and her Master’s Degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Northern Colorado. In addition, she has specialized training in developmental pediatrics and neurodevelopmental disabilities through Johns Hopkins University/Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Miss Maria has extensive experience and expertise in working with Executive Function (EF) Disorders through her work with learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and communication disorders with behavioral and mental health needs. In addition, partnering with parents and schools has been an integral component of her work, to guide success for children and their families. As such Miss Maria developed an organizational approach for systems, as well as an instructional approach for learning and strategies, to generate functional meaningful change. Through her work as a pediatric SLP, Miss Maria realized the need for an on-site coaching model to support individuals (students, young adults, families, and seniors) affected by EF challenges during different stages of their lives. NEW AGENDA was created with Amie Davies, with that mission to support a NEW AGENDA for those impacted or challenged in given moments/situations with EF Challenges.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Miss Maria is a mom and ‘Nonna’, who loves spending time with her family. She is also an avid adventurer who has a passion for the outdoors.
New Agenda
The Coaches
Our coaches are specialists in the field of Executive Function. They include professionals with expertise in special education and learning, counseling, and therapy.
Sarah Bristow
Coach
Sarah is a dedicated educator and advocate whose passion for empowering students with disabilities has shaped her career in special education. A proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, complemented by a minor in Sociology. This academic foundation helped to inform her understanding of the diverse needs of her students and the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments.
From the moment she graduated high school, Sarah has devoted herself to serving adults and students with disabilities across a variety of settings. As a licensed Special Education teacher, she holds endorsements in Intellectual Disabilities, Middle School Language Arts, and English as a Second Language. Her commitment to her students is evident in her extensive experience, particularly in a program she helped establish in 2003 for students with Autism participating in the Standards of Learning Curriculum at the secondary level. For 19 years, Sarah worked alongside her students and their families, advocating for their unique needs and ensuring their voices are heard in the educational process. She credits her students as being her greatest educators.
Throughout her career, Sarah has worked intently on creating and implementing tools designed to support the executive functioning needs of her students. Recognizing the barriers that many face, she has dedicated herself to developing strategies that help level the playing field within academic settings. Her collaborative approach with her team has not only enhanced the learning experience for her students but has also made a lasting impact on the broader educational community.
In addition to her role as a language arts educator, Sarah discovered a profound love for teaching Study Skills and Social Skills. She believes that these foundational skills are essential for her students’ success both in and out of the classroom. Her enthusiasm for teaching is infectious, inspiring her students to develop the confidence and resilience they need to navigate their educational journeys.
Throughout her 22+ years career, Sarah and her team have been invited to share their knowledge and experiences in division-wide trainings, furthering the understanding and support of special education needs across the district. Her presentations reflect her passion for inclusive education and her unwavering belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.
With a heart committed to advocacy, Sarah continues to inspire students, families, and fellow educators alike. She remains steadfast in her mission to provide equitable education and prepare her students for successful futures. Sarah now serves as a Coordinator of Special Education and continues to share her knowledge, resources, experiences and advocacy with her students, their families and her department.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, kayaking and hiking. She enjoys the summers off, but lives for the fall weather, changing leaves and onset of winter.
Colette Christianson
Coach
I’m a dedicated educator with a deep focus on executive functioning and literacy development. For over two decades, I’ve supported students across a wide range of learning profiles—helping them build essential skills in organization, planning, task initiation, time management, and working memory, alongside strong foundations in reading, writing, and fluency.
My career has spanned both public schools and private learning centers, where I’ve delivered research-based, individualized instruction grounded in data and student needs. I have experience conducting skill-specific assessments, collaborating with teachers and families, and creating interventions that support academic confidence and independence.
My family has been in Richmond for quite some time, but prior to relocating to “The River City,” I taught in Maryland, Florida and California! I’m trained in structured literacy programs and methodologies and believe that the best teachers are perennial students themselves.
I hold a Master’s in Exceptional Education (K–12) with a K–8 Reading Endorsement from Virginia Commonwealth University and a B.A. in Psychology and minor in Literature from Towson where I completed a semester at Trinity College, Oxford and served as a Teaching Assistant in Behavioral Statistics.
Outside of my professional work, I’m a wife and a proud mom of one exceptional daughter and three energetic (and loud) dogs. I love tennis, music, reading, writing, exploring the outdoors, and traveling. I bring that same curiosity, energy, and joy for learning into everything I do—always aiming to help children grow with confidence, curiosity, and care.
Briana Duclos
Coach
Briana “Bree” Duclos has a bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from the University of California Davis. She has experience leading neurodivergent minds across varying socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures.
Bree understands the struggles that come with ADHD and has seen the life-changing benefits of executive functioning coaching. Through her years of study and personal experience, she tailors her coaching to each individual’s unique strengths and needs, so clients can achieve their goals with confidence and purpose. With an emphasis on self-empowerment and resilience strategies, she creates a non-judgemental space for clients to thrive and grow.
Bree and her husband love to visit Staunton, VA for hiking, fresh air, and wonderful Shakespeare plays. When she is not working, you can find her reading, playing board games, and doing puzzles.
Aaron Dunbar
Coach
Aaron Dunbar received his Bachelor degree in Secondary English Education, Secondary Special Education, and English from Marshall University in 2015, and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech in 2021. Before Aaron began teaching he worked at a daycare for 5 years and a boys home for teenagers. He has worked as a Special Education teacher for 8 years and a Coordinator of Special Education for one year. Aaron has mostly been at the Elementary level working with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Executive Function Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Other Health Impairments. He currently works as a Middle School Special Education teacher in Chesterfield county.
Aaron loves working with students and families to help them find systems that best work so they can be successful at school, work, and at home. He enjoys making things fun, while also being realistic about what is doable day in and day out. TEAM is important to Aaron and making sure that everyone is on the same page is what he is aiming to do as a coach.
In Aaron’s off time, he enjoys being with his wife, daughter, and dog. He finds joy working outside in the yard, working out at the gym, and watching basketball.
Danielle Gibson
Coach
Danielle Gibson holds a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Troy University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adult Education – Curriculum Design and Instructional Technology. She serves as a Transition Specialist, working with high school students to help them develop essential skills for post-secondary education and employment. Danielle teaches self-advocacy, soft skills, social skills, conflict resolution, and teamwork—equipping students with the tools they need to navigate life beyond high school successfully.
With experience supporting individuals across all age groups, Danielle is passionate about creating accessible, inclusive environments that empower people to reach their full potential.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Megan Grim
Coach
Megan has been involved with the neurodiverse community for more than 2 decades: as a counselor, tutor, consultant, program manager, home educator, and social skills group facilitator. While her roles have varied, what has remained the same is her passion for supporting and empowering neurodivergent individuals as they build skills and confidence and ultimately grow to become their own self-advocates. She values active listening and rapport building and believes in the self-determination of every individual, so her coaching sessions are embedded with respect for the client, with supporting their goals as the top priority. She believes that the expectations of society are not always congruent with the neurodivergent experience, so while developing skills for success is important, she also encourages clients to become advocates for themselves and to create (and choose) environments where their needs are valued and accommodated.
Megan has her Master’s Degree in Counseling and has pursued continuing education and postgraduate coursework in the areas of executive function and neurodivergence, as well autism and AD/HD coaching. She values staying abreast of current practices and research in the field, and she brings that knowledge to her work with clients.
She and her family recently moved to Colorado, and they are enjoying getting out into nature every chance they have. Megan loves to hike, create and listen to music, and drink freshly roasted coffee. She has 2 teenagers, a spouse, a dog, and 3 cats, and her family is her top priority and greatest joy.
Susan Kim
Coach
Susan holds a Bachelor’s in Chinese Language and Literature from Middlebury College and a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pennsylvania State University. Before starting her graduate program, she volunteered at an aphasia center and worked at a nonprofit museum, tutoring center, and children’s mental health clinic, gaining insights into diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
Susan began her SLP career with a clinical fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute as a LEND trainee, receiving specialized training in developmental pediatrics and neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has worked as an SLP across four states (MD, MA, SD, VA) in hospitals, outpatient clinics, a specialty school, and early intervention. Additionally, she received ADOS training as part of a multidisciplinary Autism Diagnostic team.
Susan is passionate about alleviating the struggles of neurodivergent individuals, especially regarding executive functioning as supports fade and expectations rise into adulthood. Susan aims to be an empathetic cheerleader for individuals of all ages, helping them see their potential and achieve their goals. Outside of work, Susan loves spending time with her son, husband, and dog. She also enjoys exploring new foods, and learning new languages.
Gwyn Koenig
Coach
Gwyn earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Illinois State University and her Master of Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. She has sixteen years of experience in both the Chicagoland area and Richmond, Virginia as a middle and high school Special Education teacher and athletic coach. Gwyn collaborates with clients to acquire a true understanding of executive function skills with the goal of implementation to promote personal, academic, and social success.
Upon relocation to Virginia from Illinois, Gwyn entered the fitness realm, working with clients to set sustainable routines around exercise and nutrition. During this time, Gwyn developed an affinity for working with the adult demographic. She leveraged executive function skills to assist her clients in recognizing variables that dictate the productiveness of one’s daily functioning.
Gwyn is a mother to three active daughters who share the same love of travel as Gwyn and her husband. At any given moment, they are either planning their next international adventure, driving to and from various sports practices, or pursuing their endless bread and pastry baking endeavors.
Kait Lamontagne
Coach
Kaitlyn (Kait) Lamontagne holds a Master of Science in Childhood and Special Education from St. John Fisher University and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Business Studies from Providence College. She has built her career in higher education student success, specializing in academic coaching, leadership development, and supplemental instruction.
Kait’s higher education experience includes supervision of peer educators and coordination of both Supplemental Instruction and Academic Coaching programs. She works closely with students to develop individualized success plans, focusing on skills such as time management, organization, study strategies, and goal setting. Her approach combines structured skill-building with a supportive, whole-person perspective to help students achieve both academic and personal growth.
With over a decade of experience in academic support and program leadership, Kait has presented at regional and national conferences on learning center best practices and served in key campus leadership roles. Kait is passionate about helping students uncover their strengths, navigate challenges with confidence, and build the executive functioning skills needed for long-term success. She believes that growth comes from embracing challenges as opportunities.
Originally from New York, Kait and her family currently reside in Charleston, SC. Outside of work, Kait enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Leo. They’re happiest on the water, exploring new places, reading a book on the porch, or soaking up the sun at the beach!
Maggie Linden
Coach
Maggie is passionate about helping people reach their full potential. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, and certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she has dedicated her career to understanding behavior and supporting individuals in making meaningful progress.
With over 10 years of work experience rooted in helping people in various capacities, the past six years have been focused on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), where she has helped individuals build essential life skills and improve day-to-day functioning.Maggie has worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Emotional Disorders, using proven strategies to foster confidence, independence, and personal growth.
Maggie believes in an individualized, supportive approach, ensuring that each person she works with feels empowered and motivated. She leads with empathy, kindness, and collaboration,
creating a positive environment for learning and growth.Outside of work, you can find Maggie at a workout class, enjoying a cozy coffee shop, snuggling with her dog Dwight, or soaking up the sun at the beach with her husband.
Abe Saunders
Coach
Abe has more than 15 years’ experience offering integrated success coaching, counseling, mentoring, and training in higher education settings. He earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Ohio State University, a Master’s in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor’s in History from Western Carolina University.
Abe uses a client-centered, strengths-based approach to his coaching practice. Abe uses these coaching modalities to provide space for clients to tap into their internal resources and learn how to lean into challenges with confidence. Abe believes that productive struggle is a predictable part of our growth and self-actualization, and that one of the most important roles an executive function plays is to offer the right blend of challenge and support as individuals work diligently towards their goals.
Abe has extensive experience working with clients on time management and organization, task initiation, goal setting, exploring intrinsic motivation, performance anxiety, managing emotions, and implementing learning and memory strategies. Among other presenting concerns, Abe works with clients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD and other learning differences.
In Abe’s free time, he loves spending time with his family, traveling internationally, concerts and record stores, and spending Saturdays in the Fall cheering on his alma maters.
Lorin Stubblefield
Coach
With over 25 years of experience in education, Lorin brings a deep passion for supporting learners of all abilities. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education from UNC-Greensboro, a Master’s in Special Education from Elon University, and most recently, a Master’s in Literacy Education from The Citadel. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with individuals aged 5 to 21, many of whom face unique learning profiles and executive functioning challenges.
Lorin is especially looking forward to working with clients in a one-on-one setting, where she can focus on meeting their individual needs and helping them thrive. Her approach is rooted in empathy, personalized support, and a strong belief in the potential of every learner.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends in her hometown of Charleston, SC—exploring its rich history, relaxing on the beach, and getting lost in a great novel whenever she can.
Jennifer Swartz
Coach
Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from Virginia Tech. Upon graduating from college, she entered the field of community services, including supported employment, independent living, case management, and in-home supports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. After 8 years in community services, Jennifer entered the world of special education by completing a teacher licensure program at Old Dominion University. She is currently enrolled in a Master of Special Education program with a concentration in autism spectrum disorder.
Jennifer has over 20 years of experience as a teacher of students with disabilities at both the elementary and secondary levels specializing in social skills, coping skills, study skills, math, reading, and writing. Jennifer’s experience includes working with students with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, other health impairments, and emotional disabilities. Jennifer utilizes a whole-person approach to coaching and recognizes that executive functioning challenges affect many aspects of a person’s life.
She is incredibly passionate about helping people develop the social and executive functioning skills needed to succeed. She believes that all challenges are an opportunity for growth and learning.
Outside of school, Jennifer can often be found enjoying camping, hiking, and kayaking. She loves hanging out with her family whether it’s watching a movie or going to a Broadway show. She also relishes quiet time to read and is a big fan of memoirs and autobiographies.
Join the New Agenda Team
Career Options
Are you looking for a career that gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while working flexible hours? New Agenda may be the right fit for you. We are looking for highly qualified coaches to meet the needs of our expanding client base.
