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What is Thrive?
Thrive Academic Support and Consulting empowers students by recognizing and building on their unique strengths. Taking a holistic approach, we address the ways mental health and executive functioning (EF) challenges can impact a student’s ability to reach their academic potential. Through evidence-based techniques and targeted content learning, we equip students with the tools to develop confidence, independence, and lifelong self-efficacy in academics and beyond. Our goal is to help students cultivate the skills and autonomy needed to navigate their educational journey and daily lives with resilience and joy.
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We specialize in working with neurodivergent students who may experience challenges related to ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, anxiety, or executive functioning difficulties. We also help students without formal diagnoses who struggle with confidence, organization, and/or balancing academic demands with mental well-being.
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Specialized Autism Support
Our team has extensive experience in the identification, assessment, treatment, and program development for individuals on the autism spectrum. We can provide supplemental support to existing ABA services or design and implement a comprehensive, stand-alone program tailored to each learner’s needs. Our work spans home, clinic, and school environments, and includes direct advocacy for IEP accommodations and service coordination. We also offer parent and family training to promote skill generalization, reduce stress, and improve family functioning.
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Our Team & Approach
Thrive instructors are mental health professionals or aspiring mental health professionals, with expertise in cognitive development, academic tutoring, and neurodivergent-affirming practices. We understand that academic success is deeply connected to emotional and cognitive development. By bridging the gap between mental health care and academic support, we provide guidance that enhances learning while fostering self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth.
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Flexible, Community-Based Support
Proudly based in the Bay Area, California, Thrive offers a hybrid service model with sessions available in-home, on-site at local community centers and public libraries, and virtually. This flexibility allows us to meet students where challenges most often occur.
Get to know us
Ryan Shafer
M.S., Ph.D. (c)
Founder, Executive Director & Lead Instructor
Ryan is the Founder and Executive Director of Thrive Academic Support & Consulting, where he leads a mission to support students by addressing the intersection of mental health and academic success. With over 15 years of experience supporting students with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges, Ryan brings expertise in bridging the gap between academic performance and mental health. Drawing from his doctoral training in clinical psychology and his hands-on experience as an executive functioning coach, therapist, and early intervention specialist, Ryan helps students develop personalized assignment tracking systems, improve emotional self-awareness, and apply practical learning strategies they can carry into the school year and beyond. Through Thrive’s holistic, student-centered approach, Ryan equips students with the confidence, organization, and self-efficacy they need to succeed in school and life.
Kristine Gese B.A.
Co-Founder, Operations Director, & Lead Instructor
Kristine is the Co-Founder, Operations Director and a Lead Instructor at Thrive, where she brings over a decade of experience in education and mental health to support students on their unique learning journeys - both in and out of the classroom. With more than 10 years of tutoring experience and over 7 years providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with ASD, Kristine is especially passionate about working with neurodivergent children, including those on the autism spectrum. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University, Kristine is training to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. She plans to specialize in supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and their families through life’s challenges, helping them move toward greater fulfillment and emotional well-being. At Thrive, Kristine integrates her clinical training into her work with students by nurturing the whole person and not just the academic learner. She focuses on building identity, self-confidence, communication, and self-advocacy skills, creating a foundation for both personal growth and academic success. Her approach blends structure with playfulness, ensuring that each student feels safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Our Services
Review our services to see which may be the best fit for you and your child's needs. Send us a message below for more information!
Initial Consultation
Take the first step toward helping your child thrive with a 15-30 minute phone consult to determine fit and answer questions.
Ongoing Tutoring Support
Regular, one on one, individualized academic tutoring sessions tailored to the student's needs, focusing on content mastery, executive functioning skills, and emotional well-being. Duration and frequency of sessions depends on you and your child's needs.
Basic Screening Package
A quick, high-level overview of a student’s strengths and challenges using 1–2 targeted screening tools. Includes a summary report with results and actionable recommendations. Ideal for families seeking a focused snapshot of specific concerns.
Comprehensive Assessment Package
A detailed evaluation across multiple domains (including mood/mental health, executive functioning, and academic skills) to create a holistic profile of the student. Includes a comprehensive report upon completion and consultation meeting to review results. Best for initial IEP/504 planning, academic intervention design, or understanding complex students.
Additional Consulting Services
Consulting for ABA programs
Parent Workshops & Webinars
Assessment Follow-Up Sessions
IEP Review
Executive Functioning (EF) Skills Group
This multi-week summer skills group supports children by providing tools, strategies, and guidance to help their child build skills like organization, focus, and self-regulation that will easily applied during the school year.
*Prices may vary at discretion of Thrive instructors
Complimentary
Starting at $120 per hour
Starting at $400*
Inquire for pricing*
Inquire for pricing*
Inquire for pricing*
What is executive functioning (EF)?
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EF is the brain’s ability to plan, focus, and
control behavior.
Hear from parents of thriving students...
Get in Touch
Please fill out this inquiry form to send us a message!
413-478-4675
operations@thriveacademicsupport.org
Resources
COMING SOON!!
Exciting news! For a limited time, all Thrive students will receive free access to Chom Chom, a newly designed gamified platform packed with interactive storytelling games designed to support your child's emotional intelligence and develop EF skills. Inquire for more details!