Who We Are
We translate our corporate leadership and learning expertise into a Success Path that empowers middle school and 9th grade students to become independent self-leaders
About Beyond the Classroom
We are experts in executive function, passionate about preparing young adults with the habits, practices, and mindsets they need to live independently and confidently
We enable students to become effective self-leaders, equipped with the skills they need to work smarter (not harder!) to live better
We empower students and families to set goals, take control, and achieve the art of the possible today and for the future
Our Values
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Impact
We create real, positive, lasting change for students and their families
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Growth
We believe everyone has the power to become an independent self-leader
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Balance
We advocate for students to work smarter to live better, more balanced lives
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Authenticity
We honor and respect every individual for who they uniquely are
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Integrity
We do what we promise, aligned with our values
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Partnership
We believe that when we work together, anything is possible
Meet our Founder, Jen Zacharias
IT WASN’T LIKE I ACTUALLY WANTED TO LEARN EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AS A 12-YEAR-OLD.
My mother enrolled me in a study skills program in 6th grade and, eyes rolling, I descended into the basement of an extremely disciplined tutor who overlooked my resistance. During our weekly sessions, she taught me skills ranging from how to take notes and organize my files, to how to study for exams, to how to represent myself through the quality of my work…all skills whose future value I could not have known at the time.
High school came soon enough, and I realized the gift of my mom’s foresight. College followed fast, and by then it was clear: Mastering the art of HOW to learn was just as critical as the content I was learning. I landed a job at a top-tier global consulting firm, and I knew that I owed much of my early success to the lessons learned in that tutor’s basement.
My study in applying executive function grew throughout my career as I worked in the high-intensity worlds of management consulting and brand management. Most recently, I served as the Head of North America Consultant Onboarding at the Boston Consulting Group where I oversaw the new hire curriculum that taught the skills, approach, and mindset needed for success in the demanding consultant role.
My purpose is simple: To take the skills I have learned in my 20+ year career to enable young adults to become independent self-leaders in the classroom and beyond, preparing them for the practicalities and demands of adulthood.
I reside in Elmhurst, Illinois, with my husband, two sons, and a loveable Havanese pup. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame and earned my MBA at INSEAD in France and Singapore. I am also a certified executive coach through the Hudson Institute of Coaching in Santa Barbara, California.
I hope to have the opportunity to bring my passion and expertise to your family!
Meet our Coaches
Leanne Rider, Lead Coach
Hello! My name is Leanne Rider and I have been teaching at Field Elementary School in Elmhurst, IL for 16 years. I received my BA in Elementary Education with a Middle School endorsement from Elmhurst University. I received my MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. I am also endorsed to teach Gifted Education and Middle School Math, Language Arts and Social Studies.
I have been teaching gifted and talented students for the past 12 years. My 4 years prior to that were spent teaching 5th grade. Both of these positions have required the teaching of executive functioning skills. From managing long-term projects to preparing students for middle school and everything in between, I strongly believe that organization is the key to success!
On a personal level, I use executive functioning skills on a daily basis to manage all areas of my life. They help me prioritize and ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner, turning any situation into a well-oiled machine. This helps me find more free time to do the things I enjoy!
At Beyond the Classroom, we will help you do the same - prioritize the required tasks in your life so YOU are able to find more time for the activities you enjoy. I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning more about you during our weekly coaching sessions!
Susan O’Leary, Lead Coach
With over 30 years of teaching experience in both private and public schools, my most recent experience was in Elmhurst Public Schools as a Teacher of Gifted & Talented math and language arts. Additionally, I worked for the University of Illinois TIMS program, Teaching Integrated Math & Science, as a Field Test Teacher and also as a Consultant for the University of Chicago Math Project.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and a Masters Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science Education from Concordia University River Forest. I have taken a number of post graduate classes, seminars, and continuing education classes re: executive functioning and the brain.
Originally from River Forest, I have two daughters who I raised in Elmhurst, Illinois. Recently retired, I am thrilled to share my expertise, guiding each student to become the best version of themselves in the academic setting and beyond.
I look forward to working with you through Beyond the Classroom!