A Powerful Coaching Team

We know ADHD and its impact on college life.

We know the staff working in your school’s support structures, and we’ll help you connect with them.

And we can’t wait to get to know you!

Meet the Coaches

Threshold Coaches are local to the areas we serve.  We are connected to the support staff on campus as well as the care providers in the surrounding community.  Our coaches meet students on or near campus which is not only convenient, but supports the development of meaningful connection with them. We deeply value the strengths our students bring with them and strive to provide a balance of empathy and accountability in all our coaching relationships.

Cindy Palmer, Founder of Threshold Coaches
  • Cindy is the owner and founder of Threshold Coaches. Her journey to this position began over 25 years ago when she was hired as the Freshmen Transition Coordinator in a high school with especially low graduation rates. Her job: “create a sense of belonging and keep ‘em here.” This role set her on a life trajectory, exploring both academic and therapeutic settings for teens and young adults.

    Cindy has been a high school Biology teacher as well as a therapist for adolescents and young adults. In 2014, she combined her love for both these realms and founded STEM Tutoring. In this role, she has been training and mentoring her tutoring staff on the art of connection, research based study skills, and the world of neurodivergence, especially ADHD and Dyscalculia.

    And now for her most recent endeavor: Threshold Coaches. With the explosion of executive function coaching for students with ADHD, Cindy found that the one area with the least support was in the transition to college. Cindy believes that the college leap is a big one- for both students and their parents, and she is thrilled to support this experience and offer hope for students navigating their ADHD in the college setting. Cindy is continuously researching better ways to coach her students. She is a member of the ADHD Coaches Organization and actively participates in continuing education on all things ADHD.

    Cindy is the proud mom of two emerging adults, both immersed in the unfolding of the college process as well. She’s in it, living this adventure as a parent. When free, you might find her running or hiking the trails here in Bellingham, attempting to capture the perfect photo, or eating a really good meal- as long as someone else cooks it.

  • Emma is a Western Washington University alum and former employee with 7 years of experience coaching college students in academic writing, researching, and general study skills. As a previous student (both undergraduate and graduate studies) and employee of Western, Emma was involved with WWU for a total of 12 years and is intimately familiar with campus resources. She can connect students to support they didn’t even know existed!

    As a research, writing, and study skills tutor, Emma focused on supporting students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, dyslexia and other learning differences. She brings a strong foundation in learning theories, educational equity, and accessibility from her Master’s in Adult and Higher Education. She wants every student to recognize their strengths, especially when so many students are only told about what they’re doing wrong. She knows that learning can look different for every student and celebrates successes that others might miss.

    Outside of work, Emma enjoys baking, reading, and relaxing in her hammock on warm summer days (some of her favorite hammock trees are on Western’s campus, so you may see her bright green hammock if you know where to look).

  • Morann has been working in K-12 and higher education in Washington State for over 20 years and has spent the last nine years of her career working for Washington State University’s Pullman campus as an academic advisor. Through this work especially, Morann has found her ‘professional happy place’ amongst young adults who are working through the challenging life stage of emerging adulthood. She believes that relationships and connections are key, and considers herself well connected to the abundant academic, social, and wellness resources in the WSU and Pullman communities. She takes great pride in being an alumnus of WSU and helping students understand how to utilize their learning strengths and challenges within the academic structure of a university. She truly enjoys supporting humans as they grow, realize their potential, and work toward their academic and life goals.   

    As a first-generation college student and a life-long learner, Morann earned both of her degrees and a teaching certificate from WSU (Go Cougs!).  Her undergraduate degree in Human Development and master’s degree in Educational Leadership have guided her toward life experiences where compassion and empathy for learners is a cornerstone of the work. Every person has a unique way of learning, and she believes that this uniqueness should be promoted and celebrated!

    The rest of Morann’s life consists of enjoying the roller coaster ride of parenting three children with varying levels of ADHD! She lives in Pullman with her husband, children, and dogs, and you will find her volunteering all around that small town. She also enjoys camping with her family, tilling around in garden soil, all things wellness, and devouring audiobooks at a break-neck pace.

  • Stephanie has been working with students in the field of education for almost 20 years and has loved every minute of it! As an English, AVID, and leadership teacher with a background in school psychology, she prioritizes meeting young people where they are and helping them find and use their unique voice and inner strength to empower themselves and others. In addition to her current ADHD coaching work, Stephanie served in an academic coaching role as an instructor in the AVID program, which focuses on teaching skills to students who have the potential to thrive in rigorous courses and in college but need extra support. 

    Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Idaho and a bachelor’s degree in English teaching as well as a master’s degree in school psychology from the University of Montana. Her passion is continually learning, especially building her knowledge base regarding neurodivergent thinking and mental health. 

    As someone who moved around a lot as a young person and had to navigate different educational and life transitions, Stephanie understands the inherent challenges involved in college life and emerging adulthood. She wholeheartedly believes in each individual’s ability to reflect, gain self-awareness, try new things, and reach their goals. She brings a combination of authenticity, empathy, curiosity, and encouragement to her interactions with all students to help them become their own best advocate and agent of change, ultimately empowering them in their learning and life.

    When not engaged in work, Stephanie loves spending time with her amazing husband, two lively and hilarious teenage sons, and sweet rescue puppy. They can be found immersed in the local Bham scene, out walking or hiking, or curled up on the couch watching a comedy series together at their home in the woods.

  • Gretchen is a Montana State University alum, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Go Bobcats! She has worked in education for a total of 15 years, both in the classroom and in educational leadership positions. Gretchen has been serving students and families in a variety of educational areas, including special education, high school transition planning, literacy intervention, educational coaching, and as a multi-tiered systems of support coordinator. Gretchen brings a strong foundation in supporting students with ADHD, dyslexia, and learning differences. She also has extensive experience connecting students and families with educational and community resources and supports, specifically during the transition from high school to early adulthood.

    Gretchen finds tremendous joy in collaborating with students, families and community resources in order to support individual students in achieving personal and academic success. Her goal with every client is to build independence and self confidence in the college setting. Gretchen understands every student and experience is unique, and she has great respect for individual differences and learning styles. Gretchen herself loves to learn and is always expanding her “toolbox” in order to best serve each student she has the honor of working with. She holds Bachelors degrees in Business Marketing, Spanish Teaching, and a certification in Special Education. She also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and achieved National Board Certification in Exceptional Needs.

    Outside of work, you can find Gretchen spending time with her family, which includes two young, adventurous boys. She is passionate about skiing, mountain biking, trail running, and white water rafting. Any spare moment is spent outside in the beautiful Bozeman area!

  • Justin is an educator with nine years of experience working with neurodiverse students, across various settings. His current role is at a technical trade school specializing in teaching and supporting struggling students.  Justin is committed to fostering academic and personal growth among diverse learners, including those with ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

    His professional journey includes roles in public schools, special education, and career coaching. Additionally, Justin has been actively involved in community career promotion for adults with disabilities, supporting individuals at different stages of their educational and professional lives.

    Justin earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He completed his graduate degree in Special Education at Arizona State University and is poised to pursue a Doctorate in Behavioral Health, further strengthening his ability to make impactful contributions in the field of education and behavioral health.

    He lives in Post Falls with his wife and cat. On the weekend, Justin and his family are usually enjoying a variety of outdoor activities including: hiking, camping, snow sports and lake days. Recently, he has been pursuing the art of coffee making.

Meet the Coaches

Threshold Coaches are local Bellingham-based coaches.  We meet our students on or near campus, which is not only convenient but supports the development of meaningful connection with them. We deeply value our students and the strengths they bring with them.  We strive to provide a balance of empathy and accountability in all our coaching relationships.  Between us, we have 50 + years (yes 50!) supporting student learning.

Cindy Palmer, Founder of Threshold Coaches
  • Cindy is the owner and founder of Threshold Coaches. Her journey to this position began over 25 years ago when she was hired as the Freshmen Transition Coordinator in a high school with especially low graduation rates. Her job: “create a sense of belonging and keep ‘em here.” This role set her on a life trajectory, exploring both academic and therapeutic settings for teens and young adults.

    Cindy has been a high school Biology teacher as well as a therapist for adolescents and young adults. In 2014, she combined her love for both these realms and founded STEM Tutoring. In this role, she has been training and mentoring her tutoring staff on the art of connection, research based study skills, and the world of neurodivergence, especially ADHD and Dyscalculia.

    And now for her most recent endeavor: Threshold Coaches. With the explosion of executive function coaching for students with ADHD, Cindy found that the one area with the least support was in the transition to college. Cindy believes that the college leap is a big one- for both students and their parents, and she is thrilled to support this experience and offer hope for students navigating their ADHD in the college setting. Cindy is continuously researching better ways to coach her students. She is a member of the ADHD Coaches Organization and actively participates in continuing education on all things ADHD.

    Cindy is the proud mom of two emerging adults, both immersed in the unfolding of the college process as well. She’s in it, living this adventure as a parent. When free, you might find her running or hiking the trails here in Bellingham, attempting to capture the perfect photo, or eating a really good meal- as long as someone else cooks it.

Gretchen Burlingham
  • Emma is a Western Washington University alum and former employee with 7 years of experience coaching college students in academic writing, researching, and general study skills. As a previous student (both undergraduate and graduate studies) and employee of Western, Emma was involved with WWU for a total of 12 years and is intimately familiar with campus resources. She can connect students to support they didn’t even know existed!

    As a research, writing, and study skills tutor, Emma focused on supporting students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, dyslexia and other learning differences. She brings a strong foundation in learning theories, educational equity, and accessibility from her Master’s in Adult and Higher Education. She wants every student to recognize their strengths, especially when so many students are only told about what they’re doing wrong. She knows that learning can look different for every student and celebrates successes that others might miss.

    Outside of work, Emma enjoys baking, reading, and relaxing in her hammock on warm summer days (some of her favorite hammock trees are on Western’s campus, so you may see her bright green hammock if you know where to look).

  • Morann has been working in K-12 and higher education in Washington State for over 20 years and has spent the last nine years of her career working for Washington State University’s Pullman campus as an academic advisor. Through this work especially, Morann has found her ‘professional happy place’ amongst young adults who are working through the challenging life stage of emerging adulthood. She believes that relationships and connections are key, and considers herself well connected to the abundant academic, social, and wellness resources in the WSU and Pullman communities. She takes great pride in being an alumnus of WSU and helping students understand how to utilize their learning strengths and challenges within the academic structure of a university. She truly enjoys supporting humans as they grow, realize their potential, and work toward their academic and life goals.   

    As a first-generation college student and a life-long learner, Morann earned both of her degrees and a teaching certificate from WSU (Go Cougs!).  Her undergraduate degree in Human Development and master’s degree in Educational Leadership have guided her toward life experiences where compassion and empathy for learners is a cornerstone of the work. Every person has a unique way of learning, and she believes that this uniqueness should be promoted and celebrated!

    The rest of Morann’s life consists of enjoying the roller coaster ride of parenting three children with varying levels of ADHD! She lives in Pullman with her husband, children, and dogs, and you will find her volunteering all around that small town. She also enjoys camping with her family, tilling around in garden soil, all things wellness, and devouring audiobooks at a break-neck pace.

  • Gretchen is a Montana State University alum, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Go Bobcats! She has worked in education for a total of 15 years, both in the classroom and in educational leadership positions. Gretchen has been serving students and families in a variety of educational areas, including special education, high school transition planning, literacy intervention, educational coaching, and as a multi-tiered systems of support coordinator. Gretchen brings a strong foundation in supporting students with ADHD, dyslexia, and learning differences. She also has extensive experience connecting students and families with educational and community resources and supports, specifically during the transition from high school to early adulthood.

    Gretchen finds tremendous joy in collaborating with students, families and community resources in order to support individual students in achieving personal and academic success. Her goal with every client is to build independence and self confidence in the college setting. Gretchen understands every student and experience is unique, and she has great respect for individual differences and learning styles. Gretchen herself loves to learn and is always expanding her “toolbox” in order to best serve each student she has the honor of working with. She holds Bachelors degrees in Business Marketing, Spanish Teaching, and a certification in Special Education. She also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and achieved National Board Certification in Exceptional Needs.

    Outside of work, you can find Gretchen spending time with her family, which includes two young, adventurous boys. She is passionate about skiing, mountain biking, trail running, and white water rafting. Any spare moment is spent outside in the beautiful Bozeman area!

  • Justin is an educator with nine years of experience working with neurodiverse students, across various settings. His current role is at a technical trade school specializing in teaching and supporting struggling students.  Justin is committed to fostering academic and personal growth among diverse learners, including those with ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

    His professional journey includes roles in public schools, special education, and career coaching. Additionally, Justin has been actively involved in community career promotion for adults with disabilities, supporting individuals at different stages of their educational and professional lives.

    Justin earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He completed his graduate degree in Special Education at Arizona State University and is poised to pursue a Doctorate in Behavioral Health, further strengthening his ability to make impactful contributions in the field of education and behavioral health.

    He lives in Post Falls with his wife and cat. On the weekend, Justin and his family are usually enjoying a variety of outdoor activities including: hiking, camping, snow sports and lake days. Recently, he has been pursuing the art of coffee making.

The coaching profession is quickly evolving, and we are on a continuous path to our own growth, incorporating research based best practices into the work we do and collaborating with other coaching professionals to ensure we are providing the best coaching possible.

  We are active members of the ACO (ADHD Coaches Organization) and ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association).

thresh • hold / ˈTHreSHˌ(h)ōld/

a point of entry or beginning;
the magnitude or intensity that must be
exceeded for a certain reaction, phenomenon,
result or condition to occur or be magnified