We were lucky to catch up with Katie Downs recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I am incredibly fortunate to have had a talented and supportive internship supervisor during the final year in my School Psychology graduate program—shoutout to Del! With years of coaching experience, Del was looking for someone she could trust to refer clients to, as her schedule was booked. She took me under her wing and guided me through her coaching process, using resources and research we had training and access to as School Psychologists. She then connected me with my very first client—an elementary student in need of executive functioning support. I was excited to jump in, providing targeted strategies to reduce his anxiety and frustration with schoolwork, while also easing stress for his family. This experience reinforced my passion for helping students build the skills they need to thrive in a one on one setting.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a dedicated School Psychologist and the founder of Goal Getter Corp, specializing in executive functioning coaching, educational consultation, and advocacy services. My journey into this field began with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Elmhurst University, where I developed a deep interest in learning and behavior.
After graduating, I gained hands-on experience as a substitute teacher at my son’s school– which I LOVED, and a Registered Behavior Therapist (RBT) at a pediatric therapy company. These roles expanded my understanding of diverse learning needs, evidence-based interventions, and behavioral strategies.

Eager to deepen my expertise, I pursued an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from National Louis University. During my internship year of graduate school, I began coaching under the mentorship of my supervisor, who had been coaching for many years. I have most recently obtained additional certifications in Character Education and as a Stress and Anxiety Management Specialist. Over the years, I’ve worked with students, parents, and educators across various school districts and private and public settings, which has shaped my dynamic and well-rounded approach.

My coaching, consultation, and advocacy services are tailored to fit the unique needs of each client and family. For coaching, I begin with a detailed intake process to build a strong rapport, uncovering each client’s values, goals, strengths, and challenges. From there, coaching becomes highly interactive, focusing on building effective systems and strategies to help them reach their goals and grow into the person they aspire to be.

For educational consultation and advocacy, I guide parents through understanding school processes and plans, knowing the right questions to ask, and advocating effectively for their child’s needs. Many families feel overwhelmed when navigating IEPs, 504 Plans, and school accommodations, and I strive to empower them with knowledge and confidence.

For those unfamiliar, executive functioning skills are essential for navigating daily life—helping us plan, organize, manage time, and stay focused. When weaknesses in these areas impact academic performance, work, or personal life, coaching can make a life-changing difference. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing personalized support to help them develop independence, confidence, and success strategies.

What makes me stand out as a provider is the unique combination of formal training, real-world experience, and the variety of services I provide. My background as a school psychologist gives me a deep understanding of:
✅ How executive functioning skills impact learning and daily life
✅ The inner workings of school systems, IEPs, and 504 Plans
✅ The importance of balancing school and family collaboration

I’m most proud of the tangible impact my work has had on students, families, and professionals—helping them overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and gain confidence in their skills. One of my favorite things is having impromptu conversations with families and individuals about their concerns. Whether it’s about school, executive functioning, or educational plans, I genuinely love sharing knowledge, ideas, and solutions!

Have you ever had to pivot?

During my second year as a school psychologist, I was balancing responsibilities between two schools, coaching clients after school hours, and being a mom. I was doing all of this while trying to carve out time for family and self-care. As the demands piled up, my mental health began to decline, with anxiety reaching its peak and depression setting in. Pro-tip: crying almost daily due to work is a sign that something has to change!

Realizing that my work-life balance was unsustainable, I made the difficult—but necessary—decision to step back from one of the schools I was supporting. While it was a big change, it was ultimately an easy choice because I knew it would reduce my stress and improve my overall well-being.

This shift not only gave me the breathing room I needed personally but also allowed me to focus more on my business and explore new ways to make an impact—on my own terms. By prioritizing my well-being, I opened the door to greater fulfillment, growth, and opportunities to help others in a way that felt more aligned with my passion and values.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Of course! I found out I was pregnant at nineteen, during my first semester of college. To access the medical care I needed, I moved back home and transferred to a community college. Balancing motherhood and school was anything but easy, and without the incredible support of friends and family, I wouldn’t have made it through. It took me over five years to earn my undergraduate degree—a journey filled with challenges, uncertainty, and excitement.
At the time, I didn’t have a clear career path, but I knew one thing: I had to keep pushing forward. I wanted to create a stable, fulfilling future for myself and my son, which is what drove me to continue my education and pursue another degree.
I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. Nineteen-year-old me never could have imagined the confidence, knowledge, and independence I have today. The journey wasn’t easy, but it shaped me into the person I am now—which I am grateful for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goalgettercorp.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572496606323
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-downs-258971129

Image Credits

https://www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/who-are-school-psychologists