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Our story
Mission
At Striving for Thriving Kids, our mission is to empower children and teens to understand how their unique brains work, build on their strengths, and develop the skills and strategies needed to thrive in school, at home, and in everyday life.
Vision
Our vision is to build a community where every child feels capable, understood, and empowered to thrive, developing the self-awareness, confidence, and independence needed for success in school and life.
Our Team
Meet Catherine Stryker:
Founder & Lead Executive Functioning Coach
Born and raised in the San Antonio area, I have proudly called Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch home since 2014. When I'm not working with students and families, you can usually find me spending time with my husband and three children, enjoying the outdoors, attending the theater, or exploring the Texas Hill Country.
My path to becoming an executive functioning specialist began in education. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Education from Texas A&M University in 2002 and later completed a Master's Degree in Education and K-12 Principal Certification through the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
Over the past 20+ years, I have worked as a certified educator across a variety of grade levels, subjects, and learning environments. Throughout that time, I noticed a common pattern: many capable students were struggling not because they lacked intelligence or motivation, but because they lacked the systems, strategies, and support needed to manage the increasing demands of school and life.
In 2018, I discovered my passion for executive functioning coaching and began focusing my work on helping students develop the skills needed to become more confident, independent, and successful. Since then, I have completed extensive specialized training, including Sarah Ward's Executive Function Foundations and Executive Function Masters Courses, and continue to pursue ongoing professional development in executive functioning, ADHD, learning differences, and student success.
I believe every student has unique strengths and the ability to grow when given the right support, strategies, and encouragement. My goal is to partner with students and families to build confidence, strengthen independence, and create a path toward long-term success in school and life.
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Meet Barbara Mayers
Reading & Dyslexia Specialist
Born and raised in South Texas, I have spent my career helping students develop the literacy skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond. When I'm not working with students, I enjoy traveling, gardening, spending time with my two grown children and friends, and relaxing with a good book.
My passion for literacy began early in my teaching career and led me to pursue advanced training in reading instruction and intervention. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio and later completed a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, along with a Reading Specialist Certification.
Over the course of my career, I have taught elementary, middle, and high school students across the San Antonio and Boerne areas. During my final 10 years in public education, I served as a Dyslexia Specialist in Boerne ISD, providing targeted intervention and support for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of how students learn to read, write, and develop the foundational literacy skills needed for long-term academic success.
Today, I specialize in reading, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and writing support for students in grades PK –12. I use evidence-based instructional practices and individualized strategies to help students strengthen reading skills, improve written expression, and build confidence in their abilities.
I believe that every child can grow when given the right instruction, encouragement, and support. My goal is to create a positive learning environment where students feel capable, confident, and empowered to take on new challenges. Nothing is more rewarding than helping a student move from frustration and self-doubt to confidence and success.
