A Letter from Julie Miller, The New Owner of Executive Functioning Success

Hello to the EFS Community,

As you may know from Marydee’s recent announcement, I am the new owner of Executive Functioning Success! It is such an honor.

This process has been quietly taking place over the past few months, I’m excited to make it official!

I first found Executive Functioning Success in 2013 when my son was in middle school.  His counselor put Marydee Sklar’s book, 50 Tips to Help Students Succeed in my hands.  Shortly after I read this incredibly helpful book, I heard Marydee would be doing a presentation entitled “Tips to Help Students Succeed” at the school. I was so excited to hear more. I offered to help in anyway.  

That night, Marydee gave me the task of sitting at a table with her books and newsletter sign up sheet.   As I listened to her presentation I thought, ‘does she have a video camera in my home?’  She so accurately described the struggles with homework that my family was experiencing.  As I walked with her to her car afterwards, I knew I wanted to learn much more from her.

My Journey to Becoming an Executive Function Educator

As a parent, I took her professional course, Teaching Seeing My Time. I asked questions, engaged, and learned the material by heart.

At the time, I was working as an early childhood educator, focusing on conflict resolution in the classroom. I saw the myriad of ways that Marydee’s work could positively influence these brilliant, complex young brains. I took her second course, this time as a professional, adding Building Executive Function Skills in the Classroom to my training.

In 2019, I convinced Marydee to let me “play in the sandbox” as she likes to describe it. I joined the EFS team, teaching the Seeing My Time program to families locally in Portland and nationally online.

Working closely with Marydee and walking alongside others as they struggle with similar challenges has opened my mind and my heart. I have gained the trust of many students and their families, and created warm and enriching relationships with my colleagues. Most importantly, I have connected with my own purpose here at EFS and in my community.

When Marydee asked me to take on the business after her retirement, I couldn’t refuse. What an incredible honor to walk in her footsteps.

Standing in my office over the past few months , I have had to pinch myself more than once. I think to myself, “Surprise! I own the sandbox!”.

My Vision for the Future of Executive Functioning Success is…

To continue fulfilling Marydee’s mission to ease the suffering caused by poor executive functioning skills. We will remain a small, woman-owned business with integrity. So many things will stay the same. We will offer the same products and services that have been available to you for the past decade.

My goals for the year ahead are to:

• Increase the number of families we support by introducing the parents and educators of young children to the importance of supporting EF development.
• Work even more closely with schools and professionals as they implement executive function curricula to reach more learners.
• Focus on community and collaboration as we create positive change in the lives of those who struggle with executive functioning.

Finally, huge thanks to you, Marydee. Please know just how much you mean to all of us—the team, the clients, the families you’ve helped. You’ve changed countless lives, including mine.

The sandbox will continue to grow in 2025! I invite each of you to play in the sandbox with us as we strive to bring kindness and hope to those we meet each day.