Executive Function Institute
Strength-Based Strategies. Real world success.
Hop Onboard The Executive Function Express
Get your ticket to exclusive tools, printable visuals, and brain-based strategies that keep planning, attention, and regulation on track, delivered right to your inbox. Whether you're teaching, parenting, or in the therapy seat, there's a seat for you on this train!
You can unsubscribe anytime. But we think you’ll want to stay aboard!
​​​​
Executive Function Solutions
​for professionals, schools, and caregivers.
​
At The Executive Function Institute, we believe that every child has unique strengths, and those strengths are the key to building executive function skills.
Our approach integrates sensory regulation, body awareness, movement activities, and interoception as the foundation for higher-level thinking.
When children feel safe and regulated, they can access the skills needed to plan, organize, manage time, and navigate their world with confidence.
​
Our evidence-based programs use a train-themed visual model to make complex concepts clear and relatable. By connecting the child’s environment, sensory needs, cognitive abilities, and theory of mind, we help learners thrive, at school, at home, and beyond.
Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS
Dr. Cara Koscinski is a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of the Executive Function Institute, where she brings together her passion for executive function, interoception, autism, and strengths-based practice.
A lifelong learner and evidence-driven clinician, Cara is dedicated to helping professionals, schools, and families connect the brain and body through accessible, practical strategies that truly work.
With decades of experience in both clinical and personal settings,
Cara’s most powerful insights come from her lived experience raising her own autistic child. Her parenting journey continues to shape her professional lens, fueling her belief in the power of reframing from “Not if, but how can we provide opportunity?” This mindset shift, from doing to children to doing with children, guides her therapeutic approach and empowers children through strengths, interests, and agency.
Driven by both research and real-world practice, Dr. Koscinski developed The Executive Function Express, a train-themed visual model that makes complex cognitive skills understandable and actionable. She is also a respected author, speaker, mentor, and course creator, known for delivering practical tools, visual strategies, and compassionate support that meet learners where they are.
If you’re looking for strengths-based, neuroaffirming resources that support connection, cognition, and confidence—Welcome Aboard!
The Executive Function Express Model is HERE
All Aboard for Brain-Based Success!
​
Dive into the dynamic world of executive function with this essential guide for educators, counselors, therapists, and parents. The Executive Function Express transforms complex cognitive skills into a visual, relatable journey where each part of a working train system represents a different subset of executive function.
​
From planning and organization to attention, memory, and self-regulation, this book breaks down the “how” behind behavior and learning. With over 450 pages of tools, tips, illustrations, and real-world strategies, it’s a powerful resource for supporting children with ADHD, learning differences, autistic children, or anyone working to grow their thinking skills.
​
Whether you're guiding one child or an entire classroom, The Executive Function Express is your roadmap for fostering independence, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Your ticket is ready! Let’s get kids on track for success.