About Jessica

About Jessica Garrett Mills, PhD

Executive Functioning Coach | Educator | Researcher | Partner in Progress

For nearly two decades, I’ve helped adults, graduate students, academics, and adolescents develop the executive functioning skills they need to thrive — not just survive — in work, school, and daily life.

I’m a coach, a former academic, and someone who deeply understands the complex mix of pressure, overwhelm, motivation challenges, and emotional load that comes with modern life. My work is grounded in compassion, practical systems, and a belief that everyone deserves tools that work for their brain.

I don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. I meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, and help you build systems that make life feel more manageable — and more your own.

My Approach

My coaching combines:

• Executive functioning expertise

• Behavioral and organizational strategies

• Accountability and structure

• Emotional awareness and compassion

• Academic and professional experience
  
  

This means you get support that is both practical and human. Together, we’ll build systems that fit your real life — not an idealized version of it.

My goal is always the same:
To help you feel less overwhelmed, more capable, and more in control.

What I Believe

• Every brain deserves systems that support it.

• Shame is not a strategy.

• Structure creates freedom.

• Small steps create real momentum.

• You don’t need to feel organized to get started — you just need support.

• Progress looks different for everyone, and that’s okay.

Who I Work With

Adults & Professionals

People juggling careers, households, and personal goals who want more clarity, consistency, and calm.

Graduate Students, Post-Docs & Academics

Writers, researchers, and faculty navigating deadlines, long-term projects, burnout, and the emotional complexities of academic life.

Adolescents & College Students

Teens and young adults learning organization, planning, and independence — often in partnership with their families.

My Background

I hold a PhD in Education and Psychology (U of Michigan), an MS in Psychology (U of Michigan), and  an MEd in Education (Ohio State). I spent years working in education and academic research before transitioning into full-time executive functioning coaching.

Visit my research and teaching page here.

Check out my curriculum vitae here.

My academic and professional experience allows me to deeply understand the demands that both adults and students face. I bring this background into every session, helping clients bridge the gap between what they want to do and what life actually allows.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

Clients often describe me as:

• Grounded

• Supportive

• Nonjudgmental

• Practical

• Insightful

• Calm and encouraging

• Exceptionally good at helping them get unstuck

• A partner who sees the big picture and the next step

My coaching is collaborative:  I’m not here to tell you what you “should” be doing — I’m here to help you uncover what actually works for you.

Why I Love This Work

Seeing clients gain confidence, complete long-stalled projects, and build routines that make life feel possible again is the best part of my job.
I love being a steady presence in someone’s growth — a mix of coach, partner, strategist, and witness as their world becomes lighter, clearer, and more doable.

This work is meaningful because it changes how people feel about themselves, not just how they manage their tasks.

Let’s Connect

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready to build new systems, I’d love to meet you.

Schedule a free consultation, and let’s explore what kind of support will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.