About
My name is Shyla Mathews, MA, Certified and Accredited:
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Educational Therapist/Literacy Intervention Specialist,
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Executive Function Coach,
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Youth Well-Being Coach
I am here to help in a NICE way. I am here to share my knowledge. I am here to make a difference in the lives of as many young people so that they may have every opportunity to thrive.
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"Executive Function and Literacy are not separate skills—they work together to support learning. In my pathways, visualization is the bridge, whether through reading or thinking. The emphasis shifts based on each learner’s needs, ensuring they develop the tools to process, organize, and express their ideas with confidence." – Shyla Mathews
About Shyla Mathews
Founder – The NICE Movement | Creator of ThinkVisual™ | Certified Executive Function & Youth Well-being Coach | Certified Educational Therapist/Literacy Intervention Specialist
Shyla Mathews is committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals through personalised learning and evidence-based coaching. With a professional foundation in Communications Management and a rich entrepreneurial history as co-founder of an award-winning international relocation company, Shyla brings together business acumen, strategic thinking, and heartfelt advocacy for inclusive opportunities.
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Her journey into the world of executive function and literacy coaching began at home through her lived experience as a mother. These personal experiences sparked Shyla's pursuit of specialised training to support her children's needs and, eventually, many other families walking similar paths.
Founder of The NICE Movement
Shyla established The NICE Movement to champion Neuroaffirmation, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Equity values. Through this platform, she promotes awareness, offers coaching programmes and pathways, and advocates for equitable support structures in homes, schools, and workplaces for neurodivergent individuals.
Creator of ThinkVisual™
ThinkVisual™ is a unique, neuroaffirming framework developed by Shyla to support individuals who struggle with executive function, literacy development, and emotional well-being. Rooted in research and cognitive science, ThinkVisual™ blends visual input with expressive output to create engaging, structured, empowering coaching pathways. These programmes are tailored for students with ADHD, Dyslexia, or other learning challenges across developmental stages. The pathways are also suitable for individuals without a diagnosis.
​Credentials and Qualifications
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Certified Executive Function Coach (CIM-UK, Level 2 currently pursuing Level 3 Advanced Certification)
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Certified Youth Well-being & Resilience Coach (The Youth Coaching Institute, USA – ICF ACC-aligned)
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Executive Function Skills Training for Coaching By Peg Dawson. Direct training under Dr. Peg Dawson, a pioneering voice in the field of Executive Function. Co-author of the acclaimed Smart but Scattered series, her work has transformed how we understand and support children and teens struggling with attention, planning, and organization. Dr. Dawson’s evidence-based strategies are not just about managing tasks, they’re about empowering young minds to thrive independently. Her insights continue to inspire my approach to coaching, emphasizing strengths, practical tools, and the belief that every child can learn to navigate life’s demands with greater confidence
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Literacy Intervention Training & Experience
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Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences (DAS – Singapore)
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Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy Approach (USA)
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Lindamood-Bell® Programs for language comprehension and symbol imagery (USA)
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Shya's literacy qualifications span internationally recognised programmes designed to strengthen the cognitive foundations of reading, writing, and language processing for children and adolescents. Her rigorous, neuroscience-based training equips Shyla with the tools to help clients improve their Executive Function addressing, attention, metacognition, cognitive flexibility, goal achievement, planning, time – management and motivation through a structured and personalised coaching process. Shyla's Youth-Well Being Coaching equips her to support youth in navigating stress, personal and academic challenges, and general wellness.
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​Experience and Public Engagement
Since 2021, Shyla has provided one-on-one and group coaching for children, adolescents, and parents. She has served as a guest speaker at the National University of Singapore School of Law and emceed two ADHD-focused events featuring Dr. Sharon Saline, a renowned U.S.- based psychologist and author. Her coaching is grounded in science, compassion, and a deep belief in every learner's potential.
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Professional Memberships​​
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Training, Accreditation
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​SAFEGUARDING is the prevention of impairment to children’s physical and psychological health and wellbeing while providing circumstances that enable healthy development. In 2020, ChildSafeguarding.com became the first universally accessible Child Protection training for all adults in schools. Shyla Mathews and The NICE Movement are registered and CPD certified.
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The Nice Difference
"What makes my approach different? I don’t just teach reading or Executive Function, I bridge them."Literacy and Executive Function work best together, and my pathways are designed to strengthen both. With visualization at the core, learners develop the skills to think, organize, and express ideas in ways that make sense to them. Whether the focus is on reading or problem-solving, the approach adapts to their needs, building confidence and independence." Shyla Mathews
MY VISION
"Engaging Every Mind, To Unravel the Potential"
At The NICE Movement, we believe that every individual deserves an environment where their unique cognitive strengths are recognized, nurtured, and supported.
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We envision a future where:
✔ Neurodiverse individuals are engaged, not excluded.
✔ Education is neuroaffirming, ensuring that every learner’s needs are met with evidence-based strategies.
✔ Executive Function & Literacy are recognized as foundational life skills, critical for success in academics, work, and daily life.
✔ Collaboration between learners, parents, educators, and professionals leads to lasting transformation.
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VALUES – The NICE Movement:
Neuroaffirming – Every indivual's brain is unique. We work with cognitive differences, not against them.
Inclusive – Everyone deserves access to effective, research-backed coaching.
Collaborative – Progress happens through shared learning and community support.
Equitable – Coaching should be fair, accessible, and adaptable to meet diverse needs.
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MISSION
"Transformational Growth Through Neuroaffirming EF & Literacy Coaching"
At The NICE Movement, our mission is to redefine how Executive Function and Literacy challenges are addressed, ensuring that every learner has the skills, strategies, and support to thrive.
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Through ThinkVisual™, we:
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Empower individuals with cognitive tools to enhance reading, writing, organization, time management, and emotional regulation.
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Apply evidence-based coaching methodologies, integrating:
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Neuroaffirming learning by tailoring directive and non-directive coaching approaches for each individual.
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Collaborating with parents, educators, and professionals to build supportive learning environments.
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Advocating for equity in education, ensuring that neurodiverse learners receive the tools they need to succeed.
PURPOSE
"Why We Exist"
Many individuals struggle in various settings because their Executive Function and Literacy needs aren’t met in ways that work for them.
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At The NICE Movement, our purpose is to bridge this gap, ensuring that every individual, regardless of cognitive differences, has the strategies and confidence to succeed in school, work, and life.
✔ We believe that success is not about intelligence, but about strategy, consistency, and resilience.
✔ We know that literacy & executive function skills are deeply connected, and developing them together creates real change.
✔ We are committed to making learning equitable and accessible, ensuring that every learner has the support they need to thrive.
"Our purpose is to equip individuals with the skills to learn, adapt, and express themselves with confidence; today, tomorrow, and for life."
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Evidence Based Approaches
Connections in Mind specializes in executive function coaching, offering personalized strategies to enhance skills like organization, time management, and emotional regulation. Their approach is grounded in neuroscience and psychology, aiming to empower individuals to achieve their personal and academic goals. Today they are one of leaders of Executive Function Coaching with Certification and Accreditation.
The Youth Coaching Institute provides accredited life coach training programs focusing on adolescents and young adults. They emphasize evidence-based coaching methodologies, integrating positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral techniques to support youth development and well-being.The YCI Youth Wellness and Relience Coaching programme is recognised and accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
In "ADHD 2.0," Edward M Hallowell and John J Ratey M.D. presents updated insights into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, highlighting its neurological underpinnings and offering strategies for harnessing its potential strengths. The book combines scientific research with practical advice for managing ADHD effectively.
Dr. Russell Barkley is a renowned clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD. His extensive research has contributed significantly to understanding ADHD's nature, assessment, and treatment, providing valuable resources for clinicians, parents, and individuals affected by ADHD.
SMARTS EF® is a holistic, research-based executive functioning (EF) framework and curriculum for all learners in grades 2-16. It helps them learn self-understanding and basic EF strategies that promote self-confidence, resilience, and academic success, areas that are critical for success in school and life. For Learners With and Without Learning Differences.
The 360 Thinking Model is the brainchild of Kristen Jacobsen, MS, CCC-SLP, and Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, who are co-directors of Cognitive Connections Executive Function Practice, LLP. The 360 Thinking integrates executive function strategies to improve planning, time management, and organizational skills. Their approach emphasizes practical tools to help individuals visualize and achieve their goals.
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Dr Sharon Saline trains professionals and parents to navigate effective treatments and strategies to help kids with ADHD. Her 5C’s Approach provides a framework for workable solutions. She offers insights into managing ADHD's challenges, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional aspects associated with the challenge.
The Orton-Gillingham approach is a structured, multisensory method for teaching reading, particularly effective for individuals with dyslexia. It focuses on phonemic awareness and phonics, teaching students to decode words systematically.
Lindamood-Bell Programmes
Lindamood-Bell offers structured programs aimed at improving reading and comprehension skills through multisensory instruction. Their methods focus on developing cognitive processes related to language and literacy.
Positive psychology is the scientific study of human strengths and virtues, aiming to enhance well-being and fulfillment. It focuses on factors that contribute to a meaningful and satisfying life, such as positive emotions, engagement, relationships, and accomplishments.
Strengths-based coaching is an approach that identifies and leverages an individual's inherent strengths to facilitate personal and professional development. By focusing on what individuals do best, this coaching method aims to enhance performance, motivation, and overall satisfaction.
Need More Information?
Please reach out to hello@thenicemovement.com