About Janelle Carter
I founded Carter Student Advisory after years spent helping students navigate both the academic and personal challenges that often accompany rigorous educational environments.
At the core of my work is the belief that students thrive when they feel understood, supported, and empowered to better understand themselves as learners.
Students leave coaching not only performing better academically, but with the skills and confidence to manage future challenges independently.
My
Education
I hold a Master of Education in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California, where I trained as an academic coach through the USC Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity — a program recognized for its research-backed, student-centered approach to executive functioning, learning, and student wellbeing.
My
Experience
My professional background spans academic coaching, executive functioning support, student advising, and higher education counseling across both university and independent school settings.
I have worked with students ranging from middle school through college at institutions including the University of Southern California, Tulane University, UC Davis, and independent school environments.
At USC, I coached students in executive functioning, organization, time management, goal- setting, and academic balance using research-backed, student-centered strategies.
My work has also included advising university students on academic planning and career development, as well as supporting students with ADHD, learning differences, and rigorous academic demands in independent school settings.
Across every role, my focus has remained the same: helping students better understand how they learn and develop sustainable systems.
My
Mission
I believe meaningful academic support begins with trust, empathy, and individualized strategy. My mission is to help students develop the skills, systems, and confidence needed to navigate school — and life — with greater clarity and independence.
My
Approach
My approach is grounded in building strong relationships, creating structure, and helping students develop the skills they need to succeed independently.
Start with Understanding — We begin by getting a clear picture of the student’s current habits, challenges, strengths, and goals. This allows me to tailor our work in a meaningful and effective way.
Build Structure and Systems —Together, we create simple, repeatable systems for managing assignments, time, and responsibilities. The goal is to reduce overwhelm and increase clarity.
Develop Skills and Habits — We focus on building core executive function skills such as planning, prioritization, task initiation, and follow-through. These skills are practiced consistently until they become more natural.
Create Accountability and Momentum — Regular sessions provide structure and accountability. Students set goals, track progress, and build momentum over time.
Foster Independence and Confidence — The ultimate goal is for students to rely less on external support and more on their own systems and self-awareness.