Empowering learners to reach their true potential.
Meet the Team
The Oak & Ivy team is made up of dedicated professionals who bring expertise, empathy, and genuine enthusiasm to every coaching relationship. We hire individuals with backgrounds in education, psychology, and related fields—and just as importantly, we look for those who embody unconditional positive regard for the students we serve. Our coaches believe in each student’s potential, meet them where they are, and bring curiosity, compassion, and care to the work they love doing every day.
Perry LaRoque, Ph.D.
Founder, CEO
Perry LaRoque received his doctorate in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin. He served as an Associate Professor and founded Mansfield Hall, Canopy College Coaching, and Advancing Neurodiversity Consulting. He is the author of Taking Flight: The Guide to College for Diverse Learners and the upcoming book Paving the Runway: Preparing Your Child for College. He lives in London with his wife and three spirited children. Learn more: mansfieldhall.org; canopycollegecoaching.com; perrylaroque.com
Heather Capuzzi
Director
Having spent nearly a third of her life living outside the United States, Heather Capuzzi has worked for over two decades as a counselling professional, serving as a secondary school counsellor in international schools across Prague, Hong Kong, Brussels, and London. A member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, she holds master’s degrees in counselling psychology and school counselling, and has extensive experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. Heather works with adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, self-harm, self-esteem concerns, and the challenges of major life transitions—whether moving to a new country, starting at a new school, or beginning university. Having raised three daughters who grew up as international students, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. She partners closely with parents of younger adolescents, helping them navigate the developmental complexities of the teen years. Known for her integrated, relationship-focused approach, Heather believes that with the right support, every young person can find stability, confidence, and the ability to thrive.
Katie Kooyers
Growth Coach
Katie Kooyers has spent over a decade working in education as a licensed teacher and brings deep empathy and insight to her work with students and families. A firm believer that—with the right guidance—anyone can find functionality and thrive, Katie is known for her thoughtful, relationship-driven approach. Originally from Michigan, she has lived in New York and California, and now calls London home. She’s also the proud mum of two and someone who finds people endlessly fascinating.
Ochuko Edward
Growth Coach
Inspired by the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to understand themselves as a learner, Ochuko supports students in developing the confidence, clarity, and practical skills needed to navigate the demands of education while maintaining balance beyond the classroom. Known for his calm, considered approach, he creates a supportive environment where students feel heard, valued, and capable of sustained progress. Having completed his secondary and A-level education in England, Ochuko understands the pressures students face and is able to empathise with them deeply. He is currently in his fourth year at UCL, completing his master’s year in Natural Sciences, where he applies knowledge from Organic Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology in research. This experience has strengthened his scientific thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning, equipping him to help students approach challenges with fresh perspectives and practical strategies. Ochuko works closely with students—and, when necessary, with their families—to establish effective routines, reinforce study habits, and foster resilience during key academic stages. He believes learners flourish when met with patience, structure, and genuine understanding, and he is committed to equipping students with tools and strategies that not only enhance academic performance but also empower them to thrive beyond the classroom. Alongside her doctoral work, Emerie is a graduate teaching assistant, leading seminars and providing academic support to students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research has given her direct experience working with adolescents facing various challenges, including ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, depression, and anxiety. Through this work, she has gained specialized training in solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing, approaches that emphasize building on strengths and creating actionable pathways forward. Emerie brings her understanding of neurodevelopment and executive function directly to her coaching. Having navigated the demands of rigorous academic programs herself—balancing research, teaching, and complex project timelines—she understands firsthand how organization, planning, and time management are the key to success. She has also coached cross country and lacrosse at the secondary school level and tutored students in psychology and science. These experiences showed her how the right support can help young people acquire the skills they need to thrive.
Susan Hargreaves
Growth Coach
Susan has lived across three continents—born in Australia, later based in Hong Kong, and now settled in Oxford—where she works with staff and students from both local universities. With a strong background in education and mental health, she brings extensive experience supporting individuals through academic, emotional, and social challenges. She holds a Bachelor of Education, a Graduate Diploma in Counselling, and a Master’s in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) from the University of Oxford. Her work is grounded in empathy, professional expertise, and a deep understanding of human development. Susan has worked extensively with children and students of all ages, with a particular interest in supporting those navigating the complexities of ASD and ADHD. She takes a person-centred approach, integrating MBCT with evidence-based counselling and coaching techniques to offer tailored, holistic support. By providing a safe, non-judgemental space, Susan helps individuals explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while building resilience and practical coping strategies. Her goal is to empower each person to develop greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
Amazing Coach
Coming Soon
We have new coaches coming soon. Interested in coaching with us? Send us an email.
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Emerie Sheridan
Growth Coach
Growing up in the international school system, Emerie completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme before pursuing her passion for understanding how the brain develops and functions. She earned her BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience from the University of Exeter with first-class honors in 2021, followed by an MSc in Translational Neuroscience from Imperial College London with Distinction in 2022. She is currently completing her PhD in Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry at King's College London. Alongside her doctoral work, Emerie is a graduate teaching assistant, leading seminars and providing academic support to students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research has given her direct experience working with adolescents facing various challenges, including ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, depression, and anxiety. Through this work, she has gained specialized training in solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing, approaches that emphasize building on strengths and creating actionable pathways forward. Emerie brings her understanding of neurodevelopment and executive function directly to her coaching. Having navigated the demands of rigorous academic programs herself—balancing research, teaching, and complex project timelines—she understands firsthand how organization, planning, and time management are the key to success. She has also coached cross country and lacrosse at the secondary school level and tutored students in psychology and science. These experiences showed her how the right support can help young people acquire the skills they need to thrive.
Quratulain Zaidi
Clinical Psychologist
(HCPC UK Registered)
Dr. Zaidi has more than a decade of clinical experience with a wide variety of mental health, social emotional, behavioural and relationship challenges. She specialises in working with adults, families and couples. In her practice, Dr. Zaidi’s therapeutic style uses evidence-based treatment solutions empathetically and collaboratively with her clients to help them overcome personal barriers to growth. She is an expert in Educational Assessments, including ADD/ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, and works with families and children to adapt to their unique needs following an ADD/ADHD, ASD diagnosis. As a well respected expert mental health voice in Hong Kong and an author, Dr. Zaidi is a regular contributor to various media platforms including radio, national newspaper and several highly-subscribed online and print publications, as well as a sought-after invited speaker at conferences. She is passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues and regularly delivers seminars and workshops. Dr. Zaidi is from the UK, she is currently living between Hong Kong and London. This diverse cultural experience has given her the opportunity to incorporate cultural sensitivity into her practice.
Tristan Fraai
Growth Coach
Tristan brings a global perspective and a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to coaching. Having attended international schools in England, Japan, and Belgium, he graduated from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at the International School of Brussels in 2018. He went on to earn a BEng in Biomedical Engineering from King’s College London and an MSc in Human & Biological Robotics from Imperial College London. While completing his studies, Tristan discovered a passion for helping students reach their potential—tutoring middle and high school students in maths and science, and coaching track and field athletes. These experiences shaped his supportive and skill-building approach to coaching, grounded in empathy and practical strategies. Tristan has received specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Universal Design for Learning, approaches that help students identify their goals, develop strategies that work for them, and build long-term independence. He currently works in the Mechanical Engineering department at a medical technology startup in London, where he manages multiple complex projects simultaneously. He credits his organisation, time management, and problem-solving abilities—core executive functioning skills—as key to his success, and he brings these same strengths to his coaching to help students thrive both academically and personally.