SchoolHouse founder helps students build confidence, find their stride
These days, teachers are being asked to manage more in the classroom – not only academics but also behavior, emotional needs, and executive functioning all at once.
The recently established Daniel Island SchoolHouse Collaborative is working to fill in the gaps that schools can’t address during the school day.
Lizzy Shegda, the visionary founder of SchoolHouse Collaborative, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey about eight months ago. Fueled by her classroom experiences, she discovered many students, despite trying hard, lack skills for self-contained behavior in the classroom. Shegda has devoted her career to championing students from Pre-K through graduation who are frequently misunderstood and mislabeled.
“It can be difficult to give every student the level of support they need beyond academics. That's where I saw an opportunity to step in and help fill that gap,” she said.
Shegda set up shop on Daniel Island. For her, the island isn’t just a spot on the map; it’s a vibrant, tight-knit community buzzing with energy. She says the island’s residents are passionate about nurturing their children’s growth, making it the perfect place for her business to flourish.
“It's a place where this kind of support can truly make an impact,” she said. “My role is to step in and support those areas, especially with students who need additional help with regulation, focus, and behavior, so teachers can continue teaching and the classroom can run more smoothly. When those needs are supported, it doesn't just help one student; it improves the overall classroom environment.”
Shegda’s protocols are rooted in real-life experiences. For a decade, she immersed herself in a behavior support classroom, where each day was a dynamic challenge that demanded innovation and adaptability. She meticulously crafted practical real-world strategies.
“Because of my background in the classroom, I'm able to act as a bridge between home and school, helping everyone work together more effectively. I don't have to focus on academics in isolation; I focus on the skills underneath academics. If a student is struggling to start their work, stay organized, or manage frustration, more tutoring alone isn't always the answer.”
Local resident and parent Mila Franic says Shegda is wonderful to work with. “She quickly built a great rapport with our son and created an environment where he feels comfortable opening up and talking honestly. What impressed us most is that she doesn't just focus on academics – she helps him build executive function skills, confidence, accountability, and resilience.”
Franic appreciates the practical strategies to use at home and is seeing positive changes.
“Lizzy has helped (my son) become more aware of the connection between his actions and outcomes, and she's teaching him practical tools for organization, follow-through, and taking ownership of his work. While building these habits takes time, we're encouraged by the progress we've seen and believe he'sdeveloping skills that will benefit him well beyond middle school.”
If your child is struggling with focus, organization, doing homework, or needs more support, learn more at schoolhousecollaborative.com.