Every mind can be taught to learn.
I work at the point between what a person can't yet do alone — or is forgetting how to do — and what they can do with the right guidance — building attention, planning, and self-regulation through structured, mediated learning.
Does this sound familiar?
“He knows the answer. He just can’t get it from his head onto the paper.”
“Homework that should take 20 minutes takes the whole evening. And ends in tears.”
“I ask her to get dressed. Ten minutes later she’s still holding one sock.”
“One change of plans and the whole day falls apart.”
“She starts ten things and finishes none.”
“I read the same page three times and still don’t know what it said.”
“Mom used to run the whole house. Now paying one bill feels overwhelming.”
“He can count to twenty. Show him a 7 and he has no idea what it is.”
“She still can’t write. Even tracing a letter feels impossible to her.”
“Ask him how he feels and he says ‘I don’t know.’ And he really doesn’t.”
These aren’t character flaws. They’re executive functions — and they can be trained.
The foundation under everything else
Think of your child in speech therapy, in OT, or in the classroom. If attention, planning, impulse control, and emotional regulation aren’t in place, even the best therapy struggles to reach its goals. A child who can’t stay focused for five minutes can’t practice new sounds. A child who can’t plan the steps can’t finish the task, no matter how well he’s taught.
Strengthen the foundation, and every other effort starts to work.
Schedule an appointment
Maria Signorile — Executive Function Specialist
A practice built on structure, patience, and belief in change.
Maria Signorile is an executive function specialist with over 30 years of international experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. Her work centers on executive function, Feuerstein-mediated cognitive enhancement, neuropsychomotor development, early intervention, and inclusive education — combining structured, evidence-informed methods with individualized mediation.
“If someone tells you that you — or your child — can’t, don’t believe them. Believe in your potential.”Maria Signorile
Three preschools in Italy
Founded and directed Gioco Imparo, three preschools built around autonomy, outdoor education, and early cognitive stimulation, from 2000 to 2015.
Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment
Certified in PAS Basic & Standard, using structured paper-and-pencil mediation to strengthen attention, planning, and cognitive flexibility.
Naples to California
From non-profit early-intervention work in Naples to private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, her approach travels with the person, not the setting.
A few references & testimonials
Real families in Italy and the Bay Area share what working together has looked like. Every testimonial is verifiable.
Unique experience with the Feuerstein Cognitive Therapy through Maria Signorile. Highly professional in guiding new strategies for thinking and learning. Maria is also a great resource for us parents navigating differences in learning and thinking, and finding new ways to support our child's needs based on age and personality.
We are very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Maria. My son can't wait to start the Feuerstein sessions, and the improvements are more than evident. As a mother and a neuropsychologist/educator, I feel truly fortunate to have Maria on our recovery team. She is kind, patient, and, most importantly, she loves what she does. I highly recommend her.
Maria is a woman and a professional like few others — truly precious to us; it was love at first sight. She changed our lives for the better. Everyone deserves to have her in their life. Never was a meeting more valuable — thank you!
We met Dr. Maria Signorile a few years ago, and since then she has become a point of reference for us. Professional, approachable, and with immense humanity. She has a rare ability to tune in with children — and in our case, with an adult young woman — with whom she built a truly special relationship, enhancing her unique traits and potential.
We wanted to share our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work Maria has done with our 10-year-old son! She used the Feuerstein method to help him develop essential executive functioning skills, such as organization and self-regulation, while also nurturing his social-emotional growth. Maria's patience, kindness, and expertise have made a significant impact on our son's confidence and self-awareness.
Since starting sessions with Maria, we noticed visible improvements in M.'s attention and listening skills almost immediately. Her mediated and compassionate approach makes learning feel positive and engaging, and our son truly loves working with her. We absolutely adore her and feel so grateful to have found her.
"Prevenire è già curare" (Prevention Is Already a Cure)
Published by Rogiosi Editore — a book on early development, prevention, motor milestones, and the importance of observing developmental sequences.
"Evento per l'Infanzia," 2014
Recognized in Naples for dedication to children's emotional well-being and educational rights. Recent speaking engagement in Redwood City, California, 2026.
Three decades of practice, in brief
A working history across clinics, schools, and private practice in Naples and the Bay Area.
Private Practice — San Francisco Bay Area
Individualized executive function development and cognitive mediation for children and young adults.
Founder & CEO, I Bimbi di Mario — Naples, Italy
Non-profit supporting children and families with neurodevelopmental challenges, using Feuerstein and Montessori-informed approaches, alongside the FSC method developed by neurologist Dr. Mario Castagnini.
Founder & Director, Gioco Imparo Preschools — Naples, Italy
Led curriculum development, staff training, and family communication across three preschools.
Attiva-Mente Insieme, Dr. De Rose Pediatric Clinic, Kodokan Sports Association, La Scintilla — Naples, Italy
Program design and direct support for children and adults with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and complex disabilities.
Trained across two countries, in one discipline.
Ready to talk about what your child — or you — need?
A first conversation is the easiest way to find out if this approach is the right fit.