WHY I BECAME AN EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH & ADVOCATE
My passion has always been assisting others in realizing and walking in their highest potentials. After working in a traditional school setting for over a decade, I realized that the majority of public and private schools were not sufficiently addressing the needs of neuro diverse students. Some of those being students with ADD/ADHD and 2e learners, those who are gifted but also struggle with a secondary diagnosis. This deficiency became even more evident to me when I became a parent and watched my own children, each with their own unique learning profiles, struggle in the traditional school setting.
MY BACKGROUND
As a certified teacher, I have been an educator/coach for over 20 years. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education from Western Michigan University, and my Life Coaching Certification from The Institute of Life Coaching. I expect to attain my BCC (Board Certified Coach) Credentials by March 2022. I have taught at both the high school and college levels and have served over 14 years in the public school system.
MY FAMILY
I have four children, 2 who are 2e learners, 1 with ADD, and 1 having ADHD, along with additional learning disabilities. Each child also struggled with a sensory processing disorder, which is common among children with ADD/ADHD. Lastly, two also suffered with anxiety, which is also common among neurodiverse individuals. This is the primary reason I embarked on learning how to best assist and support those with ADD/ADHD, both as a teacher and a parent. I am happily married to my amazing ADHD husband; and celebrate 25 years of marriage this May. Being surrounded by these unique brains every day have taught me so much. Having a spouse or partner with ADHD provides an interesting dynamic in a marriage that many are unprepared for, if you find yourself in that situation, or you yourself have ADD/ADHD, I can provide support, and be a valuable resource for you.
LEAVING TRADITIONAL SCHOOLING BEHIND
I took a sabbatical from my professional teaching career in 2009 to stay home and customize my children’s learning opportunities. During that time I created and ran a Homeschool Co-op serving over 50 students in preschool through 8th grade. The focus was on offering engaging and unique learning in the areas of Science, Art, History, and PE. It was specifically geared towards learners that traditional schooling didn’t work for. I utilized a variety of techniques including unschooling, deschooling, and thematic units. I watched these students thrive in this new school setting.
MY JOURNEY TO COACH AND ADVOCATE
I have spent the last 20 years educating myself on how to best instruct, encourage, and successfully advocate for unique neurodiverse learners. I now use that knowledge and expertise to support other parents and students on their own journeys.
SCHOOL STAFF TRAINING
I also provide training and assistance to school professionals and educators on topics such as:
How to best meet individual learners needs in a complex classroom.
Addressing neurodiverse learners in an online setting.
The great divide-why traditional schooling is no longer serving the majority.
I understand that there truly is no one size fits all in learning, and I believe that there needs to be substantial changes in the way education is delivered and learning assessed.
EXPERIENCE WITH A VARIETY OF LEARNERS
My experience includes working with a multitude of neurodiverse learners such as: ADD/ADHD, Autistic, Dyslexia/Dysgraphia, Sensory Processing Disorder, 2E Learners, OCD/Anxiety/Social Anxiety, Homeschoolers, and students and adults lacking Executive Functioning Skills, along with Gifted and Talented.