My Journey As A Coach
When I was first diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it felt like someone finally handed me the key to understanding myself. For so long, I had been navigating life with a sense that something wasn’t quite right. I was constantly overwhelmed, feeling like I was trying to keep up in a race where everyone else seemed to know the shortcuts.
Every paper planner I’ve owned since middle school has the same piece of inspiration written inside: “The secret of success is to be like a duck; smooth and unruffled on top but paddling furiously underneath.” It was a mantra I lived by, trying to appear calm on the surface while feeling the frantic effort below. When I received my ADHD diagnosis, it finally made sense. All those years of paddling were a symptom—I wasn’t broken, I just had ADHD.
The Struggles That Shaped Me
Life didn’t slow down when I got my diagnosis—it sped up. I’m a mom with two amazing kids who have unique educational needs. My youngest has Dyslexia and ADHD, which has turned learning into a labyrinth that we navigate together. My oldest excels in academics but has challenges that require just as much attention and creativity. Supporting them both requires constant adaptability and resourcefulness—skills I’ve had to develop on the fly.
There were days when it felt like the weight of our collective struggles would crush me. The relentless pace of trying to keep everything moving forward, from schoolwork to simply getting out the door on time, often left me feeling like I was on a runaway bus with no GPS.
Finding My Path
But somewhere along the way, I realized that these very challenges were molding me into someone who could help others. I wasn’t just surviving—I was learning. I discovered ways to manage my ADHD, support my children’s learning, and keep our family moving forward. Of course, there were moments that reminded me I was still very much human. Like the day I thought I had it all together—we remembered the bookbag, the homework, everything. But as I drove through the drop-off line, my child went to get out, and we both realized she wasn’t wearing any shoes. That was the day I created the car container for essentials, which we still use in some form today. It’s those moments, the ones where you just have to laugh not to cry, that have made me who I am. And in doing so, I began to see that my experience, with all its twists and turns, could be valuable to others who felt stuck or overwhelmed.
This realization led me to become a coach. But not just any coach—I became the coach I had been searching for when I was in the thick of my struggles. I wanted to create something that I couldn’t find when I needed it most: a space where people could come as they are, with all their imperfections and difficulties, and find the support they need to keep going.
Why I Coach
I believe that struggle is universal. Whether or not you have a diagnosis, everyone faces moments in life where they feel stuck, lost, or unsure of how to move forward. That’s why I created Struggle Bus Coaching—not just for those with ADHD or learning differences, but for anyone who feels like they’re on a journey without a map.
In my coaching practice, I use metaphors and imagery because sometimes, you have to laugh not to cry. Life can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be without joy. I see myself as more of a guide on your journey rather than someone who’s here to fix you. I’m here to help you find your own path, to provide the GPS when you feel lost, and to remind you that it’s okay to struggle as long as you keep moving forward.
Moving Forward Together
My journey as a coach is ongoing. Every day, I learn something new from the incredible people I get to work with. And every day, I’m reminded that struggle isn’t something to be ashamed of—it’s a sign that you’re trying, that you’re pushing forward, and that you’re growing.
If you’re reading this and you feel like you’re on your own Struggle Bus, know that you’re not alone. I’m here, and I’m ready to help you find your way.
