About
My Trek with ADHD
Do I have ADHD? What?! Who me?! Nooo! Well, maybe. No, never mind. Wait! You mean everyone doesn’t do that weird thing?!
The truth: I definitely have traits. I am the chatty, loud girl with chicken wire for a filter between my brain and mouth. In my work and home, I am flexible and organized. But I still walk out of my house without my car keys at least three times per week!
I am intuitive, vivacious, and easy to talk to, but my inner critic is a real jerk!
Even those closest to me are surprised that I am sensitive to certain noises (Did you hear that squeak?) and have to white knuckle it through a crowded supermarket. If I don’t have a visual reminder, that task is gonna get missed!
Since I was the girl who rarely did her homework and hated to read, it was natural for me to be the teacher who helped kids organize their backpacks, advocated for classroom accommodations, and created plans to make up missed work.
Year after year, I seem to attract others with ADHD or variable attention traits. It wasn’t until recently that I took all the education and training I have garnered over my career, and questioned whether the diagnosis fit me.
I have participated in several evaluations and screenings for ADHD. Some said “yes,” and others said “not so much.” I had to create the coping skills out of necessity. So my struggles with working memory, emotional regulation, and task initiation are sometimes masked.
All of this is to say that, diagnosis or no diagnosis, I have lived experience that has given me the wisdom, compassion, and understanding to work with others who are struggling with ADHD or executive dysfunction.
You are my people!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go find that squeak!
My Professional Background
Sue is a highly experienced educator, coach, and consultant based in Richmond, Virginia. She has over 25 years of experience working with school-age students, teenagers, and adults. Sue helps her clients and families develop systems and strategies to improve school, work, and life skills. She has experience working in public and private schools, as well as at the college level. Her specialty is working with individuals who are impacted by executive dysfunction, such as those with ADHD and neurodivergence. Sue is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking guidance and support to work smarter, not harder. In addition to her BS and MS in Education, Sue participates in ongoing education that provides up-to-date skills and expertise in ADHD and Executive Function Coaching. Sue has completed ADHD Coaching coursework and is seeking her ICF and PAAC certification in coaching this fall.
Sue is the parent of two college-age children and lives in the Bon Air area of Richmond with her partner Dan and their dogs Murph and Minka.
25 years as a special educator…
