Hey there! I'm Michelle, a dedicated Literacy Specialist, Certified ADHD Coach, and Executive Function Coach with 15 years of experience supporting individuals on their unique journeys. I’m not here to sugarcoat anything or bombard you with sales pitches—my newsletters are genuine, insightful, and filled with practical strategies that you won’t find everywhere else. With a strong background in structured literacy, I’m passionate about helping learners of all ages unlock their reading potential and develop the skills they need to succeed. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of literacy or managing the challenges of ADHD, I’m here to provide you with the tools and strategies to thrive.Expect a blend of humor, a touch of tough love, and a treasure trove of actionable tips to help you navigate life with ADHD and enhance your literacy skills. In my little corner of the internet, you’ll discover straightforward strategies, real talk, and honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of living with ADHD and improving literacy.I believe in the power of laughter, so you’ll find a sprinkle of humor in everything I share—because sometimes, you just need to chuckle through the chaos. Join me if you’re ready for a refreshingly candid approach to ADHD and literacy. I’m excited to share my knowledge and support you in crafting a life that truly works for you!
What happens when you drop the mask?
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Hey Reader, Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the whole concept of masking. Ever since I received my ADHD diagnosis later in life, I’ve realized I’ve spent so much time trying to fit into this supposed "normal" mold (like, what does 'normal' even mean, anyway?). If you don't know, masking is when someone with ADHD tries to present themselves in a way that hides the fact that they’re navigating life with ADHD so that they can "fit in". It goes by other names like “impression management” or “camouflaging,” but honestly? It’s a coping mechanism that helps us blend in and sidestep the stigma. Ugh, I can’t even begin to tell you how much of that I’ve done over the years!
So, once I got that ADHD diagnosis, I began the process of unmasking. And let me tell you, it really is a journey and not a sprint. It feels like an ongoing adventure full of ups and downs, and sometimes I wonder if it’ll ever reach an endpoint! It hasn't been easy but it has been totally worth it. As I go through this unmasking process, I’m uncovering so many layers of who I truly am—like my deep passion for art and creativity in all shapes and sizes. There’s something so magical about watching someone pour their heart into creating just for the sheer joy of it, and that fills me with such happiness! Discovering this vibrant side of myself—without feeling weighed down by a mask—has become a really important part of my journey. I wouldn’t have tapped into this part of me without embracing my ADHD and taking off that mask! If masking is something you see in yourself and are exploring the idea of unmasking, I'd recommend starting small. Pick one area of your life where you feel safe enough to drop the mask. It could be amongst friends, diving into a creative hobby, or simply sharing your unique thoughts and feelings more openly. Trust me, every tiny step you take will lead you closer to discovering your authentic self! As for me, I’m starting to embrace things that bring me joy and sharing them without apology with people who matter—like you! That’s why I'm sharing this dance video I stumbled upon recently that I can’t stop watching. The creativity, the athleticism, and the sheer artistry of it all is just mesmerizing to me. I hope you find it just as captivating! Thanks so much for being here with me, Reader. Your support means the world to me. Until next time, |
Your Partner in Literacy and ADHD: Experience Meets Passion
Hey there! I'm Michelle, a dedicated Literacy Specialist, Certified ADHD Coach, and Executive Function Coach with 15 years of experience supporting individuals on their unique journeys. I’m not here to sugarcoat anything or bombard you with sales pitches—my newsletters are genuine, insightful, and filled with practical strategies that you won’t find everywhere else. With a strong background in structured literacy, I’m passionate about helping learners of all ages unlock their reading potential and develop the skills they need to succeed. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of literacy or managing the challenges of ADHD, I’m here to provide you with the tools and strategies to thrive.Expect a blend of humor, a touch of tough love, and a treasure trove of actionable tips to help you navigate life with ADHD and enhance your literacy skills. In my little corner of the internet, you’ll discover straightforward strategies, real talk, and honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of living with ADHD and improving literacy.I believe in the power of laughter, so you’ll find a sprinkle of humor in everything I share—because sometimes, you just need to chuckle through the chaos. Join me if you’re ready for a refreshingly candid approach to ADHD and literacy. I’m excited to share my knowledge and support you in crafting a life that truly works for you!
Hey Reader, I hope you’re good wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. I can't believe it but I just turned over my calendar to December and it’s well and truly the season of shorter days and darker nights. I’m not gonna lie…there’s something about this time of year that just gets me feeling so cozy. So, it feels like it’s been a minute since I’ve popped into your email inbox. A lot has been going on here behind the scenes both personally and professionally and I wanted to update you a...
Hey there, Reader! It's been a minute, hasn’t it? How have you been doing? I can’t believe how quickly this month has flown by. Seriously, it feels like I blinked, and suddenly, the cooler weather is creeping in. I find myself daydreaming about all things winter - cozy blankets and hot chocolate which is wild, right? And it seems like I’m not the only one thinking about the holidays early this year—I was in Costco the other day, and guess what? Holiday stuff was on full display front and...
Hey Reader, If I could listen to your thoughts right now, what do you think I’d hear? Living with ADHD can make it ridiculously easy to beat ourselves up for not fitting in, not being "normal," and a whole lot of other stuff. If you could peek into my brain, you’d definitely hear a whole lot of self-criticism and some not-so-flattering chatter happening at full volume. Isn’t it wild how quickly our brains can jump to that self-judgment? If your mind is anything like mine, just remember:...