Mary J. Blige told me two things: "I love my monkey;" "You like a psychiatrist or some shit? This shit is just coming out but go ahead."
My nomadic journey as a publisher and writer is replete with countless tales concerning unfathomable international adventures and defiance. Across six continents, I interviewed the likes of Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, Daft Punk, Metallica, Kiss, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah, Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Floyd Mayweather, Jr, Georges St. Pierre and countless others. Success despite multiple unhealthy behaviours until more and more doors were closed, and I was "some shit." The party is over. That's life with ADHD. Our most formidable opponent the reflection in the mirror.
What if I told you that life could be different? Uncomplicated, proven beneficial practices to strengthen ourselves exist.
Weary from suffering the adverse effects of Adult ADHD, my reality transformed, replacing harmful negative traits by learning and advancing simple, healthy practices. Acknowledging it’s a process, committing to self-care, and avoiding pressure to make the change. I formed a distinctive, new philosophy, lost 70 lbs, meditated twice daily, and completed world-class university courses.
I started ADHD Toronto to support the countless individuals who are uninsured, unable to afford the high cost of private treatment, or navigate the medical system. It’s an inclusive community with active members in Canada, the United States, and Europe. The consciousness that Adult ADHD individuals will grow together and learn to thrive big time within a positive and proactive community of peers. Connecting with and becoming accountable to a partner and group of peers is a necessary encouragement for us to focus and make positive change.
I enjoy helping neurodiverse people and sharing my first-hand understanding. My biggest strength is quickly and easily seeing skills, gifts, and talents that neurodiverse people don't even realise they have.
I still think a direct approach is best.
Certificates and Courses
Specialisation: Uncommon Sense Teaching, Deep Teaching Solutions
Uncommon Sense Teaching with Honours, Deep Teaching Solutions
Uncommon Sense Teaching: Part 2, Building Community and Habits of Learning with Honours, Deep Teaching Solutions
Uncommon Sense Teaching: Teaching Online, Deep Teaching Solutions
MHA Peer Support Training, WISE U
Health Behaviour Change: From Evidence to Action, Yale University
Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty & Stress, Yale University
ADHD: Everyday Strategies for Elementary Students, University of Buffalo
Stoic Mindfulness & Resilience Training, Modern Stoicism
Removing Barriers to Change, University of Pennsylvania
Giving Helpful Feedback, University of Colorado Boulder
Managing as a Coach, University of California, Davis
Coaching Practices, University of California, Davis
Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues, University of California, Davis
Mental Health First Aid, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Best Practices for Suicide Prevention to Postvention, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Specialisation: Public Speaking, University of Washington
Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Unconscious, The University of Edinburgh
Transitions to Communities, Mood Disorders Society of Canada
WRAP: Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Seminar 1
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Mindfulness CBT
Narrative Writing Therapy