About Essential ADHD
Meet Melissa
Living with undiagnosed ADHD for over 40 years, I often struggled to make sense of myself. “Easy stuff” was ridiculously, embarrassingly hard. How, then, could I be an absolute rock star on things others found difficult? I hid my “flaws” as much as I could. I fought frequent shame, burnout, and imposter syndrome.
No one really knew just how much I struggled.
My diagnosis was a light bulb moment that launched a journey of learning, growth, and self-acceptance. ADHD can be tough in ways that are hard to explain. (If you know, you know!) ADHD also comes with some really amazing upsides.
I founded Essential ADHD to help others learn to work with their ADHD brains rather than against them. It is possible!
I’d love to help you live “your way” with confidence. Let’s talk!
Training & Skills
ADHD Expertise
ADDCA-trained ADHD Life Coach. ADDCA is credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Extensive self-study on ADHD impacts
Access to cutting-edge resources (conferences, articles, studies)
Professional Skills
Over 20 years’ leadership experience in a large corporation
Earned Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation
Public speaking experience (starting with my first job: on-air radio!)
Agile/Scrum
Personal Interests
Mom of two amazing teenage daughters and one Best Doggie Ever
Curious dabbler. Skills include: home improvement, gardening, making jam, amateur mead making, minor car and appliance repair, pottery, painting, photography, guitar (3 chords), cooking, smoking meat, thrifting & antiquing, and web design (NEW!)