I'm glad you're here!
Reaching out for support can feel a little intimidating, especially when you're not sure what to expect. I know I'd want to learn a bit about the person I might be working with, so here's a little about me!
Hi, I’m Ashley!
I'm a former university professor, a late-diagnosed ADHDer, an only child, and a proud cat mom. I’ve called quite a few places home over the years, but I currently live in Columbia, South Carolina.
For much of my life, I felt like I was somehow both too much and never quite enough. I struggled with feeling different, not really belonging, and wondering why things that seemed to come naturally to other people could be so difficult for me. I got pretty good at pushing through, but eventually, that came at a cost.
I was diagnosed with ADHD in my early 30s, although it took another couple of years to begin understanding how much it had affected my life. Discovering that other people shared experiences I'd struggled to explain was incredibly meaningful. And experiencing ADHD coaching myself helped me begin approaching familiar challenges differently, with strategies that worked better for me and a little more compassion for myself along the way.
And here, too.
Messy is welcome here.
Before coaching, I spent years in academia studying human behavior. I loved research, but I also discovered how much I enjoyed getting to know my students beyond the classroom. Those experiences, together with my own journey with ADHD, played a role in my decision to become a coach. I'm also continuing my training in somatic coaching, exploring ways to bring greater awareness of the mind-body connection into my work.
Outside of coaching, I enjoy hiking, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places. I'm also an avid blackjack player, and I have a small jewelry business on the side. And don't be surprised if one of my cats decides to join us as an unofficial co-coach.
These days, I'm learning to slow down a little, question some of the expectations I've carried for years, and make more room for things I genuinely enjoy.
I'm excited about this next chapter of my life, including the people I'll meet and the things I'll discover.