My Neurodivergent Journey: From Discovery to Advocacy

I’ll never forget the moment I realized that my life—and the life of my family—would look different than I had imagined. My daughter was six years old when she began struggling in school after leaving a Montessori preschool where she had thrived. Moving into a traditional public school environment brought challenges that none of us ever anticipated.

As a mother, I had to quickly learn how to adapt my parenting to meet her needs. And that work wasn’t easy—not just because of the day-to-day practicalities, but also because of the cultural context we navigate as a Black-identifying family with roots steeped in cultural tradition and survival. There are unspoken expectations about discipline, achievement, and “handling it all” that weigh heavily, especially on women. And my husband and I learned together that our parenting had to shift in ways that honored her unique brain and temperament.

Over the years, I watched her brilliance and curiosity shine alongside frustration and overwhelm. By the time she reached middle school, I realized it was time to seek clarity for myself as well. I decided to get evaluated for ADHD. And by no surprise, the diagnosis was confirmed.

It was validating in a way that was both liberating and humbling. For so long, I had struggled without understanding why I experienced the challenges I had. My difficulties had often shown up as depression or even symptoms connected to past trauma—but ADHD? That wasn’t even on my radar. Even as a mental health professional, I had accepted the cultural narrative: ADHD was for hyperactive little white boys, not little Black girls like my daughter or even me. And what we know now is that the presentation of the same disorder presents very differently across genders, race, and neurotypes. 

Receiving my diagnosis forced me to confront internalized ableism and stigma I had carried for my entire life. It was deep, challenging work—but also profoundly liberating. It helped me to recognize that my brain is not “broken” or “less than,” it is simply just different. And that difference, once understood and accommodated, can be a source of strength and brilliance.

This journey is personal, but it is also central to my life’s work. It fuels my commitment to supporting women—especially those who are not typically identified as struggling with neurodivergence, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My mission is to walk alongside these women through their own journeys of discovery, acceptance, and empowerment.

At Hatch Life Wellness, I help women explore what it means to live in a body and mind that sometimes works differently than the world expects. Together, we create strategies, environments, and lifestyles that honor their neurodivergence while helping them reach their full potential.

For me, this work is everything: it is the intersection of personal healing, professional expertise, and advocacy. It is about seeing what has long been invisible and providing the tools, guidance, and support women need to thrive as their authentic selves.

Schedule a Consultation