The Why
Life shouldn’t have to feel so hard.
I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. After a period of grieving this news, I changed my mindset. I became hyper focussed for many years on learning everything I could about ADHD; cognitive behaviour therapy, self compassion, coaching, mindfulness, and health, in order to live my best life. My brain was full!
I thought I was over the feelings of shame I had held onto for so long. It wasn’t until I attended a national CADDAC ADHD conference that I realized I had been fooling myself, up until then, I still felt I was less than.
Years of education and therapy had helped, but it was being in the physical presence of others who knew a life of having of ADHD and were not going to be deterred by it, that allowed me to become truly comfortable with my own diagnosis. It was both motivating and liberating! I finally understood that I was not alone and began to genuinely accept myself.
I needed to feel it to believe it.
Perhaps you landed here because it is the missing piece for you too? Not everyone can afford to attend a conference and many want that feeling of authentic acceptance more than once a year. This is why I created the adhd SOCIAL HUB
I want adults who identify as having ADHD to have easy access to non-clinical, cost effective, group support, both in-person, and online.
You don’t have to be alone.
The Who
Nice to meet you 👋🏻 I’m Sonia!
Growing up the 4th youngest of 5 kids, I enjoyed constant busyness around me. I always liked an adventure! At the same time, I distinctly remember always feeling different than my siblings and peers. I noticed everything! I found my super senses to be both a gift and a challenge.
I was sensitive and smart, but I learned differently. Back then that showed up as what people called “lazy,” so I learned to fit in and meet society’s definition of success, never really knowing the reason why things were always more of a struggle for me.
After being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, now, it all makes sense.
The Details
My journey to creating the adhd SOCIAL HUB really began when I was an elementary school teacher, noticing the unique skills and strengths of my students. I learned that growth happens best when a person feels safe and happy in their environment. This is a simple necessity.
Teaching was followed by volunteer work on a crisis line, and then continuing on as a senior volunteer. My time supporting folks experiencing crisis has led me to the realization that people save themselves. When we can autonomously make the choice to reach towards support and ask for help rather than isolate ourselves, amazing, positive change can happen.
Since becoming an internationally certified life and wellness coach (ACC) with a focus on ADHD, I continue to witness transformations as people learn to trust themselves and take goal directed action towards what is best suited for them.
I then pursued years of training at the Justice Institute of BC to become certified in collaborative conflict resolution, in addition to a certificate in conflict coaching. This work taught me the powerful impact communication, listening, and self awareness has on relationships.
I am a mother of 2 (now adult) sons, a dog mama, and have been happily sharing the adventures of life with my partner of 27 years.
My goal in creating the adhd SOCIAL HUB is so that neurodiverse folks do not feel isolated and misunderstood, but rather, they recognize their strengths and feel accepted and capable.
I want adults with ADHD to have easy access to cost effective, non-clinical, organized group events and education, and feel a sense of belonging to a positive and supportive community.
We would be happy to have you join us, you are welcome here!
Mission: We believe that social support is an important part of health and well being. We strive to reduce social isolation and provide adults with ADHD cost effective opportunities for growth.
Values: Kindness. Safety. Support.