Coaches

---

ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach

Dria Brantley, MS (She/Her/They) is a highly experienced coach and counselor with a background in both education and mental health. Dria has worked with students, young adults and families for over a decade, as a coach, teacher, school counselor, and a psychotherapist prior to joining The Chesapeake Center.  At the Chesapeake Center, she offers coaching focused on several different issues:

Executive Functioning coaching for high school and college students and adults.

ADHD Coaching with a broader focus helping clients to better understand how they are impacted by ADHD and engaging in collaborative problem solving to address relationship issues, emotional issues, reduce stress, and generally lead a more satisfying and productive life with ADHD.

Coaching from an LGBTQIA+ perspective, working with middle and high school students to support them around issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. Adolescent years can be very challenging and difficult for LGBTAIA+ students. She works with individual students as well as in small groups, providing them a safe place to talk about their feelings, experiences and challenges.

Dria’s coaching approach uses a holistic, integrative framework that centers the whole person. From this lens, they work with clients to develop the tools and systems needed to build and tend a sustainable ecosystem of care for a full, abundant life. 

Dria earned their bachelors of science in psychology from The University of Georgia, before gaining their teaching certification through the State of Ohio. Dria also holds a masters of science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has clinical training in ADHD, ASD, and neurodiverse development, early education, family systems, meditation, movement and expressive arts, trauma informed neuroscience, and collaborative problem solving.

• Providing support for LGBTQIA+ clients and their families
• Teens and Young Adults
• Adults navigating an ADHD diagnosis later in life
• Parent coaching

ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach

Career Coach

Bruce Hughes, MA, PMP, SHRM-CP, offers coaching for ADHD, executive functioning, and career development to mid-career and late-diagnosed professionals with ADHD. He provides customized and culturally competent support for neurodivergent, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ young adults and millennials.

A pivotal moment in Bruce's life came after he realized there was nothing inherently wrong with who he was, only that he’s accepted negative beliefs ascribed to him by society. He came to understand that there is nothing wrong with being gay, having ADHD, or learning differently. In fact, these aspects can be strengths when supported in the right environment. This realization inspired him to see his unique experiences and challenges as sources of inspiration for others and empowered him to make a career pivot to become a helping professional.

With over 20 years of experience in project management, organizational change management, and leadership development, Bruce offers tailored coaching for clients facing employment barriers due to their ADHD diagnosis. His personal journey – grappling with his identity as a Black, gay, neurodivergent man – deeply informs his coaching philosophy. His approach, "Tend, Mend, and Transcend," is a comprehensive method that focuses on addressing immediate issues, providing care where needed, and helping clients overcome their unique obstacles by leveraging their existing skills and acquiring new ones.

Bruce holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Management from Strayer University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning with a concentration in Adult Education and Human Development from George Washington University. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at the Catholic University of America. Bruce has completed the ADHD Coaching Program at ADDCA and is earning his ICF and PAAC credentials. He is a certified Human Resources professional through SHRM, a project management professional (PMP) through PMI, and a Prosci-certified Change Practitioner. Bruce is also a Highlands Ability Consultant, and certified Strong Interest Inventory Practitioner.

• Adult Education
• BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Communities 
• Change Management
• Executive Coaching
• Leadership Development
• Mid-life Career Pivots
• Organization Development
• Project Management

ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach

Nutrition Coach

Janelle Lynn, MSc, is a seasoned Holistic Nutrition Consultant/Wellness Coach.   with over 25 years of dedicated experience in promoting well-being through a functional approach.  With a focus on ADHD, she places a strong emphasis on adolescent and women's health, addressing mood instability, hormone balance, and the nuances of self-care. 

Through personalized coaching that centers around nutritional therapy and empowering lifestyle changes, Janelle assists her clients in cultivating a positive connection with food and understanding its importance on overall wellness. Whether working with individuals or leading small groups, her focus remains on creating healthy habits and promoting integrative lifestyle choices to support long-term vitality and balance.

Janelle’s journey to becoming a respected leader in her field began with a deep personal commitment to herself through holistic health. Her approach is to explore evidence-based natural healing alternatives by delving into the intricate connections between the body and mind. Throughout this work a central focus is placed on an integrative wellness paradigm.

Continuously refining her skills, Janelle remains updated on the latest science-based advancements in wellness practices. This allows her to offer valuable insights into the complex needs of individuals navigating health imbalances. She excels at offering personalized interventions and guiding clients towards optimal health outcomes through targeted lifestyle changes.

Janelle began her studies at Bauman College, specializing in Holistic Nutrition, advancing her clinical focus on immuno-compromised individuals. She emphasizes functional nutrition diagnostics and integrative therapeutic lifestyle changes. Janelle holds a steadfast commitment to transformative healing and positions her interventions to guide clients through comprehensive approaches.

Janelle advocates for a more integrative approach to healthcare, empowering individuals to proactively manage their wellness experience. She champions a holistic healing approach centering around evidence-based techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dietary Interventions, Mindfulness Practices and Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, for comprehensive and effective coaching strategies.

• Women's Hormone Health & Vitality
• Immune Resilience & Allergy Relief
• Lymphatic & Cellular Support
• Digestive Health Optimization
• Mental Clarity & Longevity

High School to Young Adult Coach

Ms. McLaren is a highly experienced coach who serves as an Executive Functioning Coach, an Academic Coach, and an ADHD coach.

She has worked in the school environment, providing academic coaching as well as interfacing with teachers to help improve students’ academic performance. In her coaching practice, her focus is broader, including coaching for task management, time management, self-care and daily life skills. Her desire to help others define success and achieve goals in their own way guides her coaching principles.

Because Ms. McLaren is trained as a psychotherapist, she is able to help her clients across a range of issues that may include emotional or interpersonal issues that are blocking their progress in creating a well-functioning and satisfying life.

High School Students - Jessica helps students balance academics, sports, and other after-school activities. She teaches in-class note-taking skills, test-taking skills, and how to advocate for their needs in school. She also focuses on helping students develop daily routines with an emphasis on adequate sleep. She incorporates regular parent check-ins to discuss progress.

College Students - Jessica helps college students develop healthy schedules and routines (self-care, good nutrition, exercise, sleep). She engages in collaborative problem-solving and helps students develop better study skills and life skills.

Adults in their 20s and 30s - Jessica helps young adults stay on track and on task at work, while helping them advocate for their needs. She focuses on overall life management skills, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, home maintenance, hygiene, budgeting, finance, and more.

Accountability Groups - Jessica has also facilitated accountability groups for young adults that involves partnering with an accountability buddy to meet with regularly between sessions to help clients stay on track and meet their goals 

Ms. McLaren earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Minor in Communications from Marist College and a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City. She has completed specific courses and trainings in ADHD and Executive Functioning through Jodi Sleeper-Triplett’s JST Coaching and Training.

Ms. McLaren enjoys public speaking and educating individuals on self-advocacy and learning disabilities to elementary aged children, college students, and organizations. In 2019, she spoke at the Learning Disabilities Association of America Annual Conference about the Impact Educators and Parents have on a Successful Transition for Individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD.

• Scheduling
• Planning
• Executive functioning skills
• Study habits
• Routines
• Organization
• Time management
• Self Advocating
• Balancing life habits
• Motivational Speaking

Occupational Therapist

Executive Functioning Coach

Life Coach

Amy Orlando, MSOT has over 15 years of experience working as an occupational therapist in a variety of settings and has extensive experience working with clients with ADHD and autism of all ages.

Amy believes that her occupational therapy (OT) degree has been an invaluable asset that has made her the coach she is today. Her Occupational Therapy degree allows her to break down complex difficulties into smaller pieces to get to the root cause of challenges. This training has helped her understand that independence and well-being come from a “goodness of fit” between the person, their environment, and their occupation (i.e. school, job, volunteer job, etc.). 

Amy also has vast experience teaching interoceptive awareness (being able to understand how your body is feeling) to help clients further understand how they are feeling and to utilize appropriate strategies. 

Her coaching approach focuses on gaining insight and developing functional and actionable goals to help clients achieve increased independence. While Amy may suggest solutions to challenges, she understands the path to behavioral change comes from finding solutions for oneself. 

She utilizes evidence-based techniques such as active listening to help individuals reflect on their strengths and challenges which leads to increased self-awareness, independence, and self-sufficiency. 

Amy received her undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame in Psychology and her Master’s at Tufts University. Amy is a certified and licensed Occupational Therapist and is certified through the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) program.

• Using her holistic lens to help individuals navigate and understand the “why” behind why they are having challenges
• Helping clients shift their mindset, boundaries, and environmental conditions so they can meet their goals  
  

ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach / Academic Tutor

Private School Placement Consultant

Michelle Schneck, MA is passionate about helping students develop the academic skills and confidence they need in order to succeed in school and in life. Her mission is to encourage individuals to recognize their inherent strengths and to learn how to use them in addressing the challenges they face.

Ms. Schneck is a learning specialist with extensive independent school experience. Prior to joining The Chesapeake Center, she served as the Learning Support Coordinator at Sidwell Friends School for 10 years, where she was recognized for “excellence in meeting the extraordinary needs of a diverse community.” Prior to that, for 24 years, Ms. Schneck was the Director of Special Services at the Berman Hebrew Academy for students in grades K-12.

Ms. Schneck skillfully guides each learner to achieve his or her potential by developing organizational and study strategies and improving executive functioning.

In a variety of educational settings and across multiple disciplines, she has successfully helped students advance their proficiency in reading and writing, basic math, and other academic skills. Her expertise in being able to bring together coaching with tutoring services provides a unique opportunity to meet the specific needs of each learner.

Ms. Schneck earned her master’s degree in special education from Teachers College at Columbia University in 1979. She is certified by Jodi Sleeper-Triplett as a Coach for Teens and College Students with ADHD.

• Executive functioning
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Self-advocacy
• Study skills
• Memory strategies
• Note taking skills
• Test-taking skills
• Reading comprehension
• Decoding skills
• Writing skills
• Math through basic algebra
• Hebrew and Judaic Studies

ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach

Career Coach

Beth Schoen, MSW, brings over 25 years of extensive experience to her role as an ADHD and executive functioning coach, for individuals seeking to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. With a dedication to her clients' growth and success, Beth is committed to providing a supportive coaching environment to her clients that is individualized to their needs and goals.

With a rich background as an Inclusion Specialist and a leader in Educational Support roles, Beth has mastered the art of developing strategies tailored to the unique needs of those with ADHD. Her comprehensive approach is designed to enhance organizational skills, emotional regulation, and life skills, all while promoting self-confidence and meta-cognition (thinking about and understanding your own thinking). Beth's commitment to her clients is evident in her holistic, individualized coaching sessions, aimed at facilitating personal, professional,  and academic success.

Career Assessment for Adolescents, Young Adults, and Adults:
Beth’s coaching services also encompass career exploration, where she excels in aligning her clients' strengths, interests, abilities, and skills, with their career aspirations. By utilizing comprehensive assessment tools, such as The Highlands Ability Battery, along with a carefully chosen selection of additional assessments, clients gain a deep understanding of many options that align with their abilities, interests, and personal style.  For adults interested in professional development, she offers guidance on workplace strategies, career alignment, and support through mid-career transitions.

After completing her Master of Social Work at New York University, Beth pursued additional learning in mindfulness at the Mindfulness Awareness Research Center of UCLA, an endeavor that has deeply influenced her coaching style. By incorporating mindfulness practices, Beth aids her clients in enhancing focus, better managing their emotions, and truly valuing their progress. As a certified Highlands Ability Battery Consultant, Beth uncovers and highlights her clients' individual abilities and personal styles, supporting their journey towards personal and career advancement

• ADHD-Specific Strategies: Tailoring approaches to meet the unique needs of individuals with ADHD, focusing on enhancing focus, flexibility, and executive function through ADHD-friendly techniques.
• Navigating ADHD in the Workplace: Providing adults with ADHD strategies for thriving in their careers, including workplace organization strategies, managing distractions, and time management tools and platforms.
• Supporting Parents: Crafting executive functioning routines to simplify family life and enhance parental guidance.
• College Transition Coaching: Assisting college students in managing the executive functioning challenges that come with transitioning to college life.
• Goal Attainment: Setting and achieving realistic, personalized goals through structured planning, persistence, and accountability.
• Emotional Regulation Strategies: Implementing practical techniques for managing emotions, reducing stress, and improving responses to challenging situations.
• Time Management: Developing effective strategies to manage time efficiently, prioritizing tasks, and minimizing procrastination.
• Goal Persistence & Task Initiation: Encouraging consistent progress towards goals and overcoming barriers to starting tasks.
• Decision-Making Support: Offering guidance in making informed decisions by weighing options and considering potential outcomes while managing fears about these outcomes and consequences.

  ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach

Lauren Shaman is a dedicated educator with over 10 years of experience in public and private schools teaching neurodivergent students. Lauren coaches with the underlying belief that the students and adults she coaches are creative, resourceful, and whole. Through active listening and powerful questions, Lauren empowers her clients to identify how to use their strengths to make meaningful changes in their lives. She uses her experience as special education teacher to fill knowledge gaps and offer strategies when helpful for clients impacted by executive functioning difficulties. 

Lauren’s expertise lies in creating a safe space to partner with her clients to improve executive functioning skills and use their strengths to achieve greater independence and success in their daily lives. Lauren wants to help students feel more confident in class and with friends, reduce the overwhelming feeling that often makes it hard to get started, and breaking things down so you know exactly where to start. 

She enjoys working with students from middle school through college as well as adults trying to learn new tools to better cope with the increase of demands as we navigate work and family responsibilities. 

Lauren has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Minor in Psychology from American University. She has a Master’s in Education with a focus in Special Education from Boston University. She completed Jodi Sleeper-Triplett’s JST Coaching and Training comprehensive coach training program for life coaching and ADHD/neurodiversity coaching, and is an   Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.

• High School Students
• Executive functioning
• Organizational skills
• Time management

ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach

Joy Stern, MA, CPCC, PCC provides both ADHD and executive functioning coaching and career exploration to teens, young adults and adults.

ADHD / Executive Functioning Coaching:

 Ms. Stern’s strong interest is in helping her clients to develop the organizational and daily life-management skills that can help them succeed in school and in their daily lives. She helps her clients to understand their particular challenges and to develop self-management strategies. Through her work, her clients have improved self-confidence and greater self-awareness as they develop the skills they need to succeed.

Career exploration for teens, young adults and adults: 

Ms. Stern also has a strong background in career and workplace issues. She is certified to administer and interpret the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and works closely with the rest of The Chesapeake Career Center team to interpret career assessment results to help her clients find a career direction that focuses on their strengths and interests.

Following career assessment, Ms. Stern works one-on-one with her client to explore career options. For adults, she helps them develop workplace strategies, identify jobs within their fields that are better matched for their abilities or make a mid-career transition into another field.

Ms. Stern earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany, double-majoring in psychology and fine arts. She received her master’s degree in organization development from American University. Ms. Stern has received two coaching certifications through the Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) by the Coaches Training Institute and  Professional Certified Coach (PCC), by the International Coaching Federation.

Additionally, she has received specific training to coach teens and college students through Jodi Sleeper-Triplett’s JST Coaching and Training.

• ADHD Adults
• College Students
• Executive functioning
• Organizational skills
• Time management

Young Adult to Adult Coach

Quincéy Xavier (“Q”)  is an ADHD and executive functioning coach with over 20 years of experience working with pre-teens to mature adults. Q’s passion is working with adults in their 20s and 30s to help with problem-solving, procrastination, time management, fiscal responsibility, personal/professional accountability, communication skills and more.

Q uses an individualized coaching approach, focusing on the needs of the whole person.

Q’s process begins with identifying negative habits and perceptions that need to be altered to help clients reach their goals. Q helps clients break old habits that are causing problems, and create new, ADHD-friendly, healthy, manageable habits that foster peace of mind and happiness.

At the heart of Q’s coaching model is the “Four Cs”: Calm, Comfort, Confidence, and Clarity.

Q works with clients to develop incremental/iterative processes for achievement, incorporating traditional one-on-one coaching as well as experiential and immersive experiences so clients can practice skills in real-life settings to create lasting change.

Quincéy earned his Bachelor’s of Science in International Business with Concentrations in Leadership, Human Resources, and Finance from Johnson & Wales University.

Q has completed research, facilitation, and training on ADHD, Behavioral Difficulties, Learning Challenges, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma through programs with the Washburn Center for Children, The Young Artists Program, Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts (HECCMA), and Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP).

Q enjoys public speaking, leading experiential workshops, and facilitating peer & community resource groups on Social/Interpersonal Skills, Self-Care, Self-Identity, Building & Nurturing Personal Support Networks, Peer & Community Support, Arts/Creativity and Adulthood with International Universities, Non-Profit Organizations, Board of Directors, and Senior Executives.

Q has led a powerful creative career in branding, advertising, and public speaking while mentoring, leading workshops, and coaching a broad scope of clients with a variety of needs.

• Helping college students develop EF skills, basic self-care, and finding direction as they transition from college to the working world
• Helping young adults develop life skills, implement routines, navigate careers, and foster independence
• Helping working professionals find life satisfaction, healthy outlets for stress, find their identity and goals for the future, and enhance relationships with partners, family members, and friends
• Using guided imagery, meditation, and grounding gentle movement exercises
• Incorporating creative practices with journaling, art, poetry, literature, and performance