My Neurodivergence Journey
My 20s...
After developing bipolar disorder at the age of 20, I learned to manage it over time, yet still struggled so much. I had severe sleeping problems, at the worst, sleeping at 10 AM and waking at 6 PM. A sudden onset of an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis), drained me of all energy, making it difficult for me to carry out my everyday life. I had chronic pain in my body, with my sciatica making it difficult to work or have a social life. For a couple of years, I had an alcohol addiction.
Although I had accomplished many things - with stellar academic performance, testing into selective schools, competing at national & international levels, often winning awards, it took me 7 years to get my undergrad degree. It was only later that I realized I had been battling chronic depression and anxiety for years. For many years, I had passive suicidal ideations almost every single day.
It wasn’t until my late 20s that a psychiatrist told me I may have ADHD, that my life made so much sense. I bought books on ADHD, but in true ADHD fashion, I procrastinated reading them. At this stage, I was not aware how much ADHD affected my everyday life and thus did not feel a pull to seek support.
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In my 30s...
When I did learn more about ADHD - everything changed. I went on medication and made adjustments to my life to accommodate my ADHD. I began to accept myself more with compassion. I realized that having ADHD is associated with so much guilt and shame on a daily basis. I reframed the narrative I had about myself - I was not lazy; in contrast, I worked too hard - I just struggled to start tasks and finish them because I faced invisible ADHD challenges and blocks every day.
As I learned to slow down, I also became aware of just how much stress and anxiety I had been feeling in my hectic life (nervous system disregulation). I was living inside a rice cooker. After self-coaching myself and making adjustments to my life, I felt much much lighter, happier and started slowly thriving with ADHD. My partner at the time also realized he has ADHD and together, we started addressing the effects ADHD had on our relationship. I have since realized that nearly all of my romantic partners are neurodivergent - naturally. I am always learning from them and our relationships.
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
𓍊𓋼𓍊𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𓋼
The Last 5 years...
of creating a career and online business
When I first found out about ADHD coaching, I intuitively recognized it would be a great fit for me. I had known I have a lot of talent and passion but did not know what career I could channel it into. I had a feeling this was it. I wanted to empower others to undergo transformations as I had. I completed my training with ADDCA (ADD Coach Academy) in 2021 and am AACC certified.
Late 2022, I discovered that I am autistic, making me AuDHD. I learned more about neurodivergence and the concept of 2e (twice exceptional: gifted + disability). I have since then rebranded as a neurodivergence coach (instead of ADHD coach).
Along with this, I also realized that I am queer, as many autistic individuals are.
As of 2024, I have a thriving online business supporting neurodivergent people come into their powerful selves. I get to do work on my terms, with flexibility, and work with people that bring me joy. Its unbelieveable that I have made a career out of having multiple disabilities and mental illnesses. I get to travel and do fun things while working. It feels a bit cliched to say, but honestly it feels like a dream, still.
𓍊𓋼𓍊𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊𓋼
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On a more personal note,
I’m from Korea and have lived in Korea, the UK, and the US, currently residing in Los Angeles. As a third culture kid, and avid traveler, I have been shifting through different cultures, often navigating spaces I don't feel I inherently belong in.
I have previously worked in the education industry for a decade as a college prep instructor, tutor and college admissions consultant, and in the manufacturing industry as a drafter. I am bilingual in Korean and English and learning Spanish. I love traveling ✈️, cycling 🚴♀️, everything outdoors ⛰️, dancing 💃🏻, plants 🪴, exploring psychedelics 🍄 and all things DIY 🔨.
Proud )'(
Some of my current special interests are training in Somatic Experiencing, learning about the nervous system and trauma, and different modalities of somatic healing. I'm a proud somatic trauma nerd!
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As a queer immigrant woman of color, I aim to give everyone a safe space
to express themselves and explore the intersection of their neurodivergence and identities.
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The work I do with clients can be distilled into :
Supporting in Neurodivergent adults create balance, safety and control in their lives,
so they can bloom and cultivate more fun, play, joy and creativity ✨💫
My signature program is called Neurodivergent Magic ✨
Qualifications & Professional Development
Somatic Experiencing
(Currently in training, since March ’24)
ADHD & Life Coach Training
ADDCA (ADD Coaching Academy)
Associate Certified Coach (AACC) (2021)
ICF (International Coaching Federation) PCC (Professional Certified Coach) pending
Trainings
Events Attended
Starboard II : ADHD Creator's Cruise
August 2023
Psychedelic Science
March 2023
International ADHD Conference
November 2022
My Approach to Coaching
Some indications we would be a good fit
Conventional Productivity™️ Isn't for You
You are craving gentler, softer, more supportive productivity.
You want to combine productivity solutions [outer work] with working through the tough emotional experience of being neurodivergent [inner work].
You resonate with my story
You struggle with getting things done (being "productive"), mental health, chronic illnesses, and addiction.
You resonate with my identity and neurodivergences
You are BIPOC, queer, autistic, ADHD, bipolar, 2e (gifted + disability).
You are like my other clients (and me!)
My clients tend to be creatives, small business owners, work in non-profit or tech, are graduate students.
Many of my clients are BIPOC and/or queer.
You are looking for a coach who...
Understands neurodivergent struggles first hand, is : empathetic, non-judgemental, honest & direct - bold, encouraging, provides a lot of accountability & support, solutions oriented, invested in your success, knowledgable & has cultural sensitivity, non transactional...and most of all, believes in you (even when you are struggling to)
You are a resistance against colonialism + patriarchy
You leaning into your disabilities and neurodivergence, unmasking and being authentically you is a radical resistance against colonial and patriarchal systems (Western norms of time and extractive productivity / ideas about what neurodivergence should look like vs what it actually looks like in marginalized communities). You and your life are a political statement.
Holistic
I balance the tools of ND coaching (tips, hacks, strategies) with holding and working through the very difficult, complexed lived emotional experience of being neurodivergent.
In short, we would be balancing inner work with outer work.
Tailored
Each person has a unique brain, unique needs with different circumstances, and a different way of receiving coaching.
To honor this, I let my intuition guide me in taking an individualized approach for every client and do not use one-size-fits-all tools.
Client-Centered
I empower the client to come up with what works for them and keep themselves accountable with my support. (we all know - no one can really make ND people do things)
ND folks are powerful beings with agency and I guide clients to spark the light they already have within them.
Talks
"How to Get Shit Done : Gentle and Supportive Productivity"
for Instrument, 2024
"Coaching Neurodivergent Clients"
(Informing practioners on how to weave neuroinclusivity in their practices)
for Animas Coaching
(Scheduled July 2024)
"My Tumultuous Relationship With My Mum, Navigating my Neurodivergences" (watch)
for Alliance for Impact
Community
ADDA (ADD Association)
Asians with ADHD Support Group
Co-Facilitator
formerly,
ACO (ADHD Coaches Organization)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Education Subcommittee
Lead
Stephanie's skills as a neurodivergence coach have earned her a spot on the
Coach Foundation's Top ADHD Coaches List