Journeyman to Expert ADHD Coach

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..” – Romans 12:2

One of the most uncomfortable exercises for me is to write about whatever accomplishments I’ve done. So to make it easy, I’ll just list it down:

• First ever in my country to have both the Advanced Certified ADHD Life Coaching & the ICF Professional Coaching Certification 
• Worked as a SPED teacher, Academic Mentor and Life Coach with individuals with ADHD and Level 1 Autism since 2010 serving hundreds of clients along the way
• Youngest ever President of the ADHD Society of the Philippines in 2022, and youngest ever Vice-President in 2014, and in the latter year we won the PWD Group of the Year Award
• Established the first Adult ADHD Support group in 2012 and the first National Conference for Adults with ADHD in 2022
• Trainer for my church’s special needs ministry and other related ministries
• Trusted professional referred by many top psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, psychologists, universities and schools
• Spearheaded 10 outdoor trips with teens and young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions
• Graduated from the 4th and final year of university a Dean’s Lister and a published author of two children’s pet care guides
• Proud husband to Julz, father to two little girls Jordyn and Jaycie, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ

Now why would I be uncomfortable writing an “about me” page that puts my best foot forward? Because the following also happened to me:

• Held a myriad of jobs, often quitting after discouragement (quit my first employment after college after just 5 months)
• Almost flunked out of college in my 3rd year, due to lack of motivation and gaming addiction (during which I gained 100 pounds and still trying to fix my health to this day)
• Entered my MA in Special Ed in 2010, but never finished it due to perfectionism, physical health, and mental health issues
• Hid my ADHD diagnosis in 2010 from everyone except a few people, for TWO years
• Was told by numerous people that working with ADHD would never be for me, and many well-intentioned people around me doubted it even existed 
• Never fit in all that well in high school or in college
• I even almost quit being in this industry, and coaching altogether after my then pregnant wife died of COVID-19

Looking at this stark contrast, it’s obvious that whatever I’ve done and wherever I am now, is simply by grace. As such, my mission right now is simply: to use whatever I’ve gone through, whatever knowledge I have to continue helping more people with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. 

If you’re reading this and can relate to it, I hope to talk to you soon. Seriously, I hope I can be of help.

Coach John