“Help me to help myself” - Maria Montessori

About Me

Hi, I’m Stella, an academic and executive function coach with over 15 years of experience supporting youth and adults with ADHD, autism, anxiety, PTSD, and learning differences.

My background blends psychology, education, and neuroscience — I hold a B.A. (Honours) in Psychology, an M.Sc. in Cell & Developmental Biology, and professional certification as a Social Pedagogue (Erzieher) from Germany.

I currently work as a Support Worker in PTSD recovery for first responders, which has made my practice deeply trauma-informed, and as a Research Support and Study Coordinator at Simon Fraser University, where I assist with ongoing research and undergraduate academic development.

I started Diverse Learning after seeing how many bright ADHD students struggle to reach their potential in university — something I deeply understand from both professional and personal experience. I’ve successfully navigated academia with ADHD myself, earning several major awards, including the Centennial Entrance Scholarship at UBC, a federal CIHR CGS-M scholarship, and other competitive recognitions from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. I’ve also presented at national and international research conferences and secured grant funding for my own study on student wellbeing during my undergraduate degree.

These experiences shaped how I coach: I know the academic landscape from the inside out — the pressure, perfectionism, and performance fatigue — and I help students build systems that work with their brains, not against them.

My Approach

I take a holistic, evidence-based approach grounded in the biopsychosocial model of health - meaning I look at how your mind, body, and environment work together.

In our sessions, we might use both somatic tools (to calm your nervous system) and cognitive strategies (to strengthen focus, organization, and motivation). Everything is tailored to your unique goals and learning style.

For those who value it, I can also gently integrate spiritual or reflective practices, drawing from my background in religious pedagogy - always optional and led by your comfort.

What to Expect: ADHD Executive Function Coaching

Executive function coaching helps you understand and work with your brain. Together, we’ll strengthen the core cognitive and emotional skills that support everyday functioning, such as:

• Focus, organization, and planning
• Emotional regulation and motivation
• Time management and prioritization
• Task initiation and follow-through
• Managing overwhelm and perfectionism

Whether you’re a student, returning to education, or navigating life as a late-diagnosed adult, you’ll find our sessions collaborative, compassionate, and practical.

What to Expect: ADHD Academic Coaching

Academic coaching is designed for students who are bright and motivated but struggle with the how of studying and learning. Many traditional strategies don’t work for the ADHD brain — so we build systems that do.

You’ll learn how to: - Study effectively and retain information long-term - Manage large projects and break them into doable steps - Prepare for exams in brain-friendly ways - Improve time management and self-accountability - Develop academic writing and research organization - Apply for scholarships or grants strategically - Build confidence, self-trust, and sustainable learning habits

Whether you’re entering university, returning after a break, or balancing studies with other responsibilities, this process helps you learn how you learn best.

Fees and Funding

I believe support should be accessible to everyone, which is why I offer a sliding scale for individuals experiencing financial need. In addition to private payment options, I am a Registered Service Provider with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) under the Autism Funding Program. Some students have also received school-based funding for educational or academic support, and there are tax benefits and other funding sources that may apply to coaching or learning services. My services have also been funded through Jordan’s Principle for Indigenous clients. If cost or funding is a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out - I’m happy to explore options that make coaching accessible for you.

Next Step

If you’re curious about coaching or want to see if it’s the right fit, I invite you to book a free 30-minute consultation through this booking page (first item). We’ll talk about your goals, what support could look like, and how we can tailor coaching to your needs.

“Help me to help myself” - Maria Montessori About Me Hi, I’m Stella, an academic and executive ... Read More