Mary Ann Perfitt-Nelson
School Psychologist and Professional ADHD Coach, Upward Spiral Coaching, LLC
I know ADHD intimately as my late diagnosis came soon after my child’s several decades ago. I understand how people w/ADHD think, live, and what they need to flourish. While the struggles for people with ADHD are many, the gifts keep revealing themselves. We thrive when we create a life just for us and become ruthless about protecting what we need. I am here to assist with clever work arounds and will help clients choose to be on their own side again and again. Growth is possible when you love your whole self. The waves will keep coming. I will help you learn to surf. I can work side-by-side with parents, adolescents, and college students.
I work with adults, parents and students – particularly those in high achievement and 2E environments. My areas of focus include self-actualisation, perfectionism, procrastination, overwhelm, giftedness, mental fitness and stress management.I currently work as an Upper School Counsellor at Cranbrook Schools, where I support adolescents with mental health and executive functioning alongside my private coaching practice.When I’m not working I can usually be found in my garden, at my watercolour desk or disappearing down whatever rabbit hole of human development or nature has captured my attention this week. If you know, you know.
Areas of focus: Self-actualization, perfectionism/procrastination and overwhelm; giftedness; mental fitness, and stress management. I support adults, parents, students, particularly those in high achievement cultures. Creative/2E friendly.
Previous work: Mental Health Consultant (Oakland Schools), School psychologist & teacher (public schools). Attended Harvard’s Project Zero Summer Institute; Yale University’s RULER Approach; YT200 Yoga Teacher Zen Yoga Garage.
Part-time school counselor: Cranbrook Upper School. I love my work!
Education, Training & Certifications
BA Elementary Education University of Michigan; MA and Specialist in School Psychology University of Detroit-Mercy; Life /Health Coach Health Coach Institute (2021) ; ADD Coach Academy (2022); Self Actualization Coaching Intensive through Center for Human Potential (12/23); Advanced Positive Intelligence Coaching (current). Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through International Coaching Federation.
