Before I was a coach, I was an Occupational Therapist in brain injury rehabilitation

For over 15 years I worked as a Specialist Occupational Therapist with people recovering from traumatic brain injury, in NHS, military and private settings. I specialised in cognitive and executive function, helping people understand how their brains worked, recognise their strengths and challenges, and find new ways of managing everyday life.

I founded Empower to Thrive Coaching to bring that understanding to people living with ADHD and executive function challenges, so they can build strategies that work with their brain, not against it.

How my background shapes my coaching and mentoring

Coaching and therapy are different things. Coaching isn’t therapy, and it doesn’t diagnose or treat. But my clinical background shapes how I work, in two ways.

In coaching, you lead. You set the focus, and I listen closely and ask questions that help you explore what’s getting in the way and discover your own solutions. My experience helps me understand what you’re describing and notice what might be worth exploring, but the insights and the decisions are yours.

In mentoring, I share more directly. When it’s helpful, I offer ideas, tools and practical strategies drawn from years of working with executive function, and we look at how they might fit your life.

What I bring to both:

• A deep understanding of executive function, and why everyday tasks can feel overwhelming when those skills are harder to reach

• Knowledge of how the brain works, including neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to learn and adapt, which means new skills and habits can be built at any stage of life

• Awareness of how mood, anxiety and stress can affect focus, motivation and daily life

• Insight into how sleep, movement, nutrition and routine can affect ADHD

• A practical approach to breaking everyday challenges into small, achievable steps

• Years of experience supporting people to move forward and achieve what matters to them

If something you’re facing would be better supported by a doctor, therapist or other professional, I’ll always say so and help you think about next steps.

Why I moved into ADHD coaching and mentoring

My move into ADHD coaching was inspired by my own family’s experience. I saw the gap between diagnosis and practical, day-to-day support, and I know how much the right support matters, both for the person with ADHD and for the people around them.

Training, qualifications & accreditation

• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, The University of East Anglia

• ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation (ICF) 

• EMCC accreditation at Practitioner Level, European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC)

• Executive Functions Coaching certification, Connections in Mind

• Enhanced DBS check

• Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurances