Focused strategies for life Changing results

Intrepidi coaching, a branch of IPC Inc., is a brain-based coaching practice dedicated to personal effectiveness & career performance for adults living with conditions that are permanent or temporary, however, impactful on daily living and goal attainment. Since 2003, we have witnessed an increase of adults working in these professions whose children were diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and/or a learning difference. Many talented and driven adults find work-arounds in school and in their work lives only to hit a barrier later on. ADHD adults working as lawyers, health care professionals, engineers, and business owners experience common struggles with organization, time awareness, perfectionism and procrastination leading to exhaustion or burnout. The prevalence of people working with untreated ADHD is well-documented. The complex and ambiguous economic environment creates the perfect storm for high stress levels that turn up the volume on untreated ADHD symptoms disrupting otherwise promising careers and lives. We are here to dissolve disruption and to maximize your value.

Imagine having the right tools at the right time allowing you to stay focused on what you really want to accomplish. This is what we can do for you.

book a strategy session today

A multi-modal approach to treatment for ADHD

Since 1996, I have observed the growth of research and practice citing the benefits of combining methods of support and treatment to manage adult adhd. Approximately 1 in 20 adults worldwide are impacted by a condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

A conservative estimate of 80% remain undiagnosed and untreated with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Needless struggle with an invisible disability disrupts daily living and long-term outcomes.

Research shows coordinated interventions generate enduring outcomes. We are here to facilitate this experience. (1)

A certified and experienced ADHD coach is a complimentary addition to getting ahead of symptoms much faster than a singular approach.

(1) Hinshaw S P, Arnold L U, (January 2015) "ADHD, Multimodal Treatment, and Longitudinal Outcome: Evidence, Paradox, and Challenge". Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci. 2015 Jan;6(1):39-52. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1324.
ADHD Coaching Diagram

focused on your Agenda

Private Coaching, just as executive coaching is well-suited for professionals wanting to change how they work and live. The core issues we resolve are around planning and prioritizing projects, decision making, communicating with client, staff and colleagues, building stress tolerance, resisting distractions, and enjoying their work again.

The model we work from is holistic and inclusive. Driven by strengths and values to anchor new learning of skills is what sets us apart.  You benefit from undivided attention on your achievement during prepared sessions supported by accountability coaching when required. Our learning process is designed to help focus you on what you want with a concrete plan to get you there faster if you were to go it alone.

Read about coaching
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Understand and appreciate how to live and work with your strengths and interests
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Make sound decisions that benefit your future
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Turn ideas into concrete action steps
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Learn how to use time and tools in service of your objectives, interests, and strengths
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Defeat digital distractions
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Learn techniques to focus your attention when it matters most
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Access a library of resources, tools, and current research suited to your situation
how i help

strengths-focused solutions for life-changing results

A career is a lifetime of work, learning, leisure, relationships and learning ow to balnce allof those essential life activities. There are fundemental tenents upon which knoweldge, character, and talents are realized over time. XXXXX

ADHD and Learning Disabilities Formal Testing

personal decision to get assessed. people DO wwant to know why they are finding certain takss, people and situations such a challenge.We idenfity atteention, memory, motivation, emotional and social skills, how you lkearn and process information

Educated partner in crime

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Paid Work Placements

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Start with a free consultation
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Is it Me or Adult ADHD?

Please note: This brief self-assessment is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a clinical diagnosis of ADHD, Learning Disabilities, or mental health conditions.



take the self-test
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What people are saying...

"Working with Michelle has truly helped my son to believe in himself"

Michelle has been instrumental in motivating my son, keeping him on track, and teaching him valuable work and life skills required to secure meaningful employment. Working with Michelle has truly helped my son to believe in himself. Now, he has secured a really good job with an eye on the future.

Susan W. ~ mother of a young son
"Michelle has made a huge difference in my life"

I have come to appreciate the mind-brain-body connection and learning. I am now able to recognize the thought and behavior patterns that were holding me back from learning new things. I now approach new challenges with more confidence and persistence than ever before. My reading, writing and comfort level with technology has greatly improved.

Cliff R. ~ an adult living with ADHD and Dyslexia (diagnosed at age 48)
"You could reach a potential that you aren’t even considering a possibility right now"

When I began meeting with Michelle, I was very skeptical; I believed I was above needing help and that if I wanted to be more successful, I should just work harder. A year has passed since then and I am more productive than I could have ever imagined. Michelle didn’t just give me a list of things that I should change, she got to know me and worked with me to help find strategies that were tailored to my strengths and weaknesses. This kind of highly personalized process was exactly what I needed. I strongly recommend seeing Michelle.

Brian O. ~ Corporate Lawyer
"The result in working with Michelle is building confidence and learning to live again"

I have learned many new techniques for directing my attention on how to work with prioritizing multiple projects and staff that work well for me. I am no longer in a state of emotional overwhelm. The result in working with Michelle is building confidence and learning to live again … using my ADHD traits as an asset rather than a crutch.

David M. ~ Mechanical Engineer
"The Career Continuity program is gold"

You’ll have to experience working with Michelle for yourself. All I can say is that the CC program she has developed is golden. Do the work and don’t be guarded. You will get out of the process what you put into it. Good luck and enjoy it!

Miles K. ~ Healthcare Professional
"Working with Michelle is a game changer"

I no longer experience hesitation, in the past I would hesitate about everything, I felt like I could never get anywhere or get anything done that would move me ahead in my business and my life. Michelle inspired me to take on the work to shift my beliefs and behaviors. As a result of this work, I have increased self awareness and tools to make good choices and to move forward I am enjoying running my business and creating a stable future for my family.

Eric G.  Business Owner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADHD?
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Attention Deficit (hyperactivity)disorder or ADHD or ADD was once thought as a childhood disorder.

Over the past 400 years or so, The “disorder” has been recognized by other names. Some children do appear to grow out of it. We also know it occurs in one of twenty adults, with 75% of those NOT diagnosed in childhood. With a prevalence of 4.4% adult ADHD that means 10 million adults in the USA are affected.

In adulthood, the most prominent challenges appear in chronic disorganization, inattentiveness, and [procrastination and avoidance tendencies]. All of which lead to problems with advanced education, employment, interpersonal relationships and social responsibilities. ADHD IS HIGHLY TREATABLE. Many adults take a combination of medication and therapy.

ADHD coaching is a proven effective addition to a multi-modal treatment plan.Coaching works from an education, skills development and daily actions to empower the individual to take hold of their strengths and abilities.

Common Characteristics of an ADDer as captured by Dr. Ned Hallowell, “they tend to be independent thinkers; persistent to the point of being stubborn; usually quite sensitive, but often cover this over with a kind of bravado; big-hearted and generous; often have charisma or a special something, a twinkle in the eye, a zany sense of humor, or an ability to inspire others. With the right kind of guidance, [these] people can become hugely successful in their lives.” Dr. N. Hallowell, MD – ADHD Specialist.

It is a complex constellation of possibilities for causation from genetics, environmental factors, head injuries. This is why a comprehensive medical, psychiatric, historical overview is essential to determine a diagnosis from licenced health professionals.

Furthermore, up to 47% of adults with ADHD have a coexisting anxiety disorder(the most common is social anxiety), and 38% have a co-existing mood disorder.

What is a learning disability?
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A learning disability (LD) share some similarities with ADHD. About 1/3 of people with ADHD also have an LD. Both are neurological conditions that affect how the brain receives, processes, and responds to information, however, the origins are different and people receive different types of treatment for them.

People with LDs have at least average reasoning abilities but difficulty processing specific types of information, which makes it difficult to demonstrate their skills in school and the workplace. It’s estimated that10-15% of people have an LD. LDs range from mild to severe and are life-long.

People can learn to accommodate for and learn around such differences. LDs may affect: Attention, memory, reading, writing, spelling, communication, planning and decision-making, social competence, visual-spatial processing, coordination, reasoning, calculation/mathematics.

NOTE: individuals with LDs do not have ALL these difficulties. Each individual has a different pattern of strengths and challenges.

The term LEARNINGDISABILITY (LD) is NOT synonymous with “global intellectualdeficiency” or “cognitive delay.” People with LD have difficulty processingspecific types of information (verbal, non-verbal, visual-spatial, and/orsocial), but otherwise have at least average thinking and reasoning abilities.

‍LDs may affect

  • • Attention
  • Working Memory
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Spelling
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Calculation/Math
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Planning and decision-making
  • Reasoning
  • Social competence
  • Emotional maturity
  • Visual spatial processing
What is ADHD coaching?
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You don’t have to be diagnosed with ADD orADHD to benefit tremendously from ADHD coaching works with clients who have ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms to address specific needs and personal goals.

Many ADHD Coaching programs acknowledge the neurobiological underpinnings of the condition in addressing the core symptoms of disorganization, inattentiveness, and impulsivity. Coaching addresses the academic, vocational, emotional and interpersonal life difficulties that are a result of symptoms. A coach helps people carry out daily practical activities in an organized, goal-oriented and timely fashion. Through individualized or group support, coaches help people focus on where they are now, where they want to be, and how they can get there.

How do I know if I need an ADHD evaluation?
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Most adults who seek an ADHD evaluation experience consistent challenges in one or several areas of living. The following are some such examples:

  • Inconsistent performance in jobs or careers; losing or quitting jobs frequently
  • History of academic and/or career underachievement
  • Relationship problems due to miscommunications, and poor follow through on what was promised
  • Forgetting important things or getting upset beyond the situation
  • Struggles to manage daily responsibilities, from paying bills, household chores, keeping appointments, organizing time and space
  • Chronic stress and worry due to failure to meet responsibilities and accomplish goals
  • Chronic and intense emotional responses heightened by feelings of guilt, shame, and frustration

We facilitate the assessment process with a qualified professional to determine if these issues are due to undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, something else, or a combination of causes.

The presentation of ADHD symptoms can change from childhood as well as throughout adulthood. Some individuals may not experience significant problems until later in life. For example, we see very bright individuals able to compensate for their ADHD symptoms and may not run into problems until high school, university or pursuing a career. As a youth, parents may have provided a highly protective, structured home life, thus minimizing ADHD impact.

Without that external structure, some individuals face difficulties to live independently as an emerging adult.

Who do you work with?
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Professionals in community, parents;Public and Private Sectors; Business owners, employers.

Senior high students, Young adults either workforce or university bound, current university students, graduating students, young adults in the workforce, unemployed, underemployed and employed adults at various stages of their career journey, including business owners, entrepreneurs 6 times more likely to be self-employed.

Are coaching sessions confidential?
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As a professional coach, I honor my ethical obligations to both clients and colleagues and to the public at large. I pledge to comply with ICF Standards of Ethical Conduct, to treat people with dignity as free and equal human beings, and to model these standards with those whom I coach. Evidence of such included in our coaching & confidentiality agreement as understood and signed by all parties.

What is the difference between therapy, counseling and adhd coaching?
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If you are seeking new employment there are qualified career and employment professionals on campus, HR consultants, non-profits focused on employment and/or non-profits focused on disabilities and employment. Excellent choices. However, The difference with CC is a proven track record of offering manitobans a hybrid of support for talented, skilled adults with invisible disabilties, ie adhd, lds. .We help folks to develop the personal resilence through self awareness that unlocks the formal education and soft skills needed in this competitive marketplace. Disclosure at work remains a stressor for many adults who would prefer to work on their skills behind the scenes. We are here to support people at whatever stage of the journey.

What is your success rate?
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To date, participants’ successful completion of CC process reflects a 96% completion of skills training & coaching with advanced skills in self-management, employability skills and work-readiness.There are circumstances wherein an individual requires interventions beyond scope of practice. We work hard to find the appropriate resources to keep people safe and on a positive lane. We are entering the 9th year of offering this particular service available to all Manitobans. Over 20 years working in the education, career counseling specifically serving thousands of individuals living with attentional and learning differences. Daily, I am privileged in sharing the private struggles wherein together we advance rich, deep learning and growth moving beyond limitations.

Are your services covered by insurance providers?
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CC is completely free for eligible participants. Support may last up to one yea, including compulsory follow up for 3 years to ensure transfer of learning. Private coaching and career counseling are often eligible with full to partial reimbursement through workplace insurance companies. Many clients draw from health spending accounts as partial coverage. If an employee is on a leave of absence the professional association may have coverage for skills coaching and targeted workplace skills coaching to advance a positive return to work. For students, we can aid in the application process for and eligibility student coverage for services.

Clinical facts
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According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, symptoms must be present before the age of12. However, symptoms are often missed until the child starts school, and many people remain undiagnosed until well into adulthood. Severity of symptoms range from mild to severe and vary in personal presentation.

There are three sub-types of ADHD:

  • Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive
  • Predominantly inattentive
  • Combined hyperactive and inattentive

ADHD is not considered a learning disability.However, difficulties with focus, working memory, and disorganization can affect a person’s ability to learn and perform at school, work and socially."Learning and attention problems are on a continuum, are interrelated and usually coexist." (Mayes, Calhoun, and Crowell, 2000).

It is estimated 11-15% of the population have a learning disability. LDs range from mild to severe and are lifelong. You do not outgrow a learning disability.However, you CAN learn to creatively work AROUND such differences. And learn to how and in what environment to leverage natural talents and adaptations.

Some people assume that LDs only affect children in school settings. However, adults with LD are equally impacted. We have worked with many adults who do benefit from:

  • Psychosocial education to address perceptual & occupational barriers
  • Developing compensatory strategies, especially, managing stress
  • Awareness and development of self-management skills