Get to
know Tarah
I'm a late diagnosed AuDHDer passionate about helping other people like me. After 8 years of working at Microsoft and learning how to adapt as a neurodivergent individual in an extremely high stakes, fast paced environment, I transitioned into coaching. My crash course in the corporate world taught me hard earned lessons that I integrate into my coaching techniques so my clients can have a gentler, healthier experience in their work and home lives.
The world simply wasn't build for our brains. Through coaching, we can work together to develop customized systems that will help you thrive by working with your brain instead of against it. A significant part of coaching work will also be to unlearn the years of shame and judgement that plague many of us and limit our potential.
I graduated with a degree in software engineering with an emphasis on 3D graphics and computer animation. I wrote a thesis on rendering incompressible fluids on a HoloLens after being inspired by the water effects in Moana. I worked at Microsoft for 8 years as both a software engineer and a product manager for HoloLens and Xbox.
While at Xbox, I created the group “ADHD @ Xbox” where all the ADHD employees could infodump and hyperfixate on new topics together. I hadn't been diagnosed with autism at the time, otherwise I would have made a group for that, too (and it probably would have included most of the same people).
I am a certified ADHD coach through ADHD Works. I chose ADHD Works for my training over other programs because it was developed from scratch by a prominent coach who has AuDHD herself rather than adapted from existing life coaching programs. This program is a member of the Association for Coaching and is the first and only ADHD coaching course certified by CPD.
I am also a Certified Psychodynamic Life Coach via The Psychodynamic Coaching Institute. This program is the world's first & only accredited psychodynamic coach training program. It is accredited by the Association for Coaching, IAOPBC, CPD, and IPHM.
Like many AuDHDers, I have the trifecta of POTS, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and hypermobility. Much of the research on these conditions is relatively new and was not taught in medical school until recently, so most doctors remain uninformed and believe these conditions are rare. On the contrary, half of all people with ADHD or autism are hypermobile, and a similar percentage are likely afflicted with POTS and MCAS.
The lack of knowledge in the medical community about these extremely common comorbidities means many of us fall victim to medical gaslighting (myself included). While I'm not a doctor who can help you treat these conditions, I can help you in a coaching capacity. We can figure out ways to adapt your environment (e.g. office, home, etc) to support your body better. We can also develop and practice scripts for you to use in the doctor's office or with your employer so you can self advocate more effectively.
As an AuDHDer myself, I have a range of short lived hyperfixations and long term special interests, and like many neurodivergent people, they are central to my sense of identity.
I developed a fascination with Disneyland as a kid and was always obsessed with the ride mechanics and practical effects used in theme parks. This was my original motivation for pursuing an engineering degree. I enjoy making elaborate Halloween costumes and wearing them at Disney parks each year.
I also enjoy traveling, and I am currently working on a documentary where I interview people with ADHD around the world to learn more about their experiences.
