About
Meet Tonia
As a trauma-informed ADHD and Academic Coach based in Guelph, Ontario, I understand that learning and executive functioning isn't just about techniques and strategies—it's about understanding your whole self. After teaching for 18 years and coaching for 12 now, I'm passionate about helping adults and post-secondary students move through barriers that keep them stuck.
Since I was a child I was always interested in why some people changed and others stayed stuck. My love for learning led me to becoming a teacher and then after 12 years of teaching I shifted gears in 2014 to supply teaching. This gave me the freedom to start my own business helping people to declutter their lives and understand the why behind the life clutter and chaos.
My role has evolved over the last 12 years, I obtained my Trauma Recovery Coach certification and today I work as an ADHD and Academic Coach through a trauma informed lens. I still incorporate letting go of time, space and mental clutter to help you simplify your life. I also use psychoeducation, custom tools and strategies to empower you to find your way to clarity, balance and focus.
Working with you means we work as a team, you take the lead and I walk alongside you nudging you along, supporting you and providing guidance when needed. Through this journey you build a stronger sense of self, a clear purpose and resiliency to face whatever life brings your way. That's why anything I recommend has been tried and tested by me first. We are not robots and I don't believe in one size fits all.
Training & Education
Training
- Focusing Part 1, 2 and Advanced Course, 2024
- Trauma Recovery Coach Certification, 2022
- Mindfulness Courses – Center For Mindfulness Studies, 2015
Education
- Specialist in Special Education, 2011
- Teacher's College OCT, 2003
- Honor BA in Psychology, 2002
Partners & Affiliations
"I came across Tonia through my University of Toronto Academic Advisor, who I had asked about ways to manage my newly diagnosed ADHD. As a student, I have always struggled with deadlines and managing my time without getting overwhelmed. With Tonia, we created a timetable that I could use every week to plan out all of my assignments and other goals I had at the time. I have previously had a hard time following typical "treatment regimes" for anxiety (CBT, DBT, etc.) and found that the practical approach we took in visually planning all of my tasks through the week has helped me get a way better grasp on the amount of things I can REALLY get done with my time, while not overworking myself! Apart from academic goals, I personally resonated with her a lot due to her interest in helping me with things outside of just school. It made me feel comfortable knowing she also wanted to know my long term goals in my social life, work life, and mindfulness as well as my academic success. Thank you Tonia!"
— Monica | University student
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