May We Introduce You To: Karen Beckmann, CALC & ADHD Coaching Corner

Lee

Hi Karen, Thank you for taking the time to visit with me about ADHD Coaching. Can you tell us about yourself and why you became a coach?

Karen

I am a physical education teacher at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, where I am in my 21st year of teaching. Before middle school, I taught 14 years of elementary PE and 6 years of high school PE. As a wife and mom of two children who both have ADHD symptoms and one diagnosed, one could add volleyball & basketball coach and official, basketball official, bartender, and ADHD Coach to my list of accomplishments.

My journey with ADHD began when I was diagnosed and started medication in 2020. At the age of 40, I started therapy and medication to help me learn more about ADHD and feel more success internally. Looking back, I can see that I had symptoms as a child in my early teens, but I managed to do well in school by working twice as hard as my peers.

Despite these challenges, I succeeded in high school athletics, excelled in college sports, and juggled numerous jobs. As a married woman with a family, work, and athletic coaching responsibilities, I found it increasingly challenging to navigate societal pressures. That’s when the internal thoughts of shame and guilt started to impact my daily life and ability to have success.

Inspired by my journey, I felt compelled to help others, get certified as an ADHD Coach, and was eager to empower those around me. My experience has fueled my passion to support my local community in Central Minnesota as well as those around the world. I launched ADHD Coaching Corner, LLC with the mission to help others recognize their worth, no matter what others may say. Together, we can overcome the feelings of isolation and shame, celebrating our unique paths.

Lee

What do you see as the unique needs of kids and adults with ADHD, as well as their families?

Karen

Individuals with ADHD, along with their families, have unique needs that can vary significantly between children and adults. Meeting those needs is essential for fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth, understanding, and well-being.

For children with ADHD, a structured environment is essential. A consistent daily routine provides stability and predictability, helping to reduce anxiety and impulsivity. Clear and concise instructions, often paired with visual aids, enhance understanding and retention. Positive reinforcement and interventions can effectively manage challenges and promote desirable behaviors. Additionally, teaching and re-teaching social skills can aid children in navigating friendships and peer interactions.

For adults with ADHD, the needs shift toward practical strategies for daily life. Time management, Workplace accommodations, and learning tools to help improve executive functioning skills, including prioritization and decision-making, can also be beneficial. Finding a support group will provide emotional backing and practical strategies, while mindfulness techniques help manage stress and improve focus.

Families of individuals with ADHD face their unique challenges and needs. Education and awareness about ADHD are crucial, allowing families to understand the symptoms and challenges, which enables them to provide adequate support. Learning effective communication fosters understanding within the family while coping strategies help manage stress and anxiety related to the complexities of living with ADHD.

Lee

What are the benefits of working with a certified ADHD coach?

Karen

Working with an ADHD coach offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your life. Coaches provide personalized strategies and regular check-ins to create a sense of accountability, ensuring you stay on track with your goals and commitments. Additionally, coaches assist in developing essential skills such as time management, organization, and prioritization, which can boost your productivity.

ADHD coaches create a non-judgmental space for discussing feelings of overwhelm, frustration, or self-doubt. They help you set realistic, achievable goals and break them down into manageable steps, fostering a sense of accomplishment. Through this process, you’ll gain greater self-awareness about how ADHD impacts your life, leading to improved self-acceptance and confidence.

Coaches introduce coping mechanisms to manage ADHD symptoms. They can also enhance your communication skills, making expressing your needs and advocating for yourself easier. Furthermore, coaching can help connect clients with communities or support groups with others who understand similar experiences. Working with an ADHD coach empowers you to take control of your life, embrace your strengths, and create a fulfilling path forward.

Lee

Can you describe your workshops and what they involve?

Karen

The workshops that I am offering to our community include educating about ADHD, sharing my personal experiences and stories about ADHD, teaching tips and tools to help manage ADHD symptoms and impairments, and allowing time for people to make connections with others in the community. There are a few different workshops being offered. In ‘ADHD 101: Improve Your ADHD Life,’ I will educate you on the basics of ADHD as well as some tips and tools to help one with ADHD.

Lee

How can our readers find out about your services and workshops?

Karen

My workshops are available on the local community education websites of the St. Cloud Area (ISD 742), ROCORI (ISD 750), and Sauk Rapids-Rice School (ISD 47) districts. The workshop links are in this newsletter and on the events page.

Lee

What is the most important takeaway you want our readers to know about living with ADHD?

Karen

Helping someone with ADHD find success involves understanding their unique motivations and what truly drives them rather than adhering to external expectations. Discovering personal autonomy is a crucial part of this journey—figuring out what you genuinely want in life. Incorporating various tricks and tools into daily routines can make a significant difference. By taking ownership of choices and actions, individuals can cultivate a sense of ease, realizing that there is hope and that they deserve everything they aspire to achieve.