Cheryl Paterson Consulting
Coach | Advocate | Innovator
I use creativity, kindness, humour and deep experience to help neurodivergent folks and their families reset their lives in big and small ways. If you or your child has ADHD or a learning disability, I’d love to use my 30+ years as an educator, special education consultant and certified coach to help you.
What clients say
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“Cheryl is a miracle worker. She worked with both of my teens who have very different learning and educational needs and she more than delivered. The kids loved working with her. She’s smart, focused, and, maybe most importantly, funny. She intuitively knows how to relate to and connect with a range of age levels, assess their educational needs and strategize how best to work with them. She loves what she does and it shows. One of the best educational experiences our family has ever had!”
- Tobi Bruce, Hamilton, ON, parent -
“Working with Cheryl brought structure and organization to an overwhelming diagnosis. She supported my steep learning curve and crash course in neurodivergence. Cheryl left no stone unturned. She monitored all aspects of the implications of this diagnosis, encompassing the scope of our situation, holding me accountable and empowering me to take it on. Cheryl is an enabler. I found a collaborator and brainstorming buddy in her. Her use of personal and professional anecdotes helped me feel in the company of someone who “gets it.” Our situation is not unique, and I am not alone. In closing, our 8-month engagement left me feeling confident and in control. It was an investment in our son and my well-being. And our entire family feels more stable as a result. I recommend that Cheryl walk this path with any family.”
- Michelle Howell, Halifax, NS, parent -
“Having Cheryl as an ADHD coach has provided me with insight into myself and the characteristics of my ADHD. She listens well. Cheryl is very knowledgeable and provides the resources and strategies that I need. Since working with Cheryl, I have put systems in place to plan, organize and prioritize the things that I need to do as well as identify and assist me to do more of what I want to do.”
- David Trites, St. John’s, Newfoundland, adult client
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“Our son has required help and encouragement to deal with the planning, preparation and completion of his academic work in his new university surroundings as his executive functioning and processing speed are weak, together with general anxiety issues. Cheryl is very effectively able to connect with him in a way that we, as parents, are not able to do. She has extensive practical experience and a perfect personal approach which has been greatly appreciated by our son. She does not simply dwell on the theoretical, but rolls up her sleeves and jumps in to accompany our son on his journey. This has helped him to achieve much more than he could on his own and we are all extremely grateful for Cheryl’s professional yet empathetic manner.”
- Parents, New York City
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“Cheryl is a vital member of our teen ADHDer’s support network. She helps with homework practices and other school-related routines, as well as exploring the more sensitive aspects of the social, emotional, and physiological aspects of growing up with ADHD. Our teen knows she can be 100% herself, no matter her questions or needs, and Cheryl will encourage her. Cheryl also supports us as parents raising a teen with the extra challenges of ADHD. Her knowledge, flexibility, and warmth are invaluable to our family!”
- Carolyn Reid, Hamilton, ON, parent -
“Cheryl was excellent at helping my early 20s son understand his learning strengths and challenges. Her coaching was very down-to-earth and approachable and involved plenty of love and humour. She helped build his confidence and taught him organizational tools for success at university and the workplace. I wholeheartedly recommend her as a coach for folks with learning disabilities or ADHD.”
- Kathy Garneau, Hamilton, ON, parent -
“Cheryl worked with our son with ADHD, OCD and other mental health complications for nearly two years. She was the first person who actually managed to connect with him and persuade him to actively participate in his education and personal wellbeing. She is incredibly patient (a saint really!), empathetic and creative. We were at a loss about what to do before we met Cheryl but with her persistent support, he has completed high school, is planning further education and has made significant lifestyle improvements. I can say with absolute confidence that we would not be at this stage without her. I cannot recommend her enough!”
- Christine Sealey, Hamilton, ON, parent
We’ll take a non-judgmental and strengths-focused approach to learn what it takes for you to succeed as a neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world. We’ll spend time together weekly, either remotely or in-person, and you’ll see real progress in as little as 4 sessions. And because life can feel hard, I make sure we have some fun.
Reduce conflict at home, especially in the “holler zones”
Confidently support a child to reach their potential
Communicate effectively with teachers and administration
I help Parents
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Manage the big feelings around a child’s diagnosis
Set realistic expectations and achieve goals
Get the most from the people and systems that can help
Hold effective family meetings
Become independent learners, one quick win after another
Identify the next best step to achieve academic goals
Recognize strengths and learning preferences and use this knowledge to make progress
I help Students
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Practice strategies and skills until they become habits
Establish positive relationships with peers and adults
Transition successfully to the next stage of education
Work effectively with accessibility services at schools and in the community
Develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience
Learn to advocate effectively with teachers and professors
Build a toolbox of effective strategies based on strengths and needs
Make regular, tiny shifts that add up to meaningful change and success over time
Advocate for themselves in environments where they struggle, like work
I help Adults
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Replace self-doubt and inertia with self-confidence and internal motivation
Prioritize efforts in areas where they’ll make the biggest difference
Identify obstacles and ways to overcome them
Establish new patterns
Learn to reflect and take action based on what’s learned
Practice self-compassion
The hats I wear
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I dig into the context, including any psycho-educational assessments, school records, and relationships with family and friends, learning your strengths and identifying areas where we can put supports in place for you.
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If you want information, I’ve got tons: on neurodivergent diagnoses, online resources and organizations—and I’m clear about where you’ll need other expertise, particularly when it comes to mental health.
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I use creativity, compassion and an understanding of your strengths to turn research-backed strategies into practical, customized approaches that will work for you.
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I create the structure you need to make real progress—like weekly slideshares that contain strategies, skills, tools, tips and resources, customized just for you.
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I’ll help you forge better, more supportive relationships with schools and workplaces, addressing power imbalances and helping you get what you need from “the system.” I can attend meetings with you, too!
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Together, we’ll set goals and to-do lists, track your progress, and adjust quickly when something isn’t working, with lots of reminders and resources so you take care of yourself.
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Right from the start, I’m in your corner. I teach you to recognize your strengths, play to them, and celebrate your wins—no matter how small—always keeping things positive and encouraging.