Inspired ADHD & Life Coaching
Planting Seeds of Change that are UNIQUELY YOURS
About
Welcome - I’m so glad you’re here.
My name is Martina Schilling, and I’m an ADHD and neurodiversity-affirming life coach based in beautiful Santa Cruz, California, with a background as a Montessori educator. I support neurodivergent children, teens, young adults, and the adults who care for them during pivotal phases of their journey.
Discovering my ADHD and autism as an adult was a turning point for me - not because life suddenly became easy, but because I began to understand myself in a new way. With self-compassion and curiosity, I shifted from constant overwhelm and stress toward more realistic expectations, calm, and hope.
As a parent of two neurodivergent teens, I know how hard school, friendships, and family life can be when kids and young adults feel misunderstood or stuck. I also know how life-changing it is when they (and their caregivers) are met with respect, understanding, and tools that honor who they are.
My name is Martina Schilling, and I’m an ADHD and neurodiversity-affirming life coach based in beautiful Santa Cruz, California, with a background as a Montessori educator. I support neurodivergent children, teens, young adults, and the adults who care for them during pivotal phases of their journey.
Discovering my ADHD and autism as an adult was a turning point for me - not because life suddenly became easy, but because I began to understand myself in a new way. With self-compassion and curiosity, I shifted from constant overwhelm and stress toward more realistic expectations, calm, and hope.
As a parent of two neurodivergent teens, I know how hard school, friendships, and family life can be when kids and young adults feel misunderstood or stuck. I also know how life-changing it is when they (and their caregivers) are met with respect, understanding, and tools that honor who they are.
I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can:
- Slow down and listen inward
- Build confidence and self-awareness
- Explore tools and strategies that fit your brain and family dynamics
- Imagine a future that feels true to you
Through creative hands-on activities, reflection, and exploration, we work side by side to create momentum for the kind of life you (or your child) want to grow into.
Outside of Coaching
When I’m not working with clients or reading, you’ll usually find me in nature - walking on the beach, doing yoga on my deck overlooking the redwoods, kayaking, or camping with my family. Nature reminds me that growth takes patience, curiosity, and care, values I bring into every coaching relationship.
Click here to find out more about my inspiration and coaching approach: https://simplebooklet.com/ialc-brochure
https://adhdcoachmartina.com/planting-seeds-of-change
Ready to explore what growth could look like for you or your family?
Let’s connect for a complimentary discovery meeting and explore your next steps - together.
Warmly,
Martina Schilling
Packages
Complimentary Discovery Meeting
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ADHD Life Coaching for Students
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Big Emotions, Strong Connections
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Testimonials
Martina accepts whatever issue I bring to coaching with the same warmth and openness. She really hears what I'm saying, what I'm not saying out loud, and asks just the right questions to help me uncover more of my truths. Her gentle support consistently moves me forward in my plans. Thank you, Martina!
- Shelley
Schedule your complimentary discovery meeting with me today.
Let's have a friendly chat and discover if we're a fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ADHD Life Coaching, and how does it help?
ADHD Life Coaching is a collaborative partnership between the coach and client, providing a safe, judgment-free space to explore challenges, strengths, and opportunities. With a deep understanding of ADHD and other co-occurring conditions, the coach helps clients increase self-awareness, shift perspectives, and develop personalized strategies to achieve their goals in a way that aligns with their unique brain wiring.
How is ADHD Life Coaching different from therapy or consulting?
Unlike therapy, which often focuses on healing past experiences, ADHD Life Coaching is future-oriented, helping clients gain clarity, overcome barriers, and take action toward their goals. Instead of giving direct advice like a consultant, an ADHD Life Coach believes the client is the expert in their own life, guiding them through self-discovery, problem-solving, and personalized strategies.
What happens during an ADHD Life Coaching session?
Each session is a collaborative conversation tailored to your needs. The coach acts as a thinking partner, actively listens, asks powerful questions, and helps you explore challenges, strengths, and goals. Together, you’ll identify barriers, shift perspectives, and develop actionable strategies that align with your values and authentic self.
Do I need an official diagnosis to work with you?
No, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from coaching with me. Many clients seek coaching because they experience challenges due to their neurodiversity, whether diagnosed or not. The focus is on understanding your unique brain and finding strategies that work for you.
How long does ADHD Life Coaching take?
The duration of coaching varies depending on your goals and needs. Some clients work with a coach for a few months to address specific challenges, while others engage in ongoing coaching for deeper transformation. Coaching is a flexible process tailored to your journey.
Can ADHD Life Coaching replace therapy or medication?
No, ADHD Life Coaching is not a substitute for therapy or medical treatment. While coaching helps with self-awareness, strategies, and personal growth, it does not diagnose or treat ADHD. Many clients find that coaching complements therapy and/or medication as part of a holistic approach.
How do I know if ADHD Life Coaching is right for my child, teen, or young adult?
If your child, teen, or young adult is struggling with organization, time management, emotional regulation, personal care, or independence, ADHD Life Coaching can provide valuable support. Coaching helps young people understand their unique brain wiring, build self-awareness, and develop personalized strategies to navigate school, work, social life, and daily responsibilities more effectively.
For kids, coaching can help with emotional regulation, routines, and self-advocacy while fostering a strengths-based mindset. For teens, it can support independence, executive function skills, and preparing for the transition to adulthood. For young adults, whether they are in college, working, or exploring their next steps, coaching can provide guidance on managing responsibilities, developing life skills, and discovering a sense of purpose that aligns with their values and strengths.
Unlike tutoring or therapy, ADHD coaching focuses on building lifelong skills, empowering young people to work with their ADHD rather than against it. If you’re unsure whether coaching is a good fit, a consultation can help determine if it’s the right support for your family’s needs.
For kids, coaching can help with emotional regulation, routines, and self-advocacy while fostering a strengths-based mindset. For teens, it can support independence, executive function skills, and preparing for the transition to adulthood. For young adults, whether they are in college, working, or exploring their next steps, coaching can provide guidance on managing responsibilities, developing life skills, and discovering a sense of purpose that aligns with their values and strengths.
Unlike tutoring or therapy, ADHD coaching focuses on building lifelong skills, empowering young people to work with their ADHD rather than against it. If you’re unsure whether coaching is a good fit, a consultation can help determine if it’s the right support for your family’s needs.
How can ADHD Life Coaching support the whole family?
ADHD doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts the entire family dynamic. ADHD Life Coaching can help parents, siblings, and caregivers better understand ADHD, improve communication, and create a more supportive home environment.
For parents, coaching provides tools to navigate common ADHD challenges such as emotional regulation, executive function struggles, and inconsistent motivation. It helps shift parenting approaches from frustration to collaboration, fostering connection instead of conflict.
For siblings, coaching can encourage empathy and understanding, helping to reduce tension and improve relationships within the family.
For the entire family, coaching can help establish effective routines, clear expectations, and strategies that work for everyone—not just the person with ADHD. By focusing on strengths and solutions, coaching promotes a more positive and empowered family dynamic.
For parents, coaching provides tools to navigate common ADHD challenges such as emotional regulation, executive function struggles, and inconsistent motivation. It helps shift parenting approaches from frustration to collaboration, fostering connection instead of conflict.
For siblings, coaching can encourage empathy and understanding, helping to reduce tension and improve relationships within the family.
For the entire family, coaching can help establish effective routines, clear expectations, and strategies that work for everyone—not just the person with ADHD. By focusing on strengths and solutions, coaching promotes a more positive and empowered family dynamic.
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