Why Become a Coach?

I have the lived experience of being a parent of a child who is neurodiverse. I have been, and will always be his advocate. The biggest joy for me is to watch him evolve as a self-advocate. 

Though I can relate my experiences, and that of my son’s, to other neurodiverse individuals and their families, I also believe that each individual and family is unique.

Unlike talk therapy and behavioral interventions, coaching focuses on the individual’s experience. “What is your need? What do you want? What is missing?”. 

I will listen actively and ask powerful questions. Using this inquiry process, I will evoke awareness and understanding of my client's current situation, their barriers and goals.

Being a neurodiverse family coach, allows me to focus on people and their experiences.  There is no more rewarding way to be in life for me.

Abi Swamy

Neurodiversity Family Coach

“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.” – Ralph Nichols

I have struggled for the major part of my life connecting with myself. I feel thankful to so many people who reached out to me and helped me make the connection. This in turn helped me to connect to my family, friends and community.

I hope that by using coaching tools, I will help my clients to:

• Connect with self

• Create and achieve their goals 

• Explore and discover their values and dreams

• Improve their ability and capacity to recover quickly from difficulties

Happiness is best when it is shared!

Catherine Matson

Neurodiversity Family Coach

My passion is to serve and support neurodiverse children, youth and families in creating satisfying and balanced lives.

 I feel that the best way to support children is to support their parents and guardians.  As the parent of a neurodiverse child, I know first hand the stress, the confusion, and the isolation that parents face. 

The old adage is true: it takes a village to raise a child. 

 My passion is to be part of that village.

Kevin Cline

Neurodiversity Family Coach

We all recognize the need to make accommodations sometimes. 

 And, we all need need accomodatons sometimes, in one way or another,  sooner or later.  

For example,  as a society we happily change our infrastructure so that all  community members can get into our buildings.  We build ramps where once there were only stairs.  We don't ask someone who struggles to walk to climb the stairs.  Of course we don't.

For our neurodiverse community, I want to be the ramp.  There are visible and hidden obstacles that can stop a neurodiverse person from having the life they desire and deserve.  Often, we don't even see the obstacles.

Together, as coach and client, we get to build the ramp and remove the obstacles.  Of course we do!

Jackie Coursey

Neurodiversity Family Coach

As my neurodiverse child was growing up, I felt so alone.  I tried to figure out where to go for support, but I was often turned away or found only reasons why we were not a fit for the limited services being offered.  

20 years later, there are a few more options, but still not enough.  Everyone still recognizes that it is too difficult for families to get the supports they need.  The Internet is full of misinformation.  Doctors are seldom trained in all the sub-specialities needed.  School districts are doing the best they can, but it's not enough.  

As a coach, I get to help my clients find the support they need.  It's so very gratifying to hear a parent say, "Oh my gosh, he started driving today!"  Or, "She starts conversations with us now."  

We are not alone.  Our clients are not alone.  We have each other.

Tamara Barthel

Neurodiversity Family Coach

I still remember the first time I heard Tamara talk about the concept for CReW at the UC Davis MIND Institute a couple years ago.  She was are very clear with her thoughts and communication, even then. Tamara is reliable, transparent and professional, and she has brought CReW together just as she said she would. 

- Thao

I feel very thankful that I decided to join CReW and become a Nuerodiversity Family Coach. This learning experience is definitely a game changer for my personal growth. CReW has brought out the best in me. I look forward to working with all my colleagues at CReW for a long time to come. 

- Catherine

Tamara and the CReW training have been a light for me this year.  I cannot thank CReW enough for this experience.  I’m so grateful for this chance to make a difference as a self-advocate and see myself in a whole new light.

- Ian

Thank you to CReW for creating "Upstanders" and not "Bystanders."   This is the path to creating meaningful change for the neurodiverse population from WITHIN the community. Thank you to CReW for your allyship in our education as coaches.

- Abi

Please accept my sincere appreciation for creating a safe space for learning and a sanctuary for our cohort!  Together, we came to believe we can and will change the world.

- Jackie

Tamara's ability to convey technical knowledge and concepts in an accessible and motivating way not only helped us all develop as coaches, but also facilitated a network that will continue to learn and benefit from one another. 

- Kevin