Who I am

Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, I am deeply connected to the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples, as well as the land of the Métis. As a South Asian Muslim woman belonging to the Shia sect of Islam, I am part of a minority within a minority, a community that faces ongoing challenges and oppression around the world. My identity fuels my passion for advocating for those whose voices are often overlooked.

Growing up in the South Asian community, I observed a prevailing belief that having a high pain threshold is something to admire. This mindset often led my peers to hide their struggles rather than seek help. My experiences drive me to challenge these norms and support individuals in openly addressing their challenges, fostering a culture where vulnerability is valued, and everyone feels heard and understood.

My interest in working with Embodied Resilience Counselling and Consulting is also deeply personal. A recent diagnosis of ADHD brought me a deep sense of relief and understanding, further inspiring me to support others in similar situations. I am committed to supporting individuals navigating their own journeys with empathy and compassion. Areas of Interest Supporting individuals as they navigate life with ADHD, and those who are experiencing grief and loss.

My lived experience as a caregiver for over a decade and having experienced loss has shaped my approach, and I’m here to support those who are in the midst of experiencing tremendous stressors such as caregiver burnout or losing loved ones to critical illness.

I understand how one’s identity can impact their experience of the healthcare system and ultimately, their ability to have their needs adequately met. I wholeheartedly believe that each person is the expert of their own lives. Together, we’ll address personal stressors, develop coping strategies, and build resilience to help you adapt and thrive through life’s challenges.

My Professional Journey

If you are considering Embodied Resilience Counselling and Consulting, you’re already taking an important step toward discovering your true self. I know the journey can be tough, and my goal is to offer a warm and welcoming space where you feel genuinely heard and supported. I have over five years of experience working within the mental health sector, and a decade of experience working with racialized communities.

My approach is culturally inclusive, trauma-informed, and holistic, aiming to empower you through every challenge. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of life, finding a space where you can be yourself without judgement. I believe in the power of laughter and lightness, even amidst struggle, as they play a vital role in the healing process. I understand that mental health struggles, trauma, and grief can sometimes make us feel lost or stuck. My commitment is to support you as you build resilience and hope, fostering a healthy relationship with yourself. As you start to heal and recognize your strengths, you’ll uncover just how capable and powerful you truly are.

My Interests

• I love exploring new foods in different cities—every adventure deserves a delicious discovery!
• Volunteering is close to my heart, inspired by the amazing support I’ve received from my own community.
• I enjoy building Lego, specifically the botanical collection —there’s something truly fun about crafting bouquets out of bricks!

Who I am Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, I am deeply connected to the traditional terri... Read More

Who I am

I am a mother of a 23-year-old son and two fur babies, my rescue pups from Korea. I am a late-diagnosed ADHDer and social worker. I grew up in North Yorkshire, England and initially trained as a nursery nurse before moving to Canada. In my forties, I changed career and became a social worker. After many years I finally received an ADHD assessment and diagnosis.

Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Social Work at Dalhousie University and working as a practicum student at Embodied Resilience. Throughout my academic studies, I have focused on neurodiversity and used my master’s degree to explore neurodiversity-affirming clinical social work practice.

Area of Focus My area of focus is people diagnosed with ADHD, both youth and those diagnosed later in life. We will work on unpacking how ADHD has, and continues to, impact you. Such as any difficulties you’ve face and examine neuronormativity and how it relates to your life. I offer neurodivergent informed mindfulness practice as an alternative to traditional mindfulness practices. My professional Journey As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, I know what it can feel like to be overwhelmed and anxious by many of life’s challenges.

Before my diagnosis, I often compared myself to other people and wondered why I struggled with the typical ways of doing things. Once I began to appreciate the beauty of different neurotypes I learned to work with my brain rather than of against it. Understanding our uniqueness can be empowering and a catalyst for positive change.

As a counsellor, my goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore all of your traits and develop strategies to manage stress and overwhelm so that you feel more productive and organized. You already possess many strengths and capacities that we can build upon in our sessions, as well as develop new strategies for moving forward. Our sessions are a safe place for you to discuss the challenges you’ve been experiencing. Together, we will embrace your neurodivergence, work towards your goals and aspirations and process any losses that result from living in a neurotypically biased world.

My Interests - Hiking - Working in my pollinator garden - Spending time with my pups - Going to the movie theatre with friends

Who I am I am a mother of a 23-year-old son and two fur babies, my rescue pups from Korea. I am ... Read More

Who I am

Growing up adopted, especially coming from Bangladesh to Canada at the age of three months, imbued my life with a unique set of challenges. This seismic shift not only uprooted me geographically but also instilled a profound sense of dislocation in my personal and cultural identity. The trauma of feeling disconnected from my biological roots while simultaneously trying to graft onto a new cultural tapestry was bewildering.

I often found myself caught in the tangle of questioning who I was meant to be, feeling like an outsider peering into two worlds, yet not fully belonging to either. This internal struggle was a constant companion, shaping my journey towards understanding and accepting the multifaceted nature of my identity.

Now, as I navigate the season of midlife, I draw upon my personal journey and professional expertise to guide others through their own paths of self-discovery and positive transformation.

Area of Focus

Specializing in empowering BIPOC women over 40 to overcome people-pleasing and isolation by setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care and building meaningful relationships for a more connected, fulfilling life. My Professional Journey Navigating the complexities of work, family, and caregiving has deeply ingrained in me the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. Through my own struggles and those I’ve witnessed in my work, I’ve come to understand how crucial boundaries are in maintaining our mental health and preventing caregiver burnout.

In my role as a therapist, I emphasize to my clients that establishing boundaries isn’t about distancing ourselves from others but about safeguarding our well-being. It’s a delicate balance, ensuring we don’t lose our sense of self amid the competing demands placed upon us. I work with my clients to recognize the importance of setting boundaries, not as a rejection of others but as an affirmation of their own needs and limitations. This shift in perspective is often a pivotal moment in therapy, empowering individuals to engage more fully in their lives and relationships, with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.



Having walked, and continuing to walk, the path of personal exploration and growth myself, I’m deeply committed to creating a compassionate and safe space for my clients to delve into their own histories, celebrate their individuality, and pave their way to a more fulfilling future. Life’s journey, with its solo battles and intricate interpersonal intricacies, can be daunting. Yet, in my work, I strive to offer not just deep empathy but also thoughtful guidance, empowering my clients to move through life’s mazes with both strength and elegance. Whether it’s untangling the knots of the past or co-creating strategies for a brighter tomorrow, my aim is to stand beside each client, supporting their journey toward healing and personal growth.

My Interests

• visiting quaint towns on the weekend with family,
• reading on a dock by water
• expanding my record collection with music from a wide variety of genres.

Who I am Growing up adopted, especially coming from Bangladesh to Canada at the age of three mon... Read More

Hello, nice to meet you! The mountains of British Columbia is where you will find me hiking and cross country skiing with my dog, my husband of 23 years, and when lucky, our two adult sons.

Growing up the 4th youngest of 5 kids I enjoyed constant busyness around me, I’ve always had a sense of adventure, and at the same time, I also have always felt a little different than my peers. I noticed everything! I found my super senses to be both a gift and a challenge. I was smart, but I learned differently. Back then that showed up as what people call “lazy”, so I learned to fit in and meet society’s definition of success, never really knowing the reason why things were always more of a struggle for me.

Area of Focus:

Adults and young adults with ADHD

ADHD in the workplace and its impact on relationships and productivity

Adults and young adults navigating university/college

Romantic relationships: adhd, autism, and neurotypical partners

Women with a late ADHD diagnosis

Parenting a neurodiverse child

My Professional Journey

“It doesn’t have to be so hard.”

One line, one friend, one ADHD diagnosis later and years of dedicated work, I now understand and fully accept myself.

My journey to coaching began when I was a classroom teacher, noticing the unique skills and strengths of my students. This was followed by years of volunteer work on a crisis line that led me to the belief that people help themselves.

When we autonomously make the choice to reach towards support, amazing things can happen. Through becoming an internationally certified coach I have witnessed transformations as people learn to trust in themselves and take goal directed action towards what they want.

My specialized training in collaborative conflict resolution has taught me the impact communication, listening, and self awareness has on relationships.

It is an understatement when I say that it brings me great joy to work in partnership with my clients to harness their strengths and get them where they want to go as they strive to make their day to day living easier and improve their relationships.

What is Coaching?

So, what is coaching? Glad you asked. I will keep this brief, because I too have ADHD.

Coaching is a conversation about what is important to you, the change you want, and how to make it happen. It is goal directed. I partner with you to address the “what”, the “when” and the “how” so that you can make your wants a reality in a way that works best for you and your way of learning.

How is coaching different than therapy? Therapists have specialized training to uncover the “why”, the patterns or history that may inhibit change, whereas coaches remain present and future focussed.

Hello, nice to meet you! The mountains of British Columbia is where you will find me hiking and c... Read More

Hello, I’m Robert Simms. For the past 14 years, I’ve shared my life with my spouse, embracing each opportunity for growth and self-discovery. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been exploring and celebrating my identity as a non-Status Métis. My connection to this identity deepened while pursuing my Bachelor of Social Work and continued as I engaged with Indigenous communities across Turtle Island.

Another pivotal chapter in my life began with my daughter’s ADHD diagnosis. It was a moment that reshaped everything I thought I knew—not just about her but also about myself. My own ADHD assessment and diagnosis soon followed, bringing with it a wave of insight and clarity. At first, I thought ADHD explained everything about my struggles, but as I delved deeper into neurodivergence—particularly Autism—I realized that ADHD accounted for only about 70-80% of my experiences. The missing pieces began falling into place, leading me to recognize that I was most likely AuDHD (both ADHD and Autistic). I took multiple Autism assessments, all of which indicated a strong likelihood of Autism.

Even though I firmly believe that self-diagnosis is valid, I still wrestled with my own imposter syndrome. Could I truly claim this identity? It took time, research, and a lot of self-reflection, but I’ve now reached a place where I feel confident in embracing the AuDHD label. Understanding my neurodivergence has been a journey of unlearning, adapting, and ultimately striving for authenticity—not just for myself, but for those I support.

My Professional Journey

My personal experiences, combined with my professional background, have given me a deep understanding of what it means to be diagnosed with ADHD—or AuDHD—later in life. I know firsthand the confusion, the overwhelm, and the frustration that can come with trying to make sense of your past through this new lens. I’ve struggled with managing everyday tasks, battled feelings of inadequacy, and had to confront years of internalized ableism.

These experiences are not just things I’ve lived through; they are the foundation of my work. My practice is centered on helping people who, like me, have felt out of sync with the world around them. I don’t just offer strategies to manage ADHD or Autism—I offer a space where you can explore what neurodivergence means to you, on your terms, and without judgment. My goal is to help you see your neurodivergence not as a limitation, but as an integral and valuable part of who you are.

Like many neurodivergent individuals, I reached a point where conventional work environments no longer fit my needs. Instead of forcing myself to conform, I built something different—a practice that reflects both my lived experience and my professional expertise. It’s a space where I can empower others to redefine success on their own terms and build lives that work for them.

I See You, I Get You, Because I’ve Been You…

I know what it’s like to receive a diagnosis in adulthood and think, This explains everything!—only to later realize it doesn’t explain everything. I know the frustration of trying to navigate daily life while battling internal doubts. I also know the relief that comes with finally understanding yourself and embracing your identity.

My journey through these same struggles, paired with my professional expertise, allows me to guide you with both empathy and real-world strategies. Together, we can explore what works best for you—helping you not just manage symptoms, but truly embrace your neurodivergence as part of who you are.

Hello, I’m Robert Simms. For the past 14 years, I’ve shared my life with my spouse, embracing eac... Read More