My Story
Hello, I am glad you are here! My name is Meghan McNeill. I was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school. Similar to many people with ADHD that lack self-awareness, I grew up believing many of my ADHD symptoms were signs of moral failings. My difficulties in school and inability to meet family expectations left me feeling stupid and lazy. For years, I was told that I just needed to work harder, but I was already working hard and nothing was changing. At the time, my parents, most of my teachers, and I did not understand how my brain worked. As an adult, I transcended many of the adversities that once defined my limitations by going through a process of self-awareness and self-acceptance. The lessons learned through this process allowed me to connect with the appropriate support resources and develop the skills needed to overcome my obstacles, eliminate shame, and thrive.
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In my professional life, I work with young people with learning differences, mental health disorders, and ADHD, and although our culture has made significant headway in how we understand and work with ADHD, I frequently meet with young people that project the shame and maladaptive coping strategies that hindered my ability to work with my gifts for years. The objective of this project is to help those with ADHD understand how their ADHD impacts their lived experiences, and to equip families, educators, and therapists with insight to better support those with ADHD in their lives.
Professional Background
For the past seven years, I have served as the Director of a learning support program in a boarding school. More recently, I launched my career in mental health by joining a private practice in Newport News as a Resident in Counseling. My work in learning support and counseling keeps me in a direct support role with ADHD youth. My leadership position as the Director of a thriving learning support program allows me to work with families, coordinate a parent education series, and consult faculty on how to best support and understand the ADHD youth in their life. Recognition of work has provided opportunities to contribute to conferences or other professional projects on ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and mindfulness with local, state, and national professional organizations.
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My professional qualifications include an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Psychology, dual Masters degrees in teaching and in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a post-graduate certificate in Dyslexia Studies and Language-Based Learning Differences. Additionally, I completed the Mindful Teacher Certification with Mindful Schools, EMDR training through the Institute of Creative Mindfulness, and I am currently working towards becoming a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist.