About me
Pleased to meet you!
Hi I'm Rob (He, Him, His),
Diagnosed at the age of 7, I didn't understand my diagnosis at the time or what it meant. Neither did my family who had similar untreated conditions and no indication to check and a strong incentive not to. The schools I attended didn't understand my condition either. Their help came with an equal or greater amount of hurt, blame, and shame. I worked with social workers and therapists who didn't have ADHD and didn't understand it.
What saved me was serendipity. A few well placed ports in my storm.
I've spent my life building my environment to use my strengths and compensate my challenges. I'm a singer, dancer, wood and metal worker. I play guitar and the piano. I keep bees, garden and make mead. ADHD people are motivated by their interests, and I do anything that interests me. Often I did this alone or with friends who didn't get me and would help but also through lack of understanding hinder me.
Despite my years on this planet, finding people who can relate to the way I think was really hard to find.
Covid 19 hit Chicago especially hard. Public aid for mental heath was at an all time low when so many many people needed it. People like me, some at their lowest low. I saw an opportunity to help others with my experiences. Be their port in the storm. I went to ADDCA to be a coach.
When I started coaching and sought out a coach for myself. I was able to put my plans in the fast lane. Help others, help myself, and no longer be alone.
I've always been a mutipotentialite and empathetic. I've worked with people from teen years to those approaching retirement. LGBTQIA2S and non.
The only thing that will stop me from trying is if you aren't invested.
Let's Talk
Discovery
To start, we work to find out how your brain works. Each person is unique in their brain wiring. Knowing your strengths and what you value is an important first step.
Taking the Steps
Committing to a healthier lifestyle is just that – a commitment, and it’s a big one that will take a lot a dedication. My commitment is to provide you with accountability, understanding and support.
Savoring the Wins
Work with your abilities to achieve what you have sought, but thought impossible to have.
"Rob has wonderful insight and humor in his coaching approach. He is an active listener giving me space to process and be my true self, without judgement, during our conversations. I have learned so much about how my brain works and have discovered strategies for my unique ADHD brain during our partnership." - Jen H
Jen S. "We talked about how Jackie had trouble waking up, homework, even things they liked to do."
Jackie S. "I don't understand why this is hard for me and easy for everyone else!"
Jen S. "Rob had experience himself with similar challenges, and was coaching others, so I recommended they try it."
Jackie S. "It was comforting knowing that I wasn't alone with these struggles. The tips for daily life and working with someone with related experience was comforting amidst the chaos in my mind."
After coaching with Mr. Hicks, I found managing my time and school work far easier. I greatly enjoyed his techniques and many of his tools were incredibly useful.
Jack W.
Hi Robert
Thanks for the note (and more importantly for your work with Brayden this school year.) Brayden just finished his last concert for the semester. He has grown so much as a person and as a musician. You had an important part to play in his growth this year.
Thank you!
Lisa
Punching its way through resolve, pummeling through hope, life had put me on the ropes. Rob gives me the hope, strategy ,and accountability I need overcome. I'm starting to fight back again and win.
Thank you Rob!
Justin N.