Meet Jane McMaster, MEd, PCC

I am a personal coach specializing in attention and focus. I work with career professionals and graduate students struggling with the day-to-day challenges of ADHD and executive function issues. 

I received my coach training from the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA), the only comprehensive ADHD Coach Training Program fully accredited by the International Coach Federation. ADDCA's programs require months of rigorous training and practice under the supervision of leaders in the field of ADHD coaching.

In addition to holding a Masters Degree in Education, I have more than 20 years of education experience with both adults and young people.

I am a Professional Certified Coach and a solopreneur.
 

And, I am executive function-challenged…

I was a conscientious student through high school. It wasn't until I attended college that I experienced serious trouble with my ability to focus. For the first time in my life, I was on my own to create structure with my days, and while I loved the social aspect of living on campus and hanging out with friends, I struggled with logistics and academics—showing up to class on time, studying my notes, writing papers, completing lengthy readings, and preparing for tests.

I couldn't figure out how to comprehend a textbook chapter and was overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do. My emotions often took over, causing lots of stress and frustration. Plus, I was regularly pulling all-nighters to study for tests and complete papers. I often felt that I was letting down my instructors and myself. I just could not seem to focus. It seemed like everyone around me could balance their responsibilities, but for some reason I couldn't. 

Of course, my struggles with time management and organization persisted throughout college and beyond, as I pursued technical writing, software end-user training, a Masters degree while working full-time, classroom teaching, and marketing work. 

Along the way, I learned about all kinds of tips and tricks for getting things done, and I tried many of them. Using the tools, I was somewhat more successful with my work. But I still often felt dreamy and unmotivated. I knew there was something missing in my ability to meet the everyday challenges of working, maintaining my home, and paying bills on time, but I told myself, "I guess that's just me."

Luckily, a few years ago I discovered I have some executive function difficulties that impact the way I make a plan and carry it through to completion. What a relief! The diagnosis explained so much about my struggles. I immediately felt like this executive function thing was an issue I could learn about and address, not a fundamental flaw in me. 

Now, I know more about my brain, my strengths, and my weaknesses around executive function. I use some strategies to help with procrastination and time management. And I know more about who I am and where I want to go in my life. 

I am always discovering new ways to motivate myself to get things done. I consider myself a work in progress and enjoy collaborating with others who are on a similar journey. 

I grew up in the Southeast and now live in Northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of my favorite activities are reading, cycling, being outdoors, and enjoying my family and friends.