ABOUT ME
My Journey
The joys off sleep deprivation, said no one ever.
From Wandering to Wondering
Hi, I’m Nathalie Chénard, and this is my story—well, the short version.
Growing up, ADHD wasn’t exactly on anyone’s radar, especially not for girls. I wasn’t struggling in class, but I did manage to earn a reputation as a ‘disruptor’ (despite being the quiet one at home!). Feeling a bit lost after university, I packed my bags and traveled through Europe and Australia, soaking up experiences and expanding my perspective.
Eventually, I settled in Toronto, where I took on odd jobs until I found my niche in digital marketing and IT. For over 20 years, I thrived as a consultant, project manager, UX specialist, business analyst, and more. The contractor life suited my restless spirit, but after a while, the industry felt like it was draining my soul. I knew I needed a change—but what?
Sleepless in Toronto
Enter perimenopause and chronic pain, stage left. Suddenly, I was lucky to get two hours of sleep a night. Three or four hours? Practically a slumber party. I felt like a zombie, and my life came to a screeching halt. Then, in a twist of fate, a doctor suggested I might have ADHD. I thought he was joking. ADHD? Wasn’t that something hyperactive little boys had? But curiosity won out, and I decided to dig deeper. Surprise! I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain.”
— Vivian Greene
— Vivian Greene
A Lightbulb Moment
Getting my ADHD diagnosis felt like a thousand puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. All those years of internalized messages about not living up to my potential, being lazy, always late, a procrastinator, or absent-minded suddenly made sense. They weren’t character flaws—they were symptoms of ADHD that I could learn to work on. This revelation was a huge relief and sparked a new passion in me: helping others who were feeling just as lost and misunderstood as I had. Self-compassion became a guiding principle in my journey.
Diving into Coaching
Determined to make a difference, I signed up for training at the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA). I left the digital world, a house I loved, and my support network behind, and moved to Montreal to start fresh with a new outlook. As I began building my coaching practice, I was still battling those brutal sleep issues. A few hours a night is not cutting it when trying to launch a business, let me tell you! I had to do better for myself and for my clients. I needed to do something—anything—because I was running on fumes and sheer determination.
Connecting the Dots
Working with my clients, I noticed a familiar pattern: many of them with ADHD also struggled with sleep, and the impact on their lives was tremendous. Just like it had been on mine. Why was no one talking about this? It was like a giant, unspoken secret! So, I did my own research, discovered how intertwined ADHD and sleep issues are, and decided to make the connection between ADHD and sleep a key part of my practice. I developed tools and strategies for my clients and myself, making these insights an integral part of my approach.
A Holistic Approach
Addressing ADHD and sleep issues involves looking beyond the obvious. I take into account everything from history and environment to daily routines, physical and mental health, diet, exercise and beyond. This comprehensive perspective allows my clients and I to create personalized strategies that integrate seamlessly into their lifestyles, leading to real and lasting improvements in their overall lives, careers, and businesses.
Looking Ahead
Every client I work with brings new insights and keeps me on my toes. As an entrepreneur who’s been through the wringer, I get it—the struggles, the triumphs, and everything in between. I’m here to tell you there’s a light at the end of the tunnel—and it’s not an oncoming train! My journey has been one of constant learning and growth, and I’m excited to share that with you. Thank you for considering me as part of your adventure. Together, we can redefine what balance and fulfillment look like—and let your dreams take flight!
Your Journey, Your Growth
The work we do together is just the beginning. With personalized strategies and ongoing support, you’ll be empowered to continue growing long after our sessions end. Ready to explore what’s possible? Let’s connect and create a future that feels right for you.
