Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Abercrombie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
About 25 years ago, after a wonderful career as a family systems counselor and having earned my Master of Science in Education, I was the single mother of an amazing son and a full time classroom teacher. My son had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder and, despite his exceptionally high IQ, was failing third grade. I threw myself into researching his learning disabilities in order to find those hidden pathways which would enable him to learn. Although the consensus of many well-meaning professionals was that my son would never be successful in school, I saw things differently. I made sure that we both understood his unique learning styles so thoroughly that together we were able to uncover ways for him to learn. We tried, and failed, to learn as many strategies as we could, until we found ones that worked. My son proceeded to earn a BA in History as a Presidential Scholar, Summa Cum Laude, from Slippery Rock University’s Honors Program. He earned a MA in International Relations with Distinction (the English version of Summa Cum Laude) from Bristol University Graduate School in England. He is now 30 years old, happily married to an amazing young woman and enjoying a challening, satisfying career. He has been the light at the end of many peoples’ ‘tunnels over the years, and the reason I do my job.
As a veteran classroom teacher, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and ADHD Coach, and Workshop Presenter, I have spent over 28 years helping children discover their hidden strengths, assuring them, and their families, that every child is capable of achieving amazing things.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definately been a very bumpy ride! However, the challenges Matt and I faced have strengthened both of us in immeasurable ways. Our journey together has given me the skills and the empathy needed to help other families navigate similar challenges.
I believe that there is nothing more painful to a parent than to clearly see your child’s potential and have no idea how to help them reach it. Individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (ADHD), typically face many challenges in executive functioning, such as time management, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, motivation, along with ability to sustain focus, attention, which impact both academic and social success. I emmersed myself in researching ADHD. My son and I tried, and failed, to learn as many strategies as we could to overcome these challnges, until we found ones that worked.
We’ve been impressed with Achieving Kids, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Experience:
– Owner/Director Achieving Kids, LLC since 2022
– Director of Student Services for The Thinking Center of Sarasota
– Classroom Teacher & Interventionist, 20 years
– ADHD/Executive Functioning Coach, Certified
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Coach, Certified
– Licensed Florida Teacher
– Parent and Educator Workshop Provider
– Educational Consulatant
After many years as a teacher, counselor, coach, (and parent!), I decided to go out on my own and founded Achieving Kids to provide a place where familes could recieve support for the wide range of challenges that accompany executive functioning deficits.
I have seen ADHD and executuve functioning challenges as a parent, classroom teacher, counselor, and educational consultant for over 20 years from all sides of that proverbial desk. I support children’s, (ages 5 to 25), academic, social and emotional needs along with providing parent coaching and referrals to other professionals as needed.
I pride myself in being a life-long learner. I take an average of 2 graduate classes a year and work hard to keep current on latest scientific research.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is that every child is able to reach their potential I have also learned that every parent and child’s journey will look very different. Over the years, may people have asked me what it is that determines a child’s success. I beleive that ultimately, it is that child’s ability to understand and accept their own learning style which leads them to accomplish the goals they set for themsleves.
Pricing:
- Session cost is $80.0 per hour.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.achievingkids.com/
