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Open Doors to Possibilities

About Michele Novotni, Ph.D.

Professional Information

Dr. Michele Novotni is an internationally recognized expert and thought leader in the field of AD/HD. She is the former president and CEO of the national Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), an inspiring speaker, best selling author, psychologist, coach and parent of a young adult with AD/HD. She is author of Adult AD/HD, What Does Everybody Else Know That I Don't? and The Novotni Social Skills Checklist. She has been interviewed on hundreds of television and radio stations, been quoted in leading national publications, and served as a keynote or invited presenter throughout the world. She is a regular columnist for ADDitude Magazine.

Michele spearheaded the creation of national ADHD Awareness Day held annually in September. In 2005, ADDA awarded her the national "Make a Difference Award." ADDA also started The Novotni Scholarship Fund in her honor to assist college students with AD/HD.

Michele served as technical editor for AD/HD for Dummies. She serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for ADDitude Magazine., and on the Professional Advisory Boards for both ADDA and for the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) Inspiring individuals to unlock their potential is her passion whether one-to-one or speaking to thousands.

Personal Information

I enjoy helping folks who color outside the lines unlock their potential. I have been surrounded with folks with AD/HD for my entire life.

My father was diagnosed with AD/HD at the age of 60 explaining a life of failing to work up to his potential. Although very intelligent, he was unable to succeed in college due to his difficulty with focus and follow through. He learned differently and college was definitely not a match for his learning style.

The workplace was also not accommodating for his “out of the box” style. He was fired as an inventor twice due to difficulty with follow through. There were too many lost scraps of papers and too many unfinished projects. He spent his life underemployed, as a draftsman doing what he could, not what he wanted. He was frustrated knowing that he had much more potential than he was able to access.

Finally at the age of 60 he had an explanation other than “not trying” or “lazy” that he had heard his entire life.

As you may know, AD/HD usually runs in families and ours is no exception. My younger son Jarryd has what I call AD/RRRHD—Attention Deficit Really, Really, Really Hyperactivity Disorder. It was through his eyes that I came to know and understand AD/HD. Because of his struggles, I have directed my career path to helping individuals with AD/HD to be successful in school, in interpersonal relationships and in the workplace.

I have seen the pain of unrealized dreams and untapped potential. I have also seen the success of learning to manage AD/HD and unlock potential both in my family as well as through my professional experiences. Jarryd is currently a Senior at UNC - Charlotte. My older son, Duane, is a teacher as is my husband, Bob.

Professional Credentials	Educational History
Licensed Psychologist Senior Certified AD/HD Coach Certified School Psychologist Certified Elementary Counselor Certified Secondary Counselor Secondary English Teacher	Ph.D. Counseling Psychology University of Mississippi Ed.S. School Psychology Georgia Southern University M.Ed. Psychometry Georgia Southern University B.S. Psychology, Summa Cum Laude (in two years, age 18) Widener University