About Carlos
My Background
I was the stereotypical hyperactive/impulsive child growing up. Although I was diagnosed with ADD at a very young age, I did not have professional support or medication until I was well into adulthood. It was through a combination of determination, coping mechanisms (both healthy and unhealthy), luck, and having a loving and supportive family that I made it through life.
I graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fresno intending on becoming an elementary school teacher. Due to my unmanaged ADHD, I was unable to complete the credential program and soon switched to working as a substitute teacher by day, and restaurant worker by night.
In 2005, I started my career in restaurant and hospitality management. Working in restaurants always came naturally for me and I was good at it (perfect job for my unmanaged ADHD at the time). During this time I gained high level experience in all facets of food service operations overseeing multi-million dollar organizations. My recipe for success was always to be in service of the teams I managed, and clients/guests for whom services are being provided.
It was after an episode of total burnout in 2021 that I realized that I could no longer manage my ADHD alone. I decided that I needed to be diagnosed again so that I can obtain professional support. It was then that I began the journey of truly understanding what it means to live with ADHD and a life that fits for me.
After discovering ADHD coaching I knew that it was something I needed to be a part of somehow. Coaching and mentoring the employees I managed was always my greatest source of fulfillment and I knew that I was being called to support those with ADHD through coaching.
Answering that calling led me to enrolling in the Basic ADHD & Life Coach Training Program at ADD Coach Academy (AADCA). I graduated from the program in April 2024 and will obtain certification shortly through the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches (PAAC).
Looking towards the future, my goal is to stay true to my core value of being in service of others and to support the growth and development of those around me through ADHD coaching.
My Life
How we define ourselves is so important. Before being an ADHD Coach, I am a father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Family is everything.
After that, you can find me either at my weekly pick-up basketball game, listening to records, seeing my favorite bands live, watching a good film, taking in the city and the nature around us on a walk, or enjoying a great cup of coffee with some kind of gluten free pastry.
I love the Bay Area and proud to call it my home for the past 20 years.
I strive to find balance in life and make time for the things that interest me and give me energy. I hope that I can help do the same for you.
