This blog explores ADHD from the unique perspective of a woman who experiences the H — hyperactivity — component of the condition. Zoë Kessler will candidly share what she’s learned through personal insights & anecdotes from “outside the box.” She’ll also explore a variety of topics including new developments, book reviews, coping tips, and much more.
Zoë Kessler has been a freelance writer since 1985. She’s written for ADDitude Magazine, MS. Magazine, MacLean’s Magazine, MORE Magazine, Today’s Parent, Cottage Life, Dogs Annual, and many others, including a weekly humour/local issues column, “A to Zoë,” for the Sun Times, a daily newspaper.
Zoë was diagnosed with ADHD at age 47. Since then, she’s written about a variety of ADHD-related topics for print and radio, including a CBC Radio One piece about her difficult choice to take medication to treat her symptoms. She’s also written, performed and produced standup comedy about living with ADHD.
Zoë has been a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada since the publication of her first book, Adoption Reunions (published under her adoptive name, Michelle McColm), Second Story Press, Toronto, Canada, 1993. You can learn more about Adoption Reunions or purchase it here.
A hand drummer and instructor for over 25 years, Zoë has brought her love of African rhythms to at-risk youth, designing and facilitating therapeutic drumming programs for school-aged kids with ADHD (or, as she likes to call them, “my people”).
Zoë holds a Bachelor of Education in adult education and has taught adults for over 30 years.
Currently, Zoë is working on a book about women and ADHD. She was awarded an Ontario Arts Council grant in support of this project.
To find out more about Zoë, visit her website www.chickadd.ca.
