My training
My name is Kristina Sullivan and I am both an environmental scientist (M.S., 1999) and a certified co-active life coach. I no longer work as a scientist, but I did for many years, including managing projects and employees. I have been a life coach, specializing in working with neurodiverse individuals with Asperger’s, autism, and ADHD since 2001.
In 2001, I successfully completed 2 years of professional training as a coach with Co-active Training Institute (formerly The Coaches Training Institute), and passed an oral and written exam certifying me as a CPCC, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach.
The Coaches Training Institute is fully accredited by ICF, International Coach Federation, and is recognized as one of the best coaching schools in the world. You can view CTI’s website at Coactive.com and you can view ICF’s website at CoachFederation.org.
I also continue to increase my training and knowledge on an ongoing basis, as both the fields of life coaching and knowledge about ASD and ADHD grow and develop.
In addition, I have been working and living with ASD and ADHD on a personal level my entire life. The youngest of my two children, Callan, was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as a child, and with ASD and ADHD more recently. Callan has a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineering License, and currently works as a water resources engineer. Callan’s girlfriend, Guen, also has a diagnosis of both ASD and ADHD. My daughter, Laura, identifies as being sensory sensitive. Several other family members are also thought to be on the autism spectrum, but have not pursued a diagnosis.
My location
Kristina splits her time between California, Arizona, and New Mexico. However, Kristina can work with you no matter where you are located. This is because coaching services are offered exclusively over the phone and video calls. This is not only more convenient for you, but actually can be more effective than working in-person (click here for more about how coaching works).
My pronouns
I have recently started including “her/they” after my name in signature blocks. I have always identified as female, but I’m including “they” as an option because I believe it makes sense to have a gender-neutral option for pronouns in our language. It doesn’t have to be the word “they”, but “they” is what is currently most often used when gender is unknown, such as in the sentence, “They left their umbrella under the table in the lobby.” This example sentence uses the terms “they” and “their” in reference to a singular person with an unknown, and thus unspecified, gender.
Why do I work with clients who identify as neurodiverse?
I love the way your mind works. It’s different, and those differences can be useful. I enjoy the neurodiverse mind; the creative logic, the straightforward honesty and the ability to piece together intricate puzzles. It is a challenge and a delight to keep up with your mind.