How are coaches qualified and trained?   

A Working Mind coaches are carefully pre-screened using a stringent set of criteria.  Only those who pass this initial  screening process are eligible for Cogmed Coach Training. 

Each prospective coach must then successfully complete the Cogmed Working Memory Training Program.  This rigorous program is conducted by a PhD in psychology.  The psychologist/trainer has extensive experience in working memory research and training on the Cogmed Working Memory program.  The number of coaches trained at any one time is limited to ensure one-on-one instruction.

 Components of coach training include:

• Extensive instruction regarding the details of working memory, psychological research, and the history of how  and why RoboMemo was developed;

• The environmental aspects of coaching;

• Aspects of cognitive training;

• Appropriate sequencing of the training exercises;

• Effective psychological approaches to encourage participation;

• Training techniques; how to coach individual with attention deficits;

• Intervention techniques; mentoring and problem solving skills.

Periodic satisfaction surveys are conducted to ensure each coach consistently meets the high standards established by A Working Mind.            

Our current Cogmed trained coaches include:

Linda Anderson, MA, MCC, SCAC, Principal of Getting Clear, is a Business, Personal and Professional Coach who specializes in working with ADHD adults and students. She has been actively involved in the world of ADHD since 1993, has served on the adult Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) board since 1996 and served as President of the ADDA board from 2006 to 2008.  She also serves on the board of ADHD Aware.  Linda conducts an ADHD-Advanced Coach Training Teleclass for coaches and clinicians and has written several articles, among them – “A Closer Look at Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-From The Outside Looking In” and “The Body Double.”  

Kelly Kelley, B.A. Kelly has a degree in psychology from Cleveland State University.  She is currently employed at University Hospital's Case Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Education, in the area of medical student and resident education.  As a mother of three girls, Kelly states "I understand what parents with children struggling in school are experiencing day-to-day.  I'm here to support you and your child when you've made the decision to begin this challenging and rewarding program."

Joyce A. Kubik, B.A.  (Bridge to Success)  Joyce Kubik knows firsthand about living with AD/HD.  Joyce, who is ADHD herself, has raised children with either AD/HD, depression, anxiety or a combination thereof.   Joyce has combined her personal experience with degrees in Psychology and Health Communications.  With this background she has the knowledge and skills to help adults, college students, and families succeed in managing their AD/HD.  Joyce is the author of four books and numerous articles on Attention Deficit Disorders. 

Diane Lavin, M.Ed.  Diane is a graduate of Ohio university with a B.S. in Education and Ohio State University with a Master's in Educational Program Development.  Diane brings 25 years of teaching and tutoring experience, particularly with middle school students.  Her specialty is adapting curriculum to meet the needs of individual students and supporting students to accept new challenges in their learning.

Maureen Mesicko, MBA  Maureen has worked as an executive in the health care industry and as a business consultant for over 25 years.  Her primary interest focuses on working with mid-life professionals who want to maintain that “edge” in the workplace and in their busy lives.   

Kelley Muldoon-Rieger, BS, MSN   While working as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Kelley developed a special interest in children and adolescents with AD/HD and Working Memory deficits.  She also has expertise in using a variety of computer software programs.  This combination of skill sets merged to make Kelley an effective Cogmed-trained Working Memory Coach.  Kelley received her education at Yale and Rutgers Universities.

Coaches affiliated with Psychological Behavioral Consultants include:

Nanette Auerhahn, Ph.D. 

Howard M. Bonem, Ph.D.

Lauren Carter, L.I.S.W. 

Cathy Knezevich, L.P.C.C. 

Chris Ren, L.I.S.W. 

Authelia Updegraff, L.I.S.W. 

Nancy Wilt, L.P.C.C. 

A Working Mind Advisors:

Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP – AWM Medical Advisor (Advanced Pediatrics)   Dr. Lavin, a pediatrician educated at Harvard and OSU, has been in practice for over 20 years.  He also serves as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.  Dr. Lavin has helped create standards for community pediatrics, published original research in journals such as Science, and has co-authored manuals used for teaching pediatricians to care for children with special health care needs.  Dr. Lavin is the co-author of "Baby and Toddler Sleep Solutions for Dummies" (Wiley, 2007) and "Who’s the Boss: Moving Families from Conflict to Collaboration" (Collaboration Press, 2006).  Dr. Lavin is the Medical Advisor for A Working Mind.  Dr. Lavin's books can be found on Amazon. com. 

Carl U. Weitman, PhD, NRO --  AWM Advisor  Dr. Weitman acts as an advisor to A Working Mind.  He has maintained a continuous, full-time independent practice since 1974.  He has worked and consulted at independent schools since 1980.  Dr. Weitman is also an assistant clinical professor at Case Western Reserve Medical School in Cleveland.  Dr. Weitman received his education at City University of New York, Case Western Reserve University, and Fielding Graduate University.