Alicia Kohls, M. Ed., PCAC
ADHD Coach and Life Coach, Executive Skills Coach
Coaching Minnesota and Worldwide
Alicia knows what it feels like to wonder, “Why can’t I just do this?”—to feel overwhelmed by things that seem like they should be “simple”, frustrated when knowing what to do doesn’t translate into actually doing it, and exhausted from trying to meet expectations for how things “should” work. Her own journey with undiagnosed ADHD included emotional intensity, sensitivities, perfectionism, and lifelong challenges with organization, working memory, task initiation, and follow-through. Receiving a later diagnosis brought more than an explanation—it helped her begin letting go of shame and recognize that moving forward wasn’t about trying harder. It was about understanding what was getting in the way and finding approaches that actually worked with her brain, nervous system, and life.
That understanding now shapes how Alicia supports overwhelmed individuals who may be asking similar questions. Whether someone feels stuck in their own ADHD or executive functioning challenges, is navigating a season when old supports no longer seem to work, or is trying to understand a neurodivergent child when traditional parenting advice doesn’t quite fit, Alicia helps make sense of what is happening beneath the surface. Her holistic approach blends neuroscience, education, emotional regulation, and practical support to help clients let go of unhelpful “shoulds,” better understand the why behind ADHD, and develop strategies that fit their real life.
With more than a decade of experience as an educator, consultant, and Professional ADHD Coach, Alicia brings together research-informed knowledge of executive functioning, brain development, learning, and neurodiversity with a deeply individualized approach. She supports adults in moving from overwhelm and self-doubt toward greater clarity, self-understanding, and meaningful action, while helping parents better understand their children, strengthen connection, and create a calmer, more supportive family dynamic. Her favorite part of this work is seeing the shift when someone who once felt stuck begins to recognize, “There is a reason this has been hard—and I can find a way forward that works for me.”
Clients say Alicia is relatable, compassionate, warm and easy to talk to. She has a way of making complex ideas feel understandable, helping clients recognize patterns without judgment, and gently guiding them toward greater clarity and practical next steps. Clients often appreciate that Alicia brings both professional knowledge and lived experience with ADHD—creating a space that feels supportive, collaborative, and genuine.
Areas of Coaching Expertise:
Alicia is a Professional Certified ADHD Coach (PCAC) from the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches (PAAC), who specializes in working with:
- Parents who are raising neurodivergent kids
- Parents who have ADHD themselves
- Adults who are overwhelmed and frustrated with executive function challenges
- Women navigating hormone fluctuations (e.g. pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, PMDD)
- College & Grad School Students
- Youth
Current Programs:
- Raising with Purpose Workshop
- Emotionally Resilient Children Workshop
- Parenting Young Children with ADHD Signature Coaching Program
Presented In:
- International ADHD Conference 2023: Did You Just Call Me a Dopamine? How ADHD Brains Work
Professional Training and Education:
- Cognitive Engineering: From the Inside Out– ADHD & Executive Functioning Program (2024)
- Professional Certified ADHD Coach from the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (2021)
- Master of Education from University of Minnesota- Twin Cities (2014)
- Current Teaching License from the State of Minnesota
- Practice-Based Coaching Training (2018)
- Extensive training in Social Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Practices, and Strategies for Working with Neurodivergent Brains
- Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota
FREE GUIDE: Emotionally Resilient Children with ADHD
This guide provides six tips you can easily implement to help your child develop healthy coping skills so you can feel ready to empower when those tense moments hit.
- How to be present with your child during outbursts
- Teach positive expression skills in healthy ways
- Identify and manage triggers to help you prepare and use proactive strategies to prevent escalation
Client Testimonials
“Before coaching, there was a lot of misalignment between my partner and me on how to handle a kiddo with ADHD. Coaching helped us get on the same page and approach challenges with a more united front. Alicia has such a calming presence and a great way of asking thoughtful questions—the idea of ‘I wonder’ has changed how I communicate. She made it very comfortable to talk about hard topics and helped us reflect not just on our child, but on ourselves. That shift has brought more empathy into our family dynamic and made a real difference in how we relate to each other.”
“We are extremely grateful for the support and guidance that Alicia Kohls has provided to our family. Her expertise in helping us navigate our son’s specific challenges of ADHD has been invaluable. She has not only helped us create clear boundaries and a calming environment but has also given us a deeper understanding of our son’s ADHD. Her commitment to listening and educating us on creating effective support structures for learning has made a significant positive impact on our lives. We highly recommend Alicia Kohls to anyone seeking compassionate and knowledgeable assistance in managing ADHD-related challenges. She has truly made a difference in our lives, and we are so thankful for her dedication and expertise.”
“Learning the science behind ADHD and understanding how my own patterns aligned with it was incredibly helpful. Alicia’s professionalism and deep understanding helped me recognize behaviors I hadn’t noticed before. I now have fewer miscommunications in my relationships, feel more confident in my ADHD, less guilty, and better equipped to work with my brain.”