As an adult living with ADHD and chronic depression, I know far too well the importance of empowering the self-esteem of individuals struggling with mental illnesses. I approach mental illness from a holistic, strengths-based perspective which recognizes the connection between physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Spirituality, nature, meditation, diet, and family have all played a major role in my own healing journey to mental wellness. In my efforts to share with and empower others, I facilitate monthly support groups and coach individuals around Metropolitan Atlanta on the coping skills needed to heal mental illness. I want people to know that they can move beyond their psychiatric diagnosis and reach their full potential in life.

Born: in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 2, 1974.

 

Psychiatric Labels: ADHD, Dysthymia (chronic depression), and Schizotypal Disorder (eccentric personality).

Recovery Methods: Spirituality, Support Groups, Helping Others, Self-Advocacy, Peer Support, Mom/Family, Meditation, Yoga, Clowning, Nature, Animals (cats & turtles), Dance, Music (free jazz, afrobeat, deep house), Diet, Green Tea, and Essential Oils (lavender, lemongrass, frankincense and myrrh).

 

Graduate Student, Master of Science in Management, Argosy University, 2009-Present

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion, University of Georgia, 1999

Georgia Certified Peer Specialist, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities, 2009

Family Team Meeting Facilitator, Georgia Department of Human Services, 2007

Social Services Case Manager, Georgia Department of Human Services, 2007

Family Independence Case Manager, Georgia Department of Human Services, 2003

2008-Present ADHD Coaching Inc., Atlanta, GA

Provide peer support services, peer counseling, individual/group coaching, support groups, goal setting, Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), advocacy, coping skills, meditation and relaxation classes, educational workshops & specialized parenting education.

2003-2009 Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services, Atlanta, GA

Engage families, family supports, and professional partners in creating plans to ensure the safety, permanency, and well being of children.

Family Independence Case Manager, 2003-2006

Provided case management services for families receiving Food Stamps, TANF, and Medicaid.

2002-2003 Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, Athens, GA

1996-2002 University of Georgia Library, Athens, GA

Certified Peer Specialist Training, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), 2009

Substance Abuse Training, Georgia Department of Human Services, 2009

Family Violence Training, Georgia Department of Human Resources, 2007

Child Protective Services, Georgia Department of Human Resources,  2006

Family Team Meeting Facilitator, Georgia Department of Human Resources, 2006

Foster Care, Georgia Department of Human Resources, 2006

Food Stamp, Medicaid & TANF Training, Georgia Department of Human Resources, 2004

Ware, R. (September 12, 2009). “Holistic Approaches to ADHD, Depression & Mental Wellness”. West End Library Branch, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, Atlanta, GA

Ware, R. (August 8, 2009). “Parenting Children with ADHD”. West End Library Branch, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, Atlanta, GA

Ware, R. (June 13, 2009). “Alternative Treatments for ADHD”. West End Library Branch, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, Atlanta, GA

Ware, R. (May 9, 2009). “The Biological Orgins of ADHD”. West End Library Branch, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, Atlanta, GA

Ware, R. (April 29, 2009). “The Link Between  ADHD Hyperfocus & Dharana Yoga”. Main Library, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, Atlanta, GA

Ware, R. (April 11, 2009). “Understanding ADHD”. West End Library Branch, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, Atlanta, GA

Ware, R. (March 14, 2009). “The 5 Gifts of ADHD according to Dr. Lara Honos-Webb, author of The Gift of ADHD”. West End Library Branch, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, Atlanta, GA

United Way of Metro Atlanta V.I.P. (Volunteer Involvement Program)

Georgia County Welfare Association Board of Directors

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)