ACO Leadership Team

In 2007, the Leadership Team was created for both development of leadership for the organization and to give members the experience of working on the ACO board without making a full two year commitment—a sort of a junior board position. ACO members who have shown interest and initiative are identified and invited by the Board of Directors to participate.

Terms run from January through June and from July through December—just 6-months. Team members attend board meetings and participate in discussions. They pitch in when they see something that needs doing and that is a good fit for their interests, skills, and availability.

Some Leadership Team members have gone on to take full board positions. Some take initiative for a task that they make their own and continue to take responsibility for. Some work on committees, or are just available for the occasional task when their particular expertise is a good fit.

Most of our current board members started out on the Leadership Team. They’ve said things like, “This is the best run organization I’ve ever participated in,” and “I learned so much about how to get things done in a group!”

Here’s what you get as a member of the Leadership Team:

• a chance to be part of the weekly decision making for your professional membership organization
• a chance to develop skills that can benefit you now and in the future
• national and international level opportunities that can benefit your career
• a ready-made team to inspire you if you’re feeling isolated in your professional life
• the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile with like minded people
• and, it’s just plain fun!

Current Leadership Team—Serving for the first half of 2013

Abigail Wurf	Abigail Wurf, a certified coach, speaker, and author, has been coaching adults, couples and adolescents with ADHD and/or Chronic Pain for the past five years. As a person with ADHD and Chronic Pain, Abigail has used coaching to move forward to a full and productive life. She believes that virtually everyone can benefit from coaching to achieve lifetime goals and enjoy the best of what life has to offer. Her training in ADHD, life and creativity coaching was with Lynn Meinke, Lisa Kramer, Dr. Jeanne Erikson, Tina Elliot, Jodi Sleeper-Triplett, Russell Colver, Melissa Orlov, Dr. Ned Hallowell, and Eric Maisel. Abigail’s first Profession was in the Arts, as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. She toured in a professional dance company and ran a performing arts studio. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education has done Graduate Work in Pain Management. Read more about Abigail Wurf here
Dr. Miriam Reiss	Dr. Miriam Reiss, DSS, MCC, is a marketing and career strategist who helps ADHD Coaches create thriving businesses, and ADHD adults create the career of their dreams. A past president of the Washington State Chapter of the International Coach Federation, Miriam is also co-author of the book, Branding and Marketing Mastery. Miriam holds a BA from Cornell University and an MA from Columbia University. Her PhD is in Spiritual Science from Peace Theological Seminary, and she also has an MA in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis in Consciousness, Health, and Healing, from the University of Santa Monica. Miriam has been quotes as an expert coach in a wide range of media from Good Housekeeping to the Wall Street Journal and National Public Radio (NPR). Read more about Miriam Reiss here
Dr. Virginia Hurley	Dr. Virginia Hurley began her career as an English teacher in New York City public schools. Her work led her to become a teacher trainer, presenter, and administrator. Upon retiring from public education, Virginia became a certified life coach, with additional training in Positive Psychology and ADHD coaching. She is currently working toward certification as a Wellness Coach. She specializes in time management, goal setting, and transitions. She is an advocate for ADHD clients in the areas of Autonomy and Accomplishment. Her research interests include cognitive neuroscience studies, wellness, and nutrition. Her book, TimeSavor Coaching: A Positive Psychology Approach to ADHD, was released in October 2011. Read more about Virginia Hurley here

Previous Leadership Team Members

• 2013, Fall: Miriam Reiss, Jonathan Salem, Mary Smith, Dema Stout
• 2013, Spring: Virginia Hurley, Miriam Reiss, Abigail Wurf
• 2012, Fall: None
• 2012, Spring: Terry Dickson
• 2011, Fall: None
• 2011, Spring: Kricket Harrison and Laura Rolands
• 2010, Fall:  Susan MacIntosh, Paula Altschul, Chuck Blocher, Kricket Harrison
• 2010, Spring: Harriet Steinberg, Paula Altschul, Susan Macintosh
• 2009, Fall: Rudy Rodriguez, Kay Axtell, Laurie Moore Skillings, Maureen Nolan, Harriet Steinberg
• 2009, Spring: Joyce Kubik, Nan Daley, Linda Roggli, Rudy Rodriguez
• 2008, Fall: Tara McGillicuddy, Viv Monahan, Pat Wood, Katherine Jahnke, Robb Garrett
• 2008, Spring: Lyn Purpura, Maureen Nolan
• 2007, Inaugural Leadership Team: Gayla Wilson, Diane Ladd