Meet Dr. Michelle Casarella, a psychologist who helps moms with ADHD kids transform their households from chaotic to calm. She is hosting an in person workshop on November 13th in Pleasantville, to learn more click here!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I was born and raised in Purchase and lived in Westchester for most of my life. I now live with my family in Northern Westchester but have lived in California and Florida.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Two boys, Victor (7) & Emilio (3)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you….
That I have a son with ADHD (because most people see a smart, friendly kid who speaks beyond his years), my husband and I are a real life 90 day fiance couple (and still together 14 yrs later) & I’m a really down to earth psychologist who tells it like it is.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Definitely a few people–First off both my boys. Both kids really taught me how to understand and accept myself in a way I never did before. They taught me how to focus on what really matters, how to have fun and be present. Next, my husband for never questioning my parenting style and getting on board with it even though it was not the way he was raised. After that would be all the supports–school supports, occupational therapists, speech therapists, teachers, IEP personnel, etc. who have supported both of my kids. And last, to ME. I have done a lot of work to understand myself and how to best parent both kids. I really prioritize emotional connection with them & setting boundaries to keep the dynamic in the household focused on “parents make rules, kids get choices within these rules.” I’ve done a lot of work so moms of ADHD kids that I work with don’t have to struggle.
Favorite things to do with your child/children?
Low key activities: walks, occupational therapy recommended exercises (think of it like strength training for kids), reading, going to playgrounds, etc. It’s a win-win because low key activities don’t overwhelm me (less getting prepped and ready) and my kids get their needs met (me being present, moving their body, emotional connection) so they are more cooperative when I need them to do things like get dressed, etc.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
This community has been instrumental in helping me bring my mission to life – creating a safe, supportive space for moms raising kids with ADHD. I’m so grateful to be part of a group of women who not only show up for their families, but for each other – encouraging, connecting, and reminding every mom that she’s not alone in this. This community is a gift through this amazing, hard, beautiful rollercoaster of motherhood. None of us have it all figured out, but having other moms to walk beside – to share, laugh, vent, and grow with – makes the journey so much more meaningful. Together, we keep finding the beauty in the chaos, the joy in the mess, and the reminder that we’re never alone in it.
Your support helps me continue to advocate for moms who need to be seen, heard, and welcomed with open arms. Thank you for being the kind of community that helps all of us win, together.
Tell us about your work
I’m a psychologist who helps moms with ADHD kids transform their households from chaotic to calm. I teach moms all about the research based parenting method that is the most effective for parenting an ADHD child and how to actually implement it in a sustainable way. I teach moms what they need to be focusing on–because parenting an ADHD child is NOT intuitive and it usually is very different from how we were parented as kids. The other most valuable part of my work is bringing moms together who truly get the struggles of parenting an ADHD child. So many moms tell me how much it means to know they aren’t crazy and that other families struggle in similar ways.
I’m also a fellow mom in the trenches raising an ADHD kid so I know what these moms are navigating on a daily basis. I’ve taken all my personal experience and professional expertise and packaged it into tangible, easy-to-implement action items. My signature offers to support moms parenting ADHD kids are an eight week group therapy program and a 90 minute workshop.
Tell us about your mom life and how do you balance it all?
I don’t balance it all! I prioritize what is important based on family values and individual needs. For example, I don’t do family photos and holiday cards. I think they are adorable and every time I get a card, I think “maybe I should do it” but I intentionally choose not to. This is based on our family value of traveling to somewhere warm during winter break and my older son’s birthday being a week before Christmas. I know if I send cards during that month, it will be too much on top of birthday celebrations and travel prep. I’m a firm believer that when us moms set ourselves up with expectations for balance, we end up “failing.” When we actively choose what’s important and ignore the noise, we end up with more patience for our kids–which is really important when you have an ADHD kid.
How can we learn more about how to work with you?
If you’re a mom with an ADHD kid (or wonder if they have ADHD) and want tangible & actionable parenting strategies from a fellow mom in trenches who is a psychologist then you need to:
- Follow me on IG dr.michelle.casarella
- Attend my in-person ADHD parenting workshop for moms on Thursday 11/13 in Pleasantville, NY Dr. Michelle Casarella | CALM IN THE CHAOS
Tell us your faves
Favorite date night spot– Rraci’s in Brewster
Favorite restaurant to go as a family–not a restaurant, more a casual pizzeria but we all love Frank’s Pizza in Croton Falls
Favorite place to go out with friends–our backyard so the kids can run around and we can relax!
