Gretchen Waschke

Biography

I am a born and raised PNW kid. My earliest years were in rural Whatcom County and Bellingham Washington. Through my childhood and early adulthood my environment of wide open spaces cemented my love for mountainous and open water adventure, which I continue to indulge as a Seattleite. I am the parent of two neurodivergent young people who are now in their mid and late teen years. I had a zig-zaggy post-high school academic trajectory which lead me through a few degrees including a teaching certificate and a master's degree in mental health. After successfully completing my graduate program I was diagnosed in my early 30's with ADHD. Upon diagnosis, the academic and day-to-day challenges I'd experienced throughout my life made sense. The clarity I experienced after receiving the diagnosis morphed into my mission to partner with clients exactly where they are and support them to get to where they want to be via their identified path - building in tips/tricks/tools that accommodate neurodiverse needs and increase success. I have intentionally centered my career around serving people while simultaneously pushing people-serving-systems to change in ways that increase equity of access for supportive services and engage historically excluded populations in the creation of systems that effectively and responsively serve the needs of community. From parent coaching, to student learning support, and early identification of strategies to address learning needs - I love every opportunity to support people in reaching their goals.

What are some of your special interests?

One of my special interests is food. I find my peace, joy, and grounding in the kitchen. Cooking is simultaneously a creative and productive outlet for me. My favorite meals are often those that are made only with things I can find in my pantry and refrigerator. I am always grateful for my family's willingness to consume whatever is produced from my wild cooking adventures. I also love eating new cuisines and visiting different places to learn about their food cultures. There is always something special in sharing a meal with others.

Parallel to my love of food, I also love to garden. I refuse to grow a lawn. My yard is filled with raised garden beds in which I attempt to grow as many vegetables as I possibly can in the short PNW growing season. I also delight in growing native plants and flowers to sustain local birds, bees, and wildlife in my backyard. In the warmth of spring, summer, and early fall you will often find me enjoying my morning coffee outside in the backyard so I can be fully entertained by the antics of my resident squirrels and crows.

What does executive functioning mean to you?

I think of executive functioning is the skillset we access to complete day-to-day tasks that don't rise to hyperfocus & intrigue levels but we need to do them anyway like: eating, sleeping, working, hygiene, schooling, studying, cleaning, paying bills, feeding our pets, watering our plants, etc. 

What is a strategy you use with clients and use personally?

The big ol' brain purge - get all the swirling thoughts out; then sort, organize, and prioritize once we know what we are working with. And a favorite question I like to ask myself when I find I am in task-paralysis mode, "Which action can I take right now that I will appreciate myself the most for doing?"

How has your personal experience and professional development impacted your coaching?

I absolutely believe that authentic partnership leads to profound outcomes. We are better together, and I want to celebrate your successes. 

How would you describe your personal approach to coaching?

Relational. I am a deeply relational human and I find that creating a foundation of authentic relationship allows space for positive growth in all directions for both the coachee and the coach. 

Which of LSA's core values resonates the most with you, and how do you incorporate it with your clients?

Courageous Contrarians & Bravery in Advocacy are the core values at LSA that make my heart very happy. I've never needed permission to be one who pushes back on the status quo or cultural norms that are harmful. It is refreshing to work in an environment where it is encouraged for us as coaches to push the boundaries of what is typically perceived as "normal" and truly cement the understanding that variation in needs, and how those needs are met, is the norm. By being courageously contrarian, leaning into Bravery in Advocacy is a next natural step. Supporting folks in finding their voice for self advocacy by challenging the cultural norms we are each surrounded by is the fastest way to making our communities more accessible for every person. Each session with clients is an opportunity to be co-conspirators toward meeting their individual goals by strategizing accommodations needed for success, and partnering in advocacy to make the necessary changes happen.