How I perceive AD/HD
My focus is to empower the uniqueness of your AD/HD child who is different - different in a way that our society has not yet learned to appreciate. The many educators and healthcare professionals you have encountered may not see this difference as a gift or strength. Instead, they classify it as a disorder to be corrected.
The empirical model of AD/HD, conducted on clinical populations who experience the most problems, defined by the symptoms and behaviors that can be quantified, irrefutably points to the fact that AD/HD is a biological condition. AD/HD, viewed from this perspective, comes out as "pathology" and becomes defined essentially in terms of symptoms and impairments. It is no wonder then why so many AD/HD children carry the label of being "disordered." This negative labeling crushes child's self-esteem and self-reliance.
Labels and perceptions can be inspiring or crushing to a child. Ask any child who has been called "smart" or "dummy." I acknowledge the fact that AD/HD can cause difficulties in life; yet, there are many positive qualities that are associated with this complex biological phenomenon: Increased creativity, spontaneity, energy, keen ability to see insincerity in people, emotional warmth, to mention a few. These traits cannot be empirically measured, but that does not mean these positive and wonderful traits are not real or unproven.
For this reason, I firmly believe that your child has a unique gift of AD/HD! My coaching mission is to reclaim your child's gift.
Educational and Professional Background |
- Michael J. Garant received his Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and subsequently went on to earn his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
- Dr. Garant went onto to further his training in the study of obesity diabetes & Aging at the National Institutes of Health and at the University of Maryland, where he was an Assistant professor.
- He has been fortunate through all his years of science training and research to train young adults and foster their interests in the sciences. This makes him a uniquely qualified instructor to communicate with young individuals.
- Dr. Garant is currently the director at SmartCoach and he strongly believes in family values, and is a strong proponent of education, which is reflected in his history and the SmartCoach programs he teaches.
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Personal Background |
- I have a Second Dan Black Belt from the world renowned Jhoon Rhee Institute of Tae Kwon Do.
- Had the privilege and good fortune of training under many fine instructors, especially Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, the "Father of American Tae Kwon Do" and originator of the Jhoon Rhee Institute of Tae Kwon Do.
- I have refined my teaching skills in the Jhoon Rhee system to instruct children and adults.
- Successful in helping children with anger management, confidence, respect, and focus issues. And has helped these students succeed at school and at home. They began to show initiative at home by taking charge of their chores and keeping their rooms clean. Furthermore, these students chose to make their home work a priority over video and computer games, which lead to better grades. Dr. Garant has also had the privilege of training special needs individuals, such as ADHD and developmentally challenged children and adults. He has enabled these students to become successful in the classroom and in life. Dr. Garant has instructed adults with confidence and weight management issues. He helped these individuals achieve their goals.
- His years in academics and in the Jhoon Rhee system, make him an ideal candidate to instruct children at SmartCoach to help them achieve their true potential in life.
- I enjoy working out, and anything that enables me to connect with family, friends and my curious mind for grounding and sense of being.
- I am calm, balanced and realistic; yet I can be intensely fiery and have a laser-like focus. All in all, I am goal seeking, energetic and insatiably curious.
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