Meet Our Team - Genevieve Norwood
Genevieve Norwood, B.A., J.D
(pronouns: she/her)
Position at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center:
Academic Coach
How long have you been working at Hallowell Todaro ADHD?
I first started with the center in August of 2015, but I took some time off to focus on being a mom to my now 7-year-old daughter.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up outside of Philadelphia. After living there and in New York City, I moved to Seattle in 2006 and have called this lovely city home ever since.
What are your favorite books / TV shows / movies?
Though I haven’t read it in many years, I loved Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is another favorite of mine due to how much-unexpected empathy I felt for the “monster” and was reminded to take everyone’s perspective into account.
What’s your favorite sport and/or sports team?
I was a competitive swimmer growing up, but I love playing soccer and have coached in the past. As for watching sports, I am part of a Manchester United soccer-watching group, even if it means watching separately and gathering virtually on the app House Party due to the pandemic.
Complete the following sentences:
When I’m not at work, you can find me...
outside! I live near Discovery Park, and I spend much of my time there with my 7 year-old daughter and my dog exploring its varied terrain and beauty. We also like growing vegetables in our local p- patch. When not outside, I can be found spending time with my partner, typically playing on one of our many soccer teams.
When I want to de-stress, I...
go for a run or walk in nature, or I hop on my Peloton bike.
My favorite time of year is...
summer – I love throwing on a sun dress and heading out into the warmer weather to feel the sun on my face.
My favorite thing to cook is...
not cooking at all. No matter how many cookbooks I sample, I have resigned myself to admitting I do not enjoy cooking. It frustrates and overwhelms me, so I view it as a practice in following directions and increasing patience rather than a source of enjoyment.
The best gift I ever received was…
the gift of education. My parents always supported my education and made financial sacrifices so that I could attend better schools. I am forever grateful to them!
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d go to...
I want to go everywhere and experience everything that I can safely access. I am a bit more risk-averse now that I have a child and am aware that not all regions of the world are out of harm’s way, so for those I now settle for reading about them. I like to alternate relaxing beach vacations with trips that take me a bit outside of my comfort zone and help me learn new things. Some of my favorite destinations have been Cambodia and India.
What led you to pursue a career helping others?
My dad is a clinical psychologist and through watching him work with all populations, regardless of their wealth, he always inspired me to try to be an agent for change and strive to eliminate inequalities. I strongly believe that education and learning to believe in yourself can open so many doors and experiences for you in life, and I am committed to helping others discover this for themselves.
What education, skills, and expertise do you bring to your role?
My coursework from my undergraduate psychology degree from NYU and my law degree from University of Washington taught me grit and to respond to unfamiliar situations with exploration and research. Additionally, they helped me grow my communication skills to better advocate for students and more importantly, teach them to advocate for themselves.
Additionally, I learned so much while teaching Street Law at American Indian Heritage High School and teaching study skills at Seattle Academy. My greatest takeaway was that it is vital to connect with students and gain their trust.
Who/what inspires you?
I love connecting with other humans. Whether it is an inconsequential back-and-forth in the grocery store or a more meaningful conversation with a friend, I get energy from communicating with and learning about others. Inspiration through human connection jolts me at the most unexpected of times.
What’s your personal philosophy/approach toward the work you do?
I always want to get to know each student and their interests to meet them where they are. My goal is to help them see and utilize their strengths, ultimately growing their confidence.
What is one small thing people can do to improve their lives and increase their happiness?
Tackle hard things in smaller increments. For example, it can be difficult to carve out an hour or whatever set amount of time we have in our minds that we think necessary to complete a chore. Making incremental goals and chiseling away at tasks is a great way to keep momentum, and acknowledging our smaller victories helps us feel good about our progress.
We provide a range of support for people with ADHD.