Meet Our Team - Paula Jones
Paula Jones, LCSW
Position at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center:
Senior Staff therapist
How long have you been working at Hallowell Todaro ADHD?
Over a year
Where did you grow up?
Indianapolis, IN. I left for Southern California in my 40s and never looked back. In true ADHD form, I gave away my private practice and quickly found that as a big fish in a small pond, I had a huge uphill swim to make it in the Ocean, particularly without a California license. I went back to teaching special education, which I had not done for over 20 years.
What are your favorite books / TV shows / movies?
I read mostly nonfiction. I enjoy reading about mental health and ADHD. In TV land, I enjoyed “Schitt’s Creek,” re-runs of “30 Rock,” and my old favorites are “X Files,” “Homeland,” and “House of Cards.”
What is your favorite sport and/or sports team?
Biking. I did a European tour in France before COVID and hope to do that kind of trip again. In the younger days, I did it all—tennis, diving, skiing, and running.
Complete the following sentences:
When I’m not at work, you can find me...
playing with my 5-year-old grandson.
When I want to de-stress, I...
hang out with my grandson, he is my natural “anti-anxiety med.”
My favorite time of year is...
summer. Love the beach and the pool.
My favorite thing to cook is...
what is cooking?
The best gift I ever received was…
a trip to Ireland.
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d go to...
been to so many places, still many to go. I want to do a sailing trip, Morrocco, New Zealand among others.
What led you to pursue a career helping others?
My first interest was in special needs kids and I got my undergraduate degree in education. Teaching led to social work and I have gone back and forth between the two career areas. I loved teaching abroad in four different countries, including Kenya.
What education, skills, and expertise do you bring to your role?
I understand ADHD both from the perspective of a teacher and consultant as well as I am both a clinician and a teacher. When I realized my daughter was both LD and ADHD in first grade, and her pediatrician pointed out my own ADHD symptoms, it was a game-changer. This was 30 years ago before we knew as much about adult ADHD. When Driven to Distraction was published, I rejoiced that Ned claimed his own ADHD. I followed his lead and started disclosing this to my clients, and following his work. I helped a local news channel produce an educational piece on Adult ADHD that features Ned, and started treating more adults who have the disorder.
Who/what inspires you?
People who have such tremendous challenges and do the best they can with what they have. Having lived in a developing country really helped me see how uniquely lucky we are to live here.
What’s your personal philosophy/approach toward the work you do?
Just to give people the best of myself, my knowledge skills, and relationship, and try to help them along in their journey.
What is one small thing people can do to improve their lives and increase their happiness?
Acceptance. Everyone has challenges and limitations. Focus on your strengths and be in gratitude for the people in your life. Take time to have fun, whatever that is for you.
We provide a range of support for people with ADHD.