Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein, founder of Resilience Unlimited, is a seasoned educator, life coach, and entrepreneur, bringing unparalleled expertise to the organization. As a black woman with ADHD, she profoundly understands diverse challenges, covering trauma healing, education, parenting, and more. With over twelve years of experience internationally and domestically, Dr. Lauren prioritizes transformative journeys for families and women of color, emphasizing growth over survival. Committed to personal transformation, she guides clients with a compassionate, non-judgmental approach tailored to their unique needs. Embark on your journey to success with Dr. Lauren as your empowering guide at Resilience Unlimited.
Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein, Neuro-Holistic Life Coach & Educational Therapist
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Embarking on the rollercoaster of motherhood, balancing married life, practicing mindfulness daily, and entrepreneurship at 37, my life became a mosaic of joy, challenges, and unexpected twists. I bring a unique experience of not only being in an interracial marriage but having a blended family, too. With two incredible daughters—one a gifted bonus daughter who entered my life when she was 12, now flourishing in college at 20, and the other, a spirited 6-year-old—I navigate the intricate dance of family alongside my husband, a passionate middle school social studies teacher. Our cozy home in Maryland is further enlivened by the presence of our cat, Jasper, our dog, Misha, and two birds, Papaya and Blueberry, a testament to the delightful chaos that defines our daily existence.
Behind the simplicity I cherish today lies a tale of resilience and hard work. As an undiagnosed student, I struggled academically but maintained an enduring love for school. I can remember having a reading tutor as far back as elementary school. Then, I remember going to Sylvan Learning Center for most of high school for math and reading comprehension skills.
Recognizing the limitations of grades and SAT scores in shaping my future, I channeled my determination into athletics, earning two full-track scholarships to James Madison University and Syracuse University. The whirlwind years as a Division I full scholarship athlete were transformative, marked by unforgettable experiences and, regrettably, a few injuries. Over a decade later, my fitness routine has evolved into long walks with my dog, invigorating Pilates sessions, and refreshing pool workouts—a reflection of adapting to life's ever-changing seasons. This journey, coupled with a pivotal diagnosis of severe ADHD and anxiety in my senior year of college, fueled my pursuit of higher education. I earned a dual master's in education and special education, delving into a fulfilling career as a special educator and culminating in a doctorate from Northeastern University by the age of 32. This journey has led me to my current chapter. In my private practice, I specialize in educational therapy for dyslexic and dysgraphic students and provide holistic coaching for neurodiverse women of color. My mission is rooted in the belief that transformation is an ongoing process, and within every individual lies the power to shine through.
What is your business name and how do you help your clients?
Embarking on my entrepreneurial journey under the name Think Dyslexia; I initially lacked a clear roadmap. What started as sharing facts about literacy and dyslexia on Instagram soon transformed into a heartfelt desire to support parents, particularly moms, through tutoring and podcasting. The turning point came in October 2021 when I officially established my LLC while working as a learning specialist in a private school. The reality of running a business, however, hit me unprepared, and the struggle to secure clients and match my previous salary left me feeling burnt out and drained. Despite having four clients in my business then, I juggled three contract jobs training teachers globally on dyslexia, the science of reading, and MTSS. The breaking point occurred during a traumatic event in the summer of 2023 when a miscommunication led to a bounced check, a negative bank balance, and a devastating realization that what I envisioned for my business wasn't aligning with my purpose.
Amid the chaos, July 2023 marked a pivotal moment as I embraced meditation, seeking solace and clarity. By August, the revelation struck—my true purpose wasn't merely in dyslexia education but in being authentic and embracing all facets of myself, including my neurodiversity and my experiences as a black mom, wife, and woman who was highly educated and was not managing her ADHD to work at optimal levels. This realization birthed Resilience Unlimited, a space where I could amalgamate personal and professional experiences. Now, as I authentically navigate the intersection of my neurodiverse identity and professional expertise, Resilience Unlimited attracts clients seeking transformation and authenticity. Whether assisting families in navigating the public school system for their child's literacy needs or supporting women of color in finding their strengths in corporate America, Resilience Unlimited reflects the fusion of personal and professional elements, creating a holistic approach to empowerment and resilience.
Can you tell us the story of how you decided to become an educational therapist?
My journey into educational therapy has been a natural extension of my background in special education, a path that became officially certified in December 2022. While the certification came later, the essence of being an educational therapist has always been ingrained in my approach.
I've long believed everyone perceives the world uniquely, and my guiding principle is fostering an environment that allows individuals to be their authentic selves.
The catalyst for my formal certification arose when a client, a special education advocate, introduced me to the Association of Educational Therapy. To my surprise, she pointed out that I practiced educational therapy in my work with her son and previous clients. Armed with my degrees and Orton-Gillingham certification, she encouraged me to explore formal certification, sensing it would be a seamless process given my extensive experience. True to her intuition, the certification journey was a smooth transition. I am currently at the Associate level, diligently working towards the professional level under the mentorship of my board-certified educational therapy (BCET) mentor.
What are your current goals for your business?
Navigating the terrain as a solopreneur within the confines of a small private practice, I harbor aspirations that extend far beyond the modest dimensions of my current venture. On a micro level, I am driven to streamline and elevate operational efficiency by implementing automated systems from inquiry to contract processes. My immediate goal is to broaden the reach of my services, targeting an expansive audience of women of color. To achieve this, I am channeling my energy into the rebranded podcast, The Resilience Unlimited Show, with a visionary target of amassing 50,000 downloads by 2024.
Zooming into the grand tapestry of my entrepreneurial dreams, I harbor a compelling vision of Resilience Unlimited evolving into a multifaceted practice. This expansion will include diverse practitioners working under the Resilience Unlimited umbrella, collectively providing specialized support to neurodiverse children and families. On the coaching front, I envision a cadre of high-achieving, bold, inspiring, and courageous women of color joining forces as coaches on my team. Together, we will continue to catalyze transformative journeys for numerous neurodiverse women, fostering a community of resilience and empowerment.
In the broader scope, Resilience Unlimited is not merely a personal legacy but a burgeoning boutique brand destined to withstand the test of time and carve a niche as a respected entity within the industry. The contours of my vision extend beyond the present, encompassing a future where Resilience Unlimited stands tall, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of support, understanding, and empowerment for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Explain your coaching style and method in simple terms.
Working with a coach/mentor specializing in leadership development for women has been a transformative experience. Focused on uncovering leadership skills within my strengths, I've learned my strengths and how to utilize them, but I've also learned my values and how to live my life through them. My top values, authenticity, and curiosity guide my coaching approach. Simplicity is at the core of my coaching philosophy, cutting through complexities to address the root of the matter. What sets my coaching apart is the emphasis on fostering deep, solid relationships and connections without judgment, coupled with the strategic orchestration of a massive action plan that propels clients forward, ensuring tangible growth and goal execution.
Whether it's educational therapy or coaching, my commitment is to orchestrate a profound shift in clients' trajectories. From day one, when clients enter my realm to the moment they leave, a metamorphosis occurs. My coaching style is anchored in a blend of tough love, high expectations, introspection, and unwavering accountability. Through this transformative journey, clients achieve their goals and undergo a holistic transformation that transcends their initial expectations.
What is your work inspired by?
Inspiration is not encapsulated in a singular person but rather in the indomitable character forged through adversity. I find profound inspiration in individuals who have weathered the storms of tragedy, abuse, or loss, emerging on the other side as intact but more robust and resilient. My narrative mirrors this trajectory of self-discovery and transformation.
There was a time when I felt adrift, unsure of my identity and purpose until I embarked on a profound journey of deep psychodynamic trauma-informed therapy. Unearthing and confronting the shadows of my past became the catalyst for the resilient person I am today. In the crucible of self-exploration, greatness is intricately tied to the ability to transmute pain into purpose.
A constellation of leaders, including Viola Davis, Tony Tobbin, David Goggins, and Michelle Obama, embody the qualities that inspire me. What resonates most profoundly is their vulnerability and authenticity—qualities that fuel my daily commitment to show up as the best version of myself. Their stories remind me that amidst life's challenges, embracing our vulnerabilities and staying true to our authentic selves paves the way for transformative resilience, turning pain into a profound sense of purpose.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
The term "educational therapy" holds significant recognition on the West Coast, particularly in California, where it originated. Unlike tutoring, educational therapy takes a holistic approach, demanding expertise, time, attention, and a deep understanding of whole child and family dynamics. While I work with clients on the East Coast, it's apparent that the term and its value are only widely known if families have had the privilege of experiencing its impact through my practice. Similarly, Orton-Gillingham, rooted in upstate New York, enjoys greater awareness and understanding of the East Coast due to its origin. However, this is different for educational therapy, and I am committed to enlightening people about its essence and the invaluable contributions an educational therapist can make to their world.
Shifting to the coaching realm, my experiences with less-than-stellar coaches have underscored the need for a more purpose-driven approach in this unregulated space. The absence of strict certifications in coaching has paved the way for opportunistic individuals to prioritize financial gain over genuine commitment to their clients' purposes and individual needs. I envision a coaching landscape characterized by integrity, where clients can trust that their coach is purpose-driven rather than solely money-driven. Just as one trusts a doctor to deliver the expected outcome, there should be a level of confidence in the coaching space that goes beyond questioning the authenticity and qualifications of the coach. I wish for increased integrity in the coaching sphere, ensuring clients receive the meaningful and purposeful guidance they seek without falling victim to scams or empty promises.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Envisioning my future, I see myself as a business owner and a beacon of financial security and success. My business, thriving in a local brick-and-mortar setting, will be a hub of excellence, housing exceptional coaches and practitioners passionate about making a positive impact.
Beyond the physical realm, I envision my online services extending globally, reaching and transforming lives on an unprecedented scale.
In the vast landscape of podcasting, I aspire for my podcast to become a household name, resonating deeply within the black community and among high-achieving females of color in the entrepreneurial space. It is a platform that inspires and cultivates a sense of empowerment and community. As I shape my brand, I aim to seamlessly integrate educational therapy and neurodiverse coaching, creating a powerful synergy that addresses the diverse needs of individuals seeking growth and transformation. In this vision, my business stands not just as a local entity but as a force of positive change, leaving an indelible mark on the lives it touches, both near and far.
