Apr 22
In Episode 102 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy welcomes Dr. Melody Kuphal. Dr. Kuphal has a bachelor’s in Special Education with a minor in music, a Master’s in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate of Worship Studies. She currently works as Adjunct Professor at Judson University, is a member of the Teaching Faculty of IWS teaching research writing, works full-time as Music Director at Hosanna Church, teaches private music lessons,and is a recording artist who records at least one new album per year.
Melody shares her own ADHD story, the circumstances surrounding her ADHD diagnosis, RSD and her struggle with the emotional aspects of ADHD, Her experience with medication, The QB Test and what she learned about herself, Advice on better reading and note taking for ADHD students pursuing higher education, Advice on better writing for ADHD students pursuing higher education, The key to living successfully with ADHD, Her theory of leaving life with empty pockets.
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"So figure out what kind of reader you are ladies, because you probably have a main way that's best for you."
- Dr. Melody Kuphal
"Advocate for yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for clarity."
- Dr. Melody Kuphal
"They always saw somebody who suffered from depression, which I did not. I never did. But I always present it that way."
- Dr. Melody Kuphal
- Dr. Melody shares tips and workarounds for ADHD individuals pursuing higher education.
- Dr. Melody shares her experience with ADHD and how it impacted her first year of college, including struggles with organization and time management.
- Dr. Melody shares her journey as a music educator, from teaching in schools to starting a private music studio and working in a church ensemble.
[27:08 - 41:08] ADHD, Motherhood, and Career
- Dr. Melody's son Alex was not meeting developmental milestones, despite being within one to two standard deviations of the norm.
- Dr. Melody was a powerhouse of a woman who juggled multiple responsibilities, including being the Director of Music at her church, while also struggling with the emotional component of her ADHD diagnosis.
- Dr. Melody shares her experience of being hired by a large church without a doctorate degree, despite her own doubts and the church's initial requirement of one.
[41:08 - 56:23] ADHD Diagnosis and Self-Awareness
- Dr. Melody was devastated after being rejected for a role she thought she was perfect for, feeling worthless and emotional.
- Dr. Melody shared her experience with the Q test, a quantitative measure of attention, which showed a significant improvement in her attention levels when medicated (50% vs 12% unmedicated).
- Dr. Melody suggests developing a system for marking readings and finding a comfortable reading environment to improve reading and note-taking for ADHD women.
