Teacher, principal tells of battle with disorder
Carolyn O'Neal will speak on her battle with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, during a luncheon Wednesday at Elgin Community College, part of the college's celebration of Women's History Month.
The event will be held at noon in the Fox Valley University and Business Center dining room at the main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Tickets are $6. For information or to reserve a seat, call Sandra Anthony at (847) 214-7267.
Elgin resident O'Neal overcame her challenges with ADHD, a brain disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, to a degree that causes impairment, to enjoy personal and professional success.
Her 38-year professional career includes work as an elementary school teacher, a high school mathematics teacher and a high school dean of students.
She retired as principal of Oakhill Elementary School in Streamwood. O'Neal also has done considerable research in the area of ADHD, including her doctoral dissertation titled "Undiagnosed ADHD in Elementary Students: Implications for Schools."
During her time as an elementary school principal, she collaborated with teachers and families of children with ADHD to develop effective plans for addressing their children's needs.
O'Neal also serves on several boards: Sybaquay Girl Scout Council, Provena St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, the Kane County Second Chance Advisory. She also volunteers at the Gail Borden Public Library and works with Hamilton Wings.
O'Neal considers her greatest success to be her three children: Traci, and Ron Jr., both attorneys, and Amber, a marketing manager.
She also is founder and president of LinkQuests Educational Consultants, a business she operates with husband, Ron Sr. LinkQuests helps students maximize their educational opportunities by creating practical solutions to academic barriers within their homes, their families or their communities.
Women's History Month is sponsored by the Women's History Month Committee, the Student Life Office and American Association of University Women.
For information, call the Student Life Office at (847) 214-7370.