Institute for Catholic Schools Hosts ADHD Workshop for Catholic Educators

The School of Education at St. John’s University hosted its second Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Executive Function Workshop featuring Bonni Cohen, Ed.D., a former principal and expert in the field of ADHD, on October 25.

“The School of Education remains committed to providing transformative professional learning experiences that enable everyone to thrive in this critical time,” said Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships.

The event was sponsored on the Queens, NY, campus by the Institute for Catholic Schools. More than two dozen educators from both K–12 and higher education levels participated.

“ADHD is a very important issue in today’s education world,” said Professor Robert DiNardo, Director of the Institute for Catholic Studies. “I think that our efforts to bring Dr. Cohen here to address the issues were really an incredible help to the teachers who were there.”

The workshop explored the executive functioning process and how individuals with ADHD navigate its various stages. It also raised awareness about common ADHD symptoms—such as impulsivity, difficulty maintaining focus, and hyperactivity—which are often misunderstood as behavioral issues rather than neurological conditions.

Over the course of four hours, attendees gained insights into how ADHD affects both children and adults and learned practical strategies to support individuals within the ADHD community.