I’m a human all about function, mastery, creativity, agency. I’ve worked with people with disabilities for more than 24 years, and I’ve been at the ACSD for nearly 9 years. I’m a former clinical OT, I’ve designed programs for ADHD Coaching, and recently co-developed and facilitated with psychologist Moire Stevenson a program called Ecotherapy for Improved Focus which we will be continuing this spring. I’ve worked as a journalist for CBC, Canadian Geographic, and Outpost adventure magazine, among many others. I’ve done stints as a copywriter and advertising researcher working on global campaigns for companies such as Nike, Adidas, Qatar Airways, Le Creuset, and Kicking Horse Coffee. I was a touring and studio musician for a while, too. I’ve also planted 500,000 trees and suffered 500,000 mosquito bites.
Sessions in which Russ Cooper participates
Tuesday 24 February, 2026
I speak with hundreds of students annually who struggle with their attention, and the #1 attention sucker is phones, social media, etc. I’d say 95% of the students I work with state it is the main source of their procrastination, their emotional regulation problems, and the main roadblock to them staying on their path. Tech is made to get one’s attention.