Dr Melinda Zay

Intro

I’m Dr. Melinda Zay, an ICF Master Certified Coach with over 16 years of experience and more than 10,000 coaching hours. As a neuro-inclusive, polyvagal- and trauma-informed coach, I support clients navigating burnout, ADHD, midlife transitions, parenting stress, and leadership challenges by working at the level where real change happens: the nervous system. My approach integrates neuroscience-based coaching, polyvagal-informed sound therapy, and nervous-system regulation to foster clarity, resilience, and grounded confidence — without asking you to “try harder” or override how your brain and body naturally work. I offer a supportive, practical space where sustainable change becomes possible.

What is your specialization and style of coaching?

I specialize in neuro-inclusive and neuro-resilience coaching, blending polyvagal-informed approaches, sound therapy, neuroscience, trauma-informed principles, and modern leadership and communication frameworks. My style is supportive, attuned, and practical. Rather than focusing solely on mindset or behavior change, we work with the nervous system to create sustainable regulation, insight, and capacity for change — in a way that honors neurodiversity and individual wiring.

What relevant qualifications do you have related to your specialization?

PhD in Intercultural Communication, MA in Diplomacy, Crew Resource Management Trainer, Trauma-informed coach certification, ADHD Coach Certification, Polyvagal Coach Certification, Hogan assessor

What types of clients do you enjoy working with?

I especially enjoy working with with thoughtful, self-aware clients who are navigating transition or complexity — including adults with ADHD or other neurodivergence, parents under chronic stress or raising neurodivergent children, professionals and leaders in demanding environments, and individuals moving through midlife shifts or menopause who want to feel more grounded and connected.

What types of clients get the most value working with you?

Clients who get the most value are those who are open to working beyond “fixing” symptoms and are curious about understanding their nervous system. They may have tried traditional strategies that didn’t fully stick and are ready for a more embodied, compassionate, and sustainable approach. Clients benefit most when they want tools they can actually use in real life — at work, at home, and in relationships.

What’s inspiring you lately?

I’m deeply inspired by the growing understanding of how nervous-system regulation supports resilience, leadership, and connection — especially in neurodivergent and high-performing individuals. As someone with ADHD and a mother to a child with ADHD, I’m also inspired by more humane, inclusive conversations around success, productivity, and sustainability, particularly during midlife and periods of transition.

Anything else you want to include in your profile?

My work is neurodiversity-affirming and deeply respectful of each client’s lived experience. I offer a space that is structured yet flexible, grounded yet creative, and always collaborative. Coaching with me is not about becoming someone else — it’s about creating the internal conditions that allow you to access the strengths, clarity, and capacity that have been there all along.