Franki's Story
Growing up with ADHD and anxiety, Franki learned to embrace her own neurodivergence — an experience that fuels her work as a therapist, educator, and leadership consultant. Today, she helps others thrive through training, coaching, therapy, and advocacy grounded in empathy and evidence-based practice.
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Franki is a master’s level educator and licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in education, mental health, and inclusion. She has built programs and systems that make learning, recreation, and wellness accessible to all.
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She has taught and coached educators from early childhood through high school and spent five years in senior leadership at one of North America’s largest overnight camps, overseeing inclusion, behavioral health, and staff training for nearly 1,500 participants each summer. In that role, she managed a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, educators, and seasonal staff — leading with empathy, strategy, and collaboration.
In 2019, Franki launched FAAB Consulting, followed by Franki Bagdade Therapy in 2022. In 2021, she published her first book, I Love My Kids, But I Don’t Always Like Them!, which has appeared on the Amazon bestseller list several times. She is also the creator of the Ready-to-Go Emotional Regulation Activities & Worksheets for Kids workbook series, used by therapists, educators, and parents across the country.
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Franki shares insights on parenting, ADHD, and mental health—as well as personal essays—on her Substack blog. She is also a busy freelance writer and regular contributor to TODAY Parents, Metro Parent, ACA Camping Magazine, My Jewish Learning, and other national outlets.
Franki travels across North America as a public speaker, sharing insights on mental health, leadership, and neurodiversity — often with a stash of Nerd Clusters and fidgets in her carry-on.
She holds a BA in Elementary Education, an M.Ed. in Special Education, and an MSW in Clinical Social Work.
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When she’s not working, Franki enjoys coffee-fueled breakfasts, rewatching her favorite Friends episodes (yes, all of them), and spending time with her husband, Jeff, their three amazing kids, and their dog — who, of course, runs the house.
