Meet Leah Davidson | Speech Language Pathologist and Nervous System Coach and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leah Davidson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah, what do you attribute your success to?
I think it’s a mix of heart, creativity, and a whole lot of real-life experience. I don’t just teach nervous system work – I’ve lived it, professionally and personally. I lead with authenticity and a willingness to be seen, even in the messy parts. I’m not afraid to feel the full spectrum of emotion and let that be a compass, not a limitation.

I also have a “what’s there to lose?” kind of attitude. I share generously, because I genuinely believe there’s room for all of us. I’ve built multiple offers to meet people where they are because access also matters to me. And for me, success isn’t just about the big milestones; it’s also about showing up, staying aligned with what I care about, and celebrating every step of the way.

So to me, the real success is staying true to who I am while building something that helps others come home to themselves, too. That is really what nervous system resilience is – a coming home to yourself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is really the intersection of personal experience, professional expertise, and a deep belief in human resilience. I grew up with my beautiful younger sister who has special needs, so I was always tuned in to the world of health, wellness, and care. After a short stint in the business world (I found out banking was NOT my thing!), I followed that interest and became a Speech-Language Pathologist, eventually focusing almost entirely on acquired brain injuries. I spent years walking alongside clients as they rebuilt their lives following injuries and accidents, and those experiences truly shaped everything I do today.

What sets me apart is how I’ve woven together decades of clinical experience with coaching, creativity, and a deep understanding of the nervous system. I’m not just sharing what I’ve learned, but I’ve lived it. I’ve felt the compassion fatigue, the burnout, the pressure of doing meaningful work while raising a big, blended family. I’ve also experienced the transformation that comes when you learn how to actually care for your nervous system and not just power through.

Over the years, I added many tools to my toolbox including life coaching, breathwork, tapping, pain reprocessing, emotional processing and even doodling – and then started building my own framework for nervous system resilience. That’s now grown into courses, memberships, and even a mental health stationery line that makes nervous system care simple, approachable, creative, and accessible. One of my favorite projects is the Nervous System Journaling Club, where we combine science, self-reflection (in the form of journaling), and creativity (yes we doodle!) to help people regulate, reflect, and reconnect with themselves.

It wasn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t trade the journey. The lesson I’ve learned, over and over, is that your nervous system is not a side topic. It is the foundation. It impacts your health, your relationships, your work, your creativity, your capacity to feel joy. And when you learn how to befriend it, everything changes.

That’s what I want people to know. You’re not broken. You don’t need to be fixed. You just need tools, support, and a way back home to yourself and that’s what my work is all about.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I’m in Toronto, not LA, but I promise it holds its own! I’d start by showing them what makes this city so special: the diversity. Toronto is a foodie’s dream. You can find authentic cuisine from literally every corner of the world, so we’d spend a good chunk of the week eating our way through different neighbourhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, Greektown, Kensington Market, and Queen West for sure.

We’d also take full advantage of the lake. Lake Ontario has these beautiful boardwalks and beaches, and then there are these ravine paths – lush trails and biking paths that wind right through the heart of the city. It is a nice touch of nature right in the city!

Of course, we would also check out the CN Tower (because you kind of have to), and then we’d go to one of my secret lookout spots just minutes walking distance from my house where you can get incredible views of the city especially at sunset. We’d probably also check out the ROM or the AGO and maybe even catch a show or two at one of the local theaters.

And of course leave lots of room for spontaneous fun because there’s always something happening, and always something new to discover in Toronto.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Is it cliché to say my family? Because truly, they’re my anchor. My husband and kids have taught me so much about myself and my nervous system. The deeper I went into my own healing, the more every relationship in my life improved. I’ve also wanted to be an example of what’s possible for my kids, especially after spending time as a single mom and then moving on to raise a blended family of five kids – something that was very challenging for me.

But I also want to shout out my countless clients over the past 26 years. As a Speech-Language Pathologist working in traumatic brain injury, I was often deeply involved in their lives. I saw firsthand what it means to face immense challenge with resilience, hope, and grit. Their journeys shaped mine. They were my greatest teachers.

And as I grew, so did my work. I transitioned into coaching, specifically supporting people through the lens of nervous system health because that’s where I saw the missing link. I began developing tools, frameworks, and eventually created a mental health stationery brand to make these resources more accessible and approachable. Every piece of my work has been influenced by what I’ve seen people need most. So truly, this shoutout goes to everyone who’s trusted me to walk with them. They’ve helped me build what I now get to share with the world!

Website: https://leahdavidsonlifecoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahdavidsonlifecoaching/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-davidson-274b7a171/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahdavidsonlifecoaching

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leahdavidsonlifecoaching

Other: Podcast: Building Resilience https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/building-resilience/id1546750026 or

Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/nervous-system-journaling-club/about