Team

Stephen Tonti // Co-Founder

ADHD Coach & Influencer, Public Speaker, Writer-Producer for Film & TV

As a native of New Orleans, LA, Stephen was raised around passionate storytellers who know how to Entertain. As a Producer, Writer, and Entrepreneur, he invites his collaborators to embrace the ‘science of story’ and other unique approaches to capturing human behavioral biology on screen. As the Co-Founder of Attention Different, he is driven to create engaging content for the Adult ADHD community. Stephen has spoken and lectured at the Children and Adults with ADHD Conference in Atlanta, GA and again in Long Beach, CA; he gave keynote addresses at Lynn University and Berklee School of Music; he has a TEDx Talk called “Attention Different, Not Deficit” with over 3 million views; and has been interviewed on a slew of podcasts and edutainment channels (ADHD Rewired, Masterclass, How To ADHD, ADDITUDE Magazine, etc.). With alma maters like Carnegie Mellon (BFA ‘13) and the University of Southern California (MFA ‘20), Stephen has built a multitude of lasting relationships with entertainment industry thought leaders and top talent across the United States. Since receiving his masters, he moved back to New Orleans and has gone on to produce a number of projects including live-action features, documentaries, docu-series, motion capture animations, commercials, podcasts, political ad campaigns, and more.

Aaron Smith // Co-Founder

Licensed Clinical Therapist, ICF Certified ADHD Coach, Achievement Strategist & Public Speaker

As a Colorado native, Aaron Smith spent many years as a community organizer and activist leading campaigns for social justice, equity, and inclusion. Today, Aaron is the founder of a group therapy and coaching practice called Potential Within Reach Inc., which has been serving clients for over 10 years. Aaron draws on his wealth of clinical knowledge and expertise, earned while receiving both a Masters Degree in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University and an ADHD Coaching Certification from the ICF. His theoretical orientation consists of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interview, acceptance & commitment therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Aaron is the co-founder of Attention Different. Aaron serves as the resident clinical expert on the vodcast and provides quality control for media content. Aaron has spoken at local Chadd affiliate groups on a variety of topics and delivered a speech at the 2017 international ADHD Conference in Atlanta, GA. Aaron has appeared as a podcast guest on My Lady ADHD talking about Overcoming Procrastination. Aaron contributes to the online educational resources and e-courses here at Attention Different.