Our Mission

Order Out of Chaos provides hands-on coaching, education, and guidance to students and their families navigating ADHD and executive functioning challenges, building the real-world skills kids need to succeed not just in school, but in life.

What Makes Our Approach Unique?

1

We listen. And ask a lot of questions.

2

We believe you truly need to know about the whole person, their habits, routines, family life, work issues, etc., to be able to zero in on their needs.

3

Working with students can be challenging, so we tap into their unique strengths and gifts to bring out the best in them.

4

We understand that getting started is the hardest part of getting help.

5

Working with a coach is as personal as it gets. We are in your head and learn the most intimate details of your life, so the level of trust has to be there from the beginning.

6

We will never push or make you go any further or faster than you are ready to go. We will treat you and your family with respect, listen to your concerns, and keep your information strictly confidential.

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“It All Started With My Son”

Leslie Josel was organized and time-managed long before there was such a profession. She was four years old when her mother became terminally ill, requiring her to take control early in life. "I was raised in a disorganized household and was left to fend for myself most of the time. Systems and lists gave me peace of mind in an otherwise uncertain world."

By the time she attended Cornell University, Leslie had sensed her calling. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, then became a human resources professional. "Working with individuals to create customized systems and structures that worked was my 'ah-ha' moment."

Leslie launched Order Out of Chaos®, the premier global resource for parents and professionals raising neurodivergent students, in 2002 after her son was diagnosed with ADHD. Soon after, she graduated from the JST Coach Training Program for teens and college students with ADHD. In 2012, she expanded her business to include educational products, officially launching Products Designed With Students in Mind.

Leslie is the creator of the award-winning Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management®. Praised by numerous media outlets, the planner was named the 2025 National Calendar Gold Award recipient, honoring the best planners for students. Used by hundreds of thousands of students and widely adopted by schools, clinicians, and families, the Academic Planner company was successfully sold by Leslie in 2024 — marking a major milestone in her career.

In 2020, Leslie's line of student organizing products — a collaboration with Samsill Corp. — was released and remains a top Amazon seller.

As one of the most trusted and influential voices in the world of ADHD and executive functioning in students, Leslie has written over 300 Dear ADHD Family Coach® columns for ADDitude Magazine, the premier resource for adults and children with ADHD. A global speaker and sought-after keynote presenter, Leslie has delivered talks and trainings to schools, universities, conferences, organizations, and Fortune 500 companies.

“My need to learn everything I can to help students learn the skills they need to be successful in learning and in life – is very personal.”

Leslie is the co-author of the award-winning, The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful and More Manageable Diabetes Life. Her second book, the award-winning What’s the Deal with Teens and Time Management: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Succeed, was published by People Tested Media in 2015. Her latest book, the award-winning, How to Do it Now Because it’s Not Going Away: An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done (Lerner Publishing), was released to glowing reviews.

Leslie is also a Golden Circle member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and, in 2018, was the recipient of their Founders' Award — given in the spirit of the organization's original founders to a member whose outstanding contributions have helped advance the organizing and productivity profession.

Leslie is also a Golden Circle member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and, in 2018, was the recipient of their Founders' Award — given in the spirit of the organization's original founders to a member whose outstanding contributions have helped advance the organizing and productivity profession.

Named one of the Top 20 Time Management Experts in the World by Global Gurus for eight consecutive years, Leslie's work has reshaped how we think about time, productivity, and how best to support students and their families who learn differently.

In addition to her focus on student and parenting issues, Leslie consults with other women entrepreneurs. She presents often at conferences on women's entrepreneurship and is a member of Cornell University's President's Council of Cornell Women.

Leslie and her husband, Wayne, split their time between Los Angeles and New York City. Their kids, Maddie and Eli, are grown but never fully flown. In her all-too-rare spare time, you can find Leslie hiding out in her car indulging in her favorite treats — entertainment magazines and frozen yogurt.