As a child, I loved to “play school” and when I was twelve years old, I even started a business in my unfinished basement with my best friend who lived across the street. We provided day camps, dance clubs, theater experiences, and more for the neighborhood children. Parents paid about 50 cents per hour for their kids to attend our elaborate events.

Later, I followed my calling to become an educator and became a school based speech language pathologist who specialized in supporting Autistic and ADHD students. Through my work in special education and as an assistive technology specialist, I realized that the students I worked with had so many strengths and often were not thriving in the classroom because the educational systems were not inclusive of their differences. I started focusing on providing inclusive services in the classroom, partnering with educators and leaders to create accessible learning opportunities, and leading systems change. I loved systems thinking, strategic planning, and supporting transformational learning and development for adults to create environments where the neurodivergent students that I worked with could flourish. When I returned to a graduate program to get an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership with a principal license, I developed a deeper understanding of the systemic inequities in education and how to design instruction to include all learners.

Then, something surprising happened. I had been working for years advocating for neurodivergent students and creating inclusive learning environments, and I discovered that I am neurodivergent. How could I have missed this piece of my identity as an expert in this area? I began to realize that my own needs for learning and development were not met and that I was actually not thriving in my current work environment.

As I increased my self awareness and became more involved as a leader in the neurodiversity movement, I realized that it was time for me to pursue my passion for inclusive learning as an entrepreneur. I needed to design a life and business in alignment with how I am wired. Now, I use my knowledge about leading change and supporting the development of people with all kinds of minds in a new way.

When I do something, I go big. So, as a new entrepreneur, I decided to share my idea on the Tedx stage! After applying to 35 events and being rejected countless times, I was invited to Tedx Woodinville! The year-long process of learning to tell my story and share my idea in only 7 minutes was transformational.

Entrepreneurship has been a steep learning curve. Even though I am expert in my field of instructional design, learning and development, and neurodiversity, I had no idea what was involved with creating a sustainable business that has the impact that I imagine is possible. Learning about branding, sales, marketing, website design, storytelling, accounting, and finance has been challenging and exciting. As a recovering perfectionist, I have learned to move forward after I make mistakes and be patient as I work towards my vision. I used to feel like I don’t belong in settings that are traditionally filled with men, but now I know I have something valuable to offer with my unique skills and perspective.

An essential part of thriving as a neurodivergent entrepreneur has been learning to prioritize including everything that I value in my life. With the freedom of designing a schedule and life to leverage my unique strengths and meet my unique needs, I make sure to include time for connecting with my family and friends and pursuing my passions while growing my business. I absolutely love to dance, especially to pop and hip hop music. I am part of a dance group called FAMJAM and I recently appeared in my first music video for a band called the Elektric Animals. I also have dance parties at home with my family sometimes and go to Denver Dance Tribe events, which give me the opportunity to dance to 90’s music before my bedtime with a DJ.

Leaving K-12 education was incredibly bittersweet. I deeply cared for the students, families, and colleagues and it was amazing being a leader for equity and change. But now I understand that entrepreneurship has unlimited potential for positive impact in the world and creates the opportunity for a workplace that I can design for my unique wiring and experience as a neurodivergent woman. I am finally including myself in my activism.

To find out more about how I support passionate changemakers to attract neurodivergent clients through designing inclusive learning experiences, connect with me at www.teachtochange.com.

If you have an audience (podcast, in person, virtual) who is interested in learning more about attracting neurodivergent learners to their events, schedule a call here.