Exploring Different Brains

Dr. Lauren Shure discusses social justice in the field of psychology, and the importance of inclusive mental health care.

Lauren Shure is a Professor of Counseling at Barry University. She is also a Past-President of the Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ). Dr. Shure holds a B.S. in psychology, M.Ed. and Ed.S.in marriage and family counseling, and Ph.D. in counselor education with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Florida. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida with extensive experience in crisis intervention and the treatment of trauma, as well as a Qualified Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy Interns.

Ever since serving as a Qualified Social Worker (QSW) for the National Health Service (NHS) in London, England in 2005 with a very diverse group of colleagues and clients, she has pursued education, training, and experiences to learn how to most effectively create spaces to promote justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all. This includes using her professional counseling skills and knowledge in a progressively decolonized way to promote connection, healing, and wellness through the utilization of interventions, such as restorative justice, community needs assessments, trauma-informed care, and other strengths-based approaches to promote social justice and empowerment.

For more about Lauren:

https://www.barry.edu/en/c-vitae/professors/lauren-shure-ph-d/

https://www.instagram.com/healthyhappylifehacks/

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In this special 300th episode, we revisit words of wisdom from self-advocates with varied traits and diagnoses that span the “spectrum of neurodiversity”. Featured are:

TARA LERMAN - Tourette’s self-advocate, ournalist (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/demystifying-tourette-syndrome-with-tara-lerman-edb-263/ )

To find out more about Tara’s work, visit: https://www.taralerman.com/

 

MICHAEL TOLLEFSRUD - Misophonia self-advocate, Different Brains intern (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/life-with-misophonia-with-michael-tollefsrud-edb-226/ )

 

PRESTON FITZGERALD - Tuberous Sclerosis self-advocate, Different Brains intern (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/living-with-tuberous-sclerosis-with-preston-fitzgerald-edb-239/ )

 

SARAH GOLDMAN - Cerebral Palsy self-advocate and disability rights advocate (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/advocating-for-accessibility-accommodations-with-sarah-goldman-edb-225/ )

To find out more about Sarah’s work, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahegoldman/

JULIA FUTO - Developmental Coordination Disorder self-advocate, Different Brains intern (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/dcd-me-living-with-developmental-coordination-disorder-featuring-julia-futo-edb-237/ )

 

KAYLA MCKEON - Down syndrome self-advocate, Manager of Grassroots Advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/the-groundbreaking-lobbyist-with-down-syndrome-featuring-kayla-mckeon-edb-159/ )

To find out more about Kayla’s work, visit: http://kaylamckeon.com/

 

RYAN LUNDY - Nonverbal Learning Disorder self-advocate, special ambassador for the NVLD Project (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/understanding-nvld-with-ryan-lundy-edb-272/ )

To find out more about the NVLD Project, visit: https://nvldproject.org/

 

MICHAEL ELLENBOGEN - Dementia self-advocate and author (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/living-with-dementia-with-michael-ellenbogen-edb-286/ )

 

SHAWN SMITH - ADHD and autism self-advocate, entrepreneur, innovator, counsellor, psychotherapist, and CEO of Don’t dis-my-ability consultation services (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/thriving-with-adhd-with-shawn-smith-me-d-ccc-edb-244/ )

To find out more about Shawn’s work, visit: http://www.ddmacs.ca/

 

PIERRE MARSH - Dyslexia self-advocate, Senior Mediator specialist in Employment and Discrimination (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/where-neurodiversity-meets-racial-diversity-with-pierre-marsh-edb-130/ )

To find out more about Pierre’s work, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-marsh-10118b19/

 

JACKI EDRY - Complex brain surgery survivor/self-advocate, author (full interview:https://differentbrains.org/neurodiversity-in-israel-with-jacki-edry-edb-256/ )

To find out more about Jackie’s work, visit: https://www.jackisbooks.com/

 

BEA MOISE - ADHD self-advocate, autism mom, cognitive specialist, and parenting coach (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/navigating-a-neurodiverse-household-with-bea-moise-ms-bccs-edb-282/ )

To find out more about Bea’s work, visit: https://beatricemoise.com/

 

JUDE MORROW - Autism self-advocate, author, and speaker (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/loving-your-place-on-the-spectrum-with-jude-morrow-edb-258/ )

To find out more about Jude’s work, visit: https://judemorrow.com/

 

JR REED - Autism self-advocate, speaker, ASD Consultant, Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and writer (full interview: https://differentbrains.org/not-weird-just-autistic-with-j-r-reed-edb-242/ )

To find out more about JR’s work, visit: http://notweirdjustautistic.com/

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ADHD Coach & self-advocate Brooke Schnittman MA, PCC, BCC shares tips for neurodivergent students and their parents as a new school year begins.

Brooke Schnittman MA, PCC, BCC is an esteemed expert in the field of ADHD management and support, renowned for her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals with ADHD to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

​Brooke's personal journey, being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and marrying into a family of ADHDers, has provided her with profound insight and empathy for her clients. In 2002, she embarked on her mission to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. She earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Penn State University and her Master's Degree from New York University, specializing in Students With Disabilities.

With over two decades of experience, Brooke has worked closely with thousands of individuals with ADHD, utilizing her comprehensive knowledge and expertise to guide them toward success. In 2018, she founded Coaching With Brooke, a groundbreaking organization that has rapidly become a leading global authority in the field of ADHD coaching.

Beyond her coaching practice, Brooke actively contributes to the ADHD community through various initiatives. She is the mastermind behind ADHDEdCamp, a platform that fosters education and collaboration within the ADHD community. Additionally, Brooke co-hosts the popular ADHD PowerTools podcast and hosts the SuccessFULL with ADHD Podcast, where she shares valuable insights and strategies to help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve success.

For more about Brooke: https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/

Check out ADHD Power Tools, co-hosted by Brooke: http://differentbrains.org/category/adhd-power-tools/

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Celebrated disability advocate and author, FSU’s Dr. JR Harding, discusses his world travels, and why he thinks everyone needs an adventure.

Dr. Harding is a recognized disability leader with over 37 years of personal and professional experiences within the disability community. He is a two-time US Presidential appointee, seven-time Florida gubernatorial appointee, and has made significant contributions to national, state and community public policy advancing the independence and self-sufficiency of persons with disabilities.

He is the author of 2 five-star books (Now What? and ADA Adventure). He is the 1st person with a significant disability to graduate from both Leadership Florida and Leadership Tallahassee. His commitment to community service is a constant and is currently serving on Evergreen Life Services (ELS), the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST), The Florida Network on Disabilities (FND), Blueprint 2000 Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), and the Delta Airlines Disability Advisory Board.

He works full-time for Florida State University (FSU) as a faculty member for the College of Business within the Management Department. He and his lovely wife Erika live and work in Tallahassee, Florida.

For more about JR: https://jrharding.com/

Or to contact him through FSU: https://business.fsu.edu/person/jr-harding

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Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains!

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Celebrated disability advocate and author, FSU’s Dr. JR Harding, discusses his work helping the next generation of business leaders embrace inclusion.

Dr. Harding is a recognized disability leader with over 37 years of personal and professional experiences within the disability community. He is a two-time US Presidential appointee, seven-time Florida gubernatorial appointee, and has made significant contributions to national, state and community public policy advancing the independence and self-sufficiency of persons with disabilities.

He is the author of 2 five-star books (Now What? and ADA Adventure). He is the 1st person with a significant disability to graduate from both Leadership Florida and Leadership Tallahassee. His commitment to community service is a constant and is currently serving on Evergreen Life Services (ELS), the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST), The Florida Network on Disabilities (FND), Blueprint 2000 Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), and the Delta Airlines Disability Advisory Board.

He works full-time for Florida State University (FSU) as a faculty member for the College of Business within the Management Department. He and his lovely wife Erika live and work in Tallahassee, Florida.

For more about JR: https://jrharding.com/

Or to contact him through FSU: https://business.fsu.edu/person/jr-harding

Follow Different Brains on social media:

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https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/

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Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains!

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Zavikon COO Hilary Kokenda discusses their work creating and facilitating career opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.

Hilary Kokenda is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Zavikon. Zavikon’s mission is “…to match qualified candidates with disabilities or those who are neurodivergent with employers who believe inclusion is the future. Zavikon is the bridge to inclusion.”

Prior to becoming a founding member of Zavikon, Hilary spent 10 years at The Walt Disney Company as a technologist supporting business solutions and processes. Hilary's primary role throughout her career has been to bridge the communication gap between technology resources and the businesses they support at Fortune 500 companies.

Hilary's career has required her to work with individuals at all levels and drive change across all types of departments. Through her wealth of experience in the corporate environment, she has recognized the need for and benefits of diversity, and she is passionate about being a bridge to an inclusive working world. Hilary holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics/Applied Science from UCLA.

Visit Zavikon at: https://www.zavikon.net/

Employment inquiries can be sent to: [email protected]

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Psychology student Shanna Anssari, M.S. shares how she navigated mental health challenges while pursuing her education.

Shanna Anssari, M.S. received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, and her Masters of Science, Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies at Boston University School of Medicine. She will soon be attending Nova Southeastern University in pursuit of becoming a Psy-D.

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Author & self-advocate Jose Del Cueto shares his journey from a traumatic childhood with undiagnosed ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia to a long and successful career in marketing.

Jose Del Cueto leads an ongoing mentoring internship program for university and community college students in Central Florida. He is actively involved in child welfare, serving on the board of community-based organizations that are dedicated to serving the adopted and foster children population of Central Florida. With over 30 years of experience in National and International marketing, Joe is considered one of the pioneers of Latin American Pan-Regional Television, having worked with both Univision and Telemundo, overseeing their National and International footprints.

Joe’s business, DMG Solutions, works with small and medium-sized businesses, providing access to Big Data and technology for their marketing acquisition and customer-retention programs.

For more about Jose: https://www.josedelcueto.com/

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Author & psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston shares his journey to being a mental health professional.

Originally a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 25 years, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, Dr. Mark Goulston’s expertise has been forged and proven in the crucible of real-life, high stakes situations. An influencer who helps influencers become more influential, his unique background has made him an indispensable and sought after resource and change facilitator to Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs and educators across the nation. He is also host of the podcast My Wakeup Call. and is a producer on the documentary What I Wish My Parents Knew.

For more about Dr. Goulston: http://markgoulston.com/

For more about What I Wish My Parents Knew: https://tellmystory.org/

Follow Different Brains on social media:

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Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains!

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Author & psychiatrist Dr. Mark Goulston shares advice for parents with teens having a mental health crisis.

Originally a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 25 years, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, Dr. Mark Goulston’s expertise has been forged and proven in the crucible of real-life, high stakes situations. An influencer who helps influencers become more influential, his unique background has made him an indispensable and sought after resource and change facilitator to Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs and educators across the nation. He is also host of the podcast My Wakeup Call. and is a producer on the documentary What I Wish My Parents Knew.

For more about Dr. Goulston: http://markgoulston.com/

For more about What I Wish My Parents Knew: https://tellmystory.org/

Follow Different Brains on social media:

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Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains!

http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/