Nerding out on Neurodiversity

This episode, we have the immense pleasure of speaking with Dr. Orla Dunne! At Dublin City University, Orla is an Assistant Professor of Inclusive and Special Education. She is also the co-chair of Ireland's first postgraduate program in gifted education! At the same time, Orla is an active researcher focusing on gifted education, social-emotional wellbeing, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. With the complexities surrounding giftedness -- and the overlap with LGBTQ+ identities -- Orla's work is groundbreaking and inspirational! We are so thankful that Orla is a strong voice and advocate for diversity and inclusivity!

Together, we address the realities of living as part of a marginalized group in the current world. Orla guides us through her experiences and perspective on how marginalized students -- LGBTQ+ or otherwise -- are handled in an educational landscape. At the same time, Orla emphasizes the impact that even one person being there to listen and see the student as an individual can have. We know that the students gravitate towards and find the helpers -- sometimes it just takes kindness. So, we can all continue to actively choose kindness to be there for our students. Thank you for sharing your time and vulnerabilities with us, Orla. You're changing the world each and every day! 🦄🥳🦄

-- It. Starts. With. Being. Kind. --

Dr. Orla Dunne can be found on LinkedIn!

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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This episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Marc Feinberg! Professionally, Marc is a performance expert, personal advisor, author, speaker, facilitator, and certified biblical counselor. In all of these interconnected roles, Marc aims to help leaders -- and all people -- unlock purpose, power, and their highest potential. In these roles, Marc works to help people who may have already found forms of success recognize that they can find even more success through intentional work towards clarity, discipline, and leadership. With the nuances and complexities that surrounding the neurodivergent population, we are so appreciative that Marc Feinberg is an enthusiastic advocate for personal growth and introspection!

Together, we dive deep into what learning, life, and adversity looks and feels like. Marc guides us through his work with all types of leaders while simultaneously addressing how he inspires each individual to explore what they genuinely need to continue growing and improving themselves. We loved Marc's positivity, story, and thoughts on the world of spirituality -- from a religious and irreligious lens. This is such an important perspective and understanding; wisdom can come from anywhere! We know that Marc Feinberg's story and perspective will inspire everyone to consider what the world could look like -- for everyone! Thank you for sharing your time, wisdom, and curiosity with us and our listeners!🦄🥳🦄

-- Character Is Built By Adversity --

Marc Feinberg can be found on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and his website.

The Dream Teen can be found on their website!

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This episode, we have the great joy of speaking with Dr. Edward Amend! A licensed psychologist in both Kentucky and Ohio, Dr. Amend specializes in social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted individuals. At the same time, Dr. Amend gives a variety of presentations on topics related to the general needs of gifted individuals. Dr. Amend is also the founder of The Amend Group -- a team providing consulting and psychological services for the gifted and neurodiverse population. With the nuances surrounding this population, we are so thankful that Dr. Amend has such a strong and influential presence in Kentucky!

Together, we dive deep into what neurodiversity and giftedness show up like and what struggles are faced. We loved his perspective on the pressure of grades and how they impact each student's overall learning -- rather than focusing on the product, let's focus on the process. Dr. Amend guides us through his life's journey, which has led to many stories and bits of wisdom, and reflections on learning, joy, and excitement. We also learn that Dr. Amend had a long history in carnival work! He also shares a secret family recipe for cotton candy and what makes it so special 🥳

We know that Dr. Amend's story and perspective will inspire everyone towards a more positive world. Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with us and our listeners!🦄🥳🦄

-- It's. About. The. Process. --

Dr. Edward Amend and The Amend Group can be found on their website, Facebook, and Twitter (X).

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This episode is a very special one!

Today, we have the incredible joy and privilege of speaking with Dr. Joe Renzulli and Dr. Sally Reis -- or, to us, the Godparents of Contemporary Giftedness! With such long professional careers in the field, it is impossible to summarize all, let alone most, of their contributions, work, and impact.

Dr. Renzulli is a professor of Educational Psychology a UConn, where he teaches about giftedness and creativity while advocating for shifts in the educational landscape as a whole. A pioneer in the field, Dr. Renzulli was named by the American Psychological Association as one of the 25 most influential psychologists in the world -- his 'Three Ring Conception of Giftedness' is a foundational piece for gifted education and accessibility in the western, and broader world as a whole.

Dr. Reis is a professor of Educational Psychology at UConn as well! She specializes in giftedness alongside learning disabilities, diversity, and gender. At the same time, Dr. Reis aims to expand the Schoolwide Enrichment Model to a broader population. In this, Dr. Reis lays out a goal of identifying gifted students who are otherwise overlooked in identification. Her work, much like Dr. Renzulli's, has been internationally used for the support of all students and professionals.

Together, we dive deep into the world of giftedness! We also discuss Dr. Renzulli's vision and how he and Dr. Reis created 'Confratute': a conference focusing on differentiation and gifted pedagogy. This year, Confratute is celebrating its 48th year! With the world of gifted education still catching up, it is incredible that Confratute has been a source of support, information, and understanding for so many years. We know that both Dr. Renzulli and Dr. Reis' stories will inspire everyone -- they are foundational to the field for a reason! Thank you both for sharing your time, wisdom, expertise, and life's-journey with us and our listeners! Thank you both even more for planting the seeds that allow us to do what we do!🦄🥳🦄

-- Opportunities. Resources. Encouragement. --

Dr. Joe Renzulli can be found on LinkedIn.

Dr. Sally Reis can be found on LinkedIn.

They can both be found at The Renzulli Learning Center, UConn, and at Confratute.

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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This episode, we have the immense privilege of being joined by the dynamic duo behind Brewability -- Tiffany and Jess! A unique and inclusive brewery and pizzeria, Brewability -- located in Englewood, Colorado -- specifically focuses on employing adults with disabilities. With backgrounds in special education, both Tiffany and Jess work to empower individuals, neurodiverse or otherwise, to feel and find a sense of belonging. For too long, this population has been overlooked or infantilized; we are beyond thankful that a place like Brewability exists!

Together, we dive deep into struggles that neurodiverse workers -- and their employers -- face. Tiffany and Jess address both the very real support and positivity surrounding them as well as the just as real negativity, hate, and threats they face. In a world where community is more important than ever -- especially for Brewability -- this is a critical conversation to have. We know that Tiffany, Jess, and Brewability's story will inspire and invigorate everyone towards a more positive, welcoming, and accountable world. Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with us and our listeners!🦄🥳🦄

-- Go Be Labumptuous. --

Brewability can be found on their website, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Tiffany can be found on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Jess can be found on LinkedIn.

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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This episode, we have the pleasure to speak with Dr. Lindsay Lee! Dr. Lee is an educational psychologist, researcher, and consultant specializing in creativity, gifted education, neurodiversity, talent development, educational measurement, and learning environments. She is the founder of Advanced Learning Research & Consulting, LLC and incoming Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at Elmbridge University. Her current work explores how educational systems, emerging technologies, and measurement practices can better identify, develop, and support human potential. While focusing on the individual alongside deep meaning-making, Dr. Lee emphasizes relationships, agency, and authenticity.

Together, we explore Dr. Lee's experience growing up -- complete with an attempt to run away from school! But, more importantly, how this led to an important connection with the school counselor who influenced Dr. Lee towards getting tested. At the core of our entire conversation, Dr. Lee addresses how crucial the relationships are and how these can be the cornerstones of a student's academic confidence. We know that Dr. Lee's story will resonate with everyone and that her perspective will help lead to more positive, welcoming, and encouraging educational environments. Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with us and our listeners, Dr. Lee! 🦄🥳🦄

-- It's Okay To Question. --

Dr. Lindsay Lee can be found on LinkTree, Instagram, and TikTok.

Additionally, Dr. Lindsay Lee's practice -- Advance Learning Research & Consulting -- can be found here!

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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This episode, we have the immense privilege to speak with Emily Kircher-Morris! As a professional, Emily is a licensed LPC where she works as a mental health professional specializing in neurodiversity. In her role, Emily advocates for forming inclusive and supportive environments while also providing direct therapy for her clients. A fellow podcaster, Emily also hosts The Neurodiversity Podcast where she aims to bring awareness and understanding to all people. With a focus on inclusivity, awareness, and deep meaning-making, Emily helps all people engage with themselves and the world around them in an authentic manner.

Together, we explore Emily's perspective on school environments and the individual student's experience within the environment. We dive into how to engage with flexible thinking within the classroom and the school environment. We love Emily's reminder that we shouldn't assume -- especially with our students! Without asking what's going on, or why something is happening, we can't know how to best support our students. We know that everyone will benefit from hearing Emily's wisdom and thoughts on everything! Thank you for sharing your time and journey with us and our listeners, Emily🦄🥳🦄!

-- Change. Happens. Slowly. --

Emily Kircher-Morris can be found on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Emily's books can be found here!

The Neurodiversity Podcast can be found here and anywhere you can find a podcast!

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This episode, we have the great pleasure to speak with Rebecca Engle! A multifaceted individual, Rebecca epitomizes the importance of neurodiversity advocacy and understanding. Professionally, Rebecca is a special education teacher, a writer, and an advocate. As a neurodivergent educator with a personal understanding of the challenges and strengths of autism, she offers unique insights into creating supportive and equitable learning environments. Her journey from overcoming discrimination to empowering students has shaped her passion for advocacy and education reform. Today, Rebecca Engle works to build inclusive spaces for neurodivergent people while advocating for how to do so!

Together, we explore her experiences growing up autistic with a NVLD and how her struggles shaped her into the powerful and passionate advocate she is today. We deeply appreciated Rebecca's vulnerability in sharing her story and her perspectives on education, neurodiversity, and all things in between. Also, the issues with PBIS and ABA systems? Let's get rid of them -- please! Rebecca, thank you so much for sharing your time, experiences, and honesty with us all. You are an absolute leader in the field and we hope that others look to you as inspiration for a better future🦄🥳🦄!

-- Don't Let People Peel Your Stickers Off --

Rebecca Engle can be found on Facebook, and Instagram.

Her books can be found here!

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Today's episode, we have the immense privilege to be joined by Dr. Elizabeth Schucker and Dr. Tammy McDonald, two critical members of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education -- or, PAGE!

Throughout our discussion, we discuss all things giftedness -- especially through the teacher's experience. We loved learning more about the 'behind the scenes' of PAGE and what goes on for Pennsylvania! Hearing from Dr. Schucker and Dr. McDonald, we know that this conversation is an important one for anyone who seeks to understand neurodiversity and how it manifests within school cultures. To Liz and Tammy, it was such a pleasure and joy to speak with you both and hear your stories and experiences -- thank you a million times over🦄🥳🦄!

-- Make a Difference for Each. Individual. Person. --

Dr. Elizabeth Schucker can be found on LinkedIn and the 'Turning the PAGE' Podcast.

Dr. Tammy McDonald can be found on LinkedIn.

They can both be reached through the G2:Gifted Education Summit.

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Happy Pride, 2026! 🌈🌈🦄🦄

This episode, we have the immense pleasure and privilege to speak with Carcyn Ketner! An overall, across the board phenomenal and multitalented person, Carcyn shares an absolute journey. From parenting a neurodiverse child, shifting careers from special education to art, music, and woodworking, to even life as a whole, Carcyn shares a plethora of wisdom, experience, and positivity. At the same time, Carcyn talks us through his gender journey and what that all means to him -- and how to embrace the ephemerality of masculinity and femininity -- and the changes that he recognizes and explores.

Together, we delve into what it's truly like living in this world as a neurodiverse individual and all of the good and bad that comes alongside that. Carcyn guides us through all types of ideas and considerations that, honestly speaking, more people need to grapple with -- especially Americans. Across the board, Carcyn is a radiant light in the world and he exudes this each and every day. Without a doubt, we know that Carcyn's story will resonate with everyone, and hopefully inspire people to think in newfound manners and learn to adjust their understandings with new information and perspectives. Carcyn, we endlessly thank you for sharing your time and journey with us -- and our listeners! You are an absolute joy and the world needs more people like you in it🦄🥳🦄!

-- Do It For The Journey --

Carcyn can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

Thank you for listening to the NooN Podcast! The NooN Podcast is brought to you by the Neurodiversity Collective, one of the foremost leaders in serving the mental health and social-emotional needs of the neurodivergent community. To learn more, please visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Neurodiversity Collective's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

If you have any questions, comments, or you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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