Jan 20 2024, 10 AM Pacific

In this age of rapid and overwhelming information, how does one choose what is important to learn? Opportunities to play are opportunities to learn. Play allows us to imagine ourselves in different realities, in different worlds where the rules are different, where we can be different. In these alternate worlds, we can demand more for ourselves. In these worlds, we can identify our needs and build rules and systems to meet our deepest needs. Just as someone imagined the world you see around you right now; the one in which neurodivergent needs go largely umnet - through play, we can imagine a world in which neurodivergent needs are met.

In this call, Dr Douglass will talk about how gaming is a precise way to deliver information to AuDHDers, people who are both Autistic and ADHD.

About Kimberly:

Dr Kimberly Douglass is coach/consultant to Neurodivergent Adults.
Dr Douglass is currently constructing the first design studio of its kind, run by AuDHDers, for AuDHDers.

Dr Douglass became a full-time coach after working as staff, peer-reviewed researcher, faculty and administrator in higher education for over 17 years. She began the neurodivergence advocacy work over 13 years ago when she became the chief advocate for her Son who is neurodivergent. She has since gotten more in touch with her own neurodivergence. Dr Douglass is married to Dean Tate and lives in Tennessee.

Feb 17 2024, 10 AM Pacific

Join acclaimed author and educational psychologist, Christine Fonseca, for an enlightening online talk and discussion as she delves into the fascinating topic of emotional intensity in gifted and neurodivergent adults. Drawing from her extensive experience and research, Christine will shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities that arise from navigating the complex inner world of these individuals.

In this thought-provoking session, Christine will explore the reasons behind the intense emotions experienced by gifted and neurodivergent adults, providing valuable insights into their behavior and emotional landscape. Through real-life examples and relatable anecdotes, she will help participants understand the profound impact emotional intensity can have on the lives of these individuals.

Participants will gain practical strategies and tools to embrace and manage their own emotional intensity, as well as support and advocate for the emotional well-being of others. Christine will share effective techniques for recognizing, monitoring, and adjusting emotional responses, empowering attendees to navigate their inner world with confidence and resilience.

Whether you are a gifted or neurodivergent adult seeking to better understand and embrace your emotional intensity, a parent or caregiver looking to support a loved one, or an educator or mental health professional seeking insight into this unique population, this session offers invaluable guidance and practical strategies.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Christine Fonseca and fellow participants in a meaningful discussion about emotional intensity in gifted and neurodivergent adults. Together, we can foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the rich inner lives of these individuals, and empower them to thrive in a world that often struggles to comprehend their depth and complexity.

About Christine
Christine Fonseca is an acclaimed author and educational psychologist who has dedicated her life to helping individuals of all ages find their voice in a noisy world. With a background in both nonfiction and YA novels, Christine has a unique perspective on the emotional intensity experienced by gifted and neurodivergent adults. Drawing from her extensive experience and research, she sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that arise from navigating the complex inner world of these individuals.

Mar 16 2024, 10 AM Pacific

In this talk, Jeff Harry, of Jeff Harry Plays, will explore how play can be used as a tool to dismantle the patriarchy. Drawing on powerful stories and examples of how play has bridged divides and broken down hierarchies, Jeff will discuss the ways in which play can help us let go of the need to win and instead focus on connection and community. By embracing a mindset of "we, not me" and recognizing the importance of community actualization, we can begin to challenge the structures of power and privilege that uphold the patriarchy. Join Jeff Harry as he shares insights on how play can be a transformative force in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

About Jeff:

Jeff Harry shows individuals and companies how to tap into their true selves, to feel their happiest and most fulfilled — all by playing. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day.

Jeff is an international speaker who has presented at conferences such as INBOUND, SXSW, and Australia’s Pausefest, showing audiences how major issues in the workplace can be solved using play. Jeff was selected by BambooHR & Engagedly as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers of 2020 for his organizational development work around dealing with toxic people in the workplace. His play work has been featured on AJ+, SoulPancake, the SF Chronicle, and CNN. While we spend most of our time pretending to be important, serious grownups, it's when we let go of that facade and just play, that the real magic happens. Fully embracing your own nerdy genius — whatever that is — gives you the power to make a difference and change lives. Jeff believes that we already have many of the answers we seek, and by simply unleashing our inner child, we can find our purpose and, in turn, help to create a better world.

April 20 2024, 10 AM Pacific

In this talk on "Creativity as Self-Care," Sharon J. Burton will delve into a chapter from her upcoming book "Creative Sparks" that explores how embracing creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Through affirmations, inspiration, and practical tips, Sharon will guide attendees on how to use their creative talents to nurture their well-being, reduce stress, and cultivate a more mindful and fulfilling life. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of creativity in self-care practices.

About Sharon
Sharon J. Burton is a visual artist, art curator, poet and certified creative coach and Founder of Spark Your Creative Coaching.

Since 2016, she has focused on helping people in "creative recovery"...those looking to revive or jump start their creativity through group and individual coaching, workshops, her blog and as the host of Spark Your Creative Podcast which features artists and other creatives who are using their unique talents to create more mindful communities and a safer world.

Sharon is a certified creativity coach through the Creativity Coaching Association. She completed requirements for the professional certificate in Art Business from New York University and a certificate in Art History through the Smithsonian. a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. Sharon is also a Level II, Reiki Certified practitioner and received her Breath Work + Meditation Teacher Certification. Sharon infuses her creativity coaching with wellness practices to help her clients break through the blocks that prevent them from fully engaging in their creative potential.

Join therapist and Nonviolent Communication trainer Bob Yamtich for a transformative talk on applying NVC principles to navigate the unique challenges and strengths of being a gifted, creative and neurodivergent adult. Learn how to communicate with empathy, authenticity, and clarity in your relationships, work, and personal growth journey. Discover practical tools for cultivating self-awareness, managing intense emotions, and fostering deeper connections with others. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself and others in a supportive and empowering community.

About Bob:

Bob Yamtich is a therapist and Nonviolent Communication trainer. He completed his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering in 2003, the BayNVC Nonviolent Communication Leadership Program in 2007 (assisting in LP08), and his Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 2011. He earned his Marriage and Family Therapist license in California in 2014. He was a founding member of the Da Vinci Center for Gifted Children in Alameda, CA, and Genesis Innovation Academy in Atlanta, GA. Bob currently lives in Indiana and offers phone coaching and in-person training. He can be followed on Twitter @BobYamtich.

Jul 20 2024, 10 AM Pacific

Join us for an engaging discussion with Princess Fortier on "The Healing Power of Music" in the Embracing Intensity Community. In this talk, Princess shares her journey of using music as a tool for healing and self-expression, especially in the context of neurodivergence. Discover how music can be a powerful medium for emotional release, connection, and self-discovery. Whether you're looking to explore your own creative outlets or simply understand the therapeutic benefits of music, this conversation promises to be enlightening and inspiring.

About Princess:

Princess Fortier is a dynamic musician, speaker, and advocate for mental health and neurodivergence. With a rich background in using music as a therapeutic tool, she has dedicated her career to helping others find healing and self-expression through creative outlets. Princess's work emphasizes the emotional and psychological benefits of music, drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise to inspire and empower her audience. She is known for her engaging and heartfelt presentations, making complex topics accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.

Aug 17 2023, 10 AM Pacific
Join neurodiversity advocate and founder and president of the 501c3 Non Profit, Men’s ADHD Support Group, Marc Almodovar Jr., for an inspiring talk on Neurodivergent Leadership. In this talk, Marc will share his experiences as a neurodivergent leader, exploring how embracing our differences can lead to greater innovation, creativity, and success. Drawing from his personal journey with ADHD, Marc will discuss the unique challenges and strengths that come with being neurodivergent, and how these can be harnessed to become effective leaders.

Through storytelling and practical insights, Marc will demonstrate how neurodivergent individuals can leverage their strengths to create positive change, both within their personal and professional lives. From finding ways to work within our own unique brain wiring, to embracing vulnerability and empathy in leadership, this talk will empower attendees to become their most authentic and effective selves as neurodivergent leaders.

Whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting out on your leadership journey, this talk is for anyone who is looking to tap into their own unique strengths and lead from a place of authenticity and purpose. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on Neurodivergent Leadership with Marc Almodovar Jr.

About Marc
Marc Almodovar Jr. is a neurodiversity advocate and the founder of the ADHD Men’s Support Group, a safe space where men with ADHD can connect with others who share common experiences and challenges. Marc’s personal experience with ADHD led him to feel isolated and misunderstood, and he recognized the need for a supportive community. He believes that by fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance within the group, men with ADHD can advocate for neurodiversity awareness and acceptance within society as a whole.

As a mental health advocate, Marc recognizes the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to create a space where men with ADHD can feel safe and supported regardless of their unique ways of thinking and experiencing the world. He is passionate about raising awareness about neurodiversity and helping people understand the diverse ways in which people experience the world. With a balance of authenticity and positivity, Marc inspires others to embrace their unique strengths and connect with others within the neurodiverse community.

Sept 21, 2024, 10 AM Pacific

Join Heather Boorman-Morris, therapist, author of Thousand Paper Cuts: Finding Healing in the Aftermath of a Narcissist and cohost of the Starting Stronger Podcast, as she shares insightful strategies and compassionate guidance on how to move towards healthy, fulfilling relationships after experiencing toxic ones. In this talk, Heather will delve into why gifted and neurodivergent individuals might be particularly drawn to toxic partners, exploring the unique vulnerabilities and intense emotional landscapes that can make them susceptible to manipulative and unhealthy relationships.

Discover how to rebuild trust, set boundaries, and embrace self-love on your journey to thriving connections. Heather will provide practical tools and empathetic support to help you understand your past, heal from emotional wounds, and create a future filled with healthy, supportive relationships. Whether you're seeking to understand your own patterns or support a loved one, this talk will offer valuable insights and actionable steps towards lasting relational health.

About Heather:

Heather Boorman-Morris is a renowned therapist, speaker, and author dedicated to helping individuals heal and thrive after experiencing toxic relationships. With over two decades of experience in the field, Heather specializes in trauma recovery, relationship dynamics, and neurodivergent mental health. She is the founder of Starting Stronger and the author of the acclaimed book Thousand Paper Cuts: Finding Healing in the Aftermath of a Narcissist. Heather’s compassionate approach and deep understanding of complex emotional landscapes make her a sought-after expert in the journey towards healthy, fulfilling relationships.

Oct 19, 2024, 10 AM Pacific

Are you an adult who suspects you might be gifted or twice exceptional (2E)? This session is designed for individuals seeking clarity on their unique cognitive profiles. Aurora Remember will guide you through the intricacies of gifted and twice exceptional assessments, helping you understand the different approaches, benefits, and limitations. Discover how proper evaluation can validate your strengths and challenges, offering a pathway to personal growth and self-understanding.

Key Topics Include:

The importance of understanding giftedness and twice exceptionality.
Different types of assessments: Diagnostic, Psycho-Metric, Qualitative, Self-Assessments, and Multi-Modal.
How to choose the right evaluator and understand their biases.
The role of imposter syndrome in gifted individuals and how to overcome it.
The practical benefits of an accurate assessment for accommodations, treatment, and personal development.
About Aurora Remember:

Aurora Remember has nearly 20 years of experience in educational evaluation and has reviewed countless assessments. As a specialist in gifted and twice exceptional evaluations, she understands the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with complex cognitive profiles. Aurora is committed to helping her clients navigate the assessment process, providing clear insights and actionable strategies for emotional and cognitive well-being.

Noc 23, 2024, 10 AM Pacific

Discover the scientific principles behind writing and journaling as powerful tools for emotional healing in this special session led by Nneka Denise. Research shows that expressive writing can significantly improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Nneka will delve into the psychological and neurological benefits of writing, exploring how it helps process grief, trauma, and emotional pain. Through guided writing exercises and open discussions, you will learn techniques to harness the therapeutic potential of writing, transforming raw emotions into pathways for growth and healing.

About Nneka:

Nneka Denise is a Transformational Healing Catalyst, serving individuals, groups and communities. She empowers others to go deep and heal the inner depths of their wounds, encouraging growth and expansion. As a trauma-informed Master Life & Mindset Coach, End-of-Life Doula and Ladies of the Light Wellness Practitioner, Nneka focuses on grief, bereavement and emotional wellness. She holds space with authenticity, an empathetic heart, and through intuitive guidance.

Utilizing transparent consulting, transformative tools and somatic practices, along with energy healing, Nneka assists in alleviating stuck emotions throughout the body and reframing negative thought patterns within the mind. It is her mission to help her clients process pain into power and purpose, along their journey to emotional freedom and enlightenment.