Introduction to Neurodivergent Affirming Practices

Target: K-12 Staff 

Introduction to neurodivergent-affirming practices offers a look into the lived experiences of autistic/neurodivergent students in the first person and the evolution of neurodivergent-affirming practices.

Many educators and change makers seek to understand autistic/neurodivergent people by learning about autism/neurodivergence. What they know isn't coming from the autistic/ND point of view. Jessie believes all students deserve an inclusive education beyond physically accessible spaces. Jessie meets schools where they're at, her focus is mainly on connecting with autistic/ND students, asset-based approaches, and reducing barriers to accessing learning and school functions.

Educators and change makers will leave with ideas/modifications that can be implemented in their schools, some almost immediately. 

Supporting the Diverse Needs of Autistic/Neurodivergent Learners

Target: K-12 Teachers

Autistic and neurodivergent learners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds deserve a quality education. Supporting the diverse needs of these learners requires a multitude of resources and knowledge. These resources go beyond physically accessible spaces. There's collaboration and a growing need for asset-based approaches. In this presentation and interactive professional development, Jessie will walk you through incorporating a child's interests into learning. This includes making accommodating different learning styles more manageable, addressing ableism at the macro and micro levels, and autism/neurodivergent acceptance done right.

Building Bridges -- A presentation for K-8 Students 

Target: K-8 Students

Building Bridges is built specifically for K-8 students, which uses movie, TV, and video game characters to increase understanding of differences, disabilities, strengths, and how we can be kind to ALL. This includes a 30-40 minute presentation with opportunities to engage, followed by a 10-15 minute Q&A session where students can ask questions/share ideas in a safe, non-judgmental space. 

Rethinking Our "Normal" 

Target: K-12 Staff

What is normal? What happens when our definition of normal/neuro-normativity is challenged? We are all individuals, come from many places, and have had different experiences that make us unique. Our brains and how they function are vital in our understanding of ourselves and our interactions with others. Not all brains have been part of the conversation about our definition of “normal” The way our brain works influences our self-perception and how we interact with our corner of the world. Let’s work together to rethink our “normal”

"Mr. Principal, I Have No Idea Why I'm In Trouble" -- The Double Empathy Problem and Restorative Justice

Target: K-12 Administrators and District Leaders

Have you ever wondered why autistic/neurodivergent learners are still making the same “mistakes” or “Just don’t seem to get it?” Let's discuss the concepts of neurodivergent-affirming disciplinary action, the double empathy problem, and supporting an autistic/neurodivergent student in their involvement in the school community through building trust and restorative justice. We can still hold all students accountable for their actions and foster resilience and understanding when we give them the tools they need to move forward not just a suspension. 

The Roundtable - A small-group, professional development session

Target: District Leaders

More details coming soon!

Jessie's passion and commitment to education were sparked at a young age. It began with "playing teacher", then noticing injustices and ableism starting in her pre-teens, to becoming a leader and peer mentor, and advocate.

Jessie leads professional development on implementing neurodivergent-affirming practices, supporting the needs of diverse learners, and most importantly, addressing the "Us" vs. "Them" divide. 

She often found herself in spaces that serve autistic/neurodivergent students, but did not include them in equity work or feature neurodivergent leaders as models.

Finding herself in these spaces, she began to advocate for herself and her neurokin to be where the decisions are made: "Nothing about us, without us!".

As a result of the success of her professional development, she was honored as one of San Diego Public Defender's Top 25 Remarkable Teens in 2023. Jessie continues to be an active member of the Autistic/Neurodivergent community.

She is comfortable speaking, leading professional development, and setting up consultations with educators, change-makers, and community members who want to know more and implement neurodivergent-affirming practices. She has led many presentations and interactive sessions to over five North County school districts, and presented at three state and county-wide educational conferences since 2023. 

Jessie's reach and knowledge are continually growing, along with her work through AEI. She's finishing her undergraduate degree with plans to become an Occupational Therapist and pursue a degree in Educational Leadership to best support the diverse needs of all learners and educators.