Skip to main content

Category: Education

Executive Function Coaching with Michelle Raz

Written by techsupport on .

Michelle Raz is an author and Board-Certified Coach specializing in ADHD and executive functioning, and is the founder of Raz-Coaching Academics, Thrive Beyond Therapy, and Sprout Coach. She has been empowering neurodivergent students since 2010 through her online academic coaching platform, which uses neuroscience-backed strategies to help middle school, high school, and college students develop executive function skills for academics and career development. She is also a founding member of the Octopus Movement, a global think tank for promoting the gifts of non-linear thinkers.

Living and Learning with Rachelle Vartanian

Written by techsupport on .

Rachelle Vartanian is the Founder and President of Living and Learning Enrichment Center, a nonprofit organization providing a broad range of resources and support services to individuals with disabilities and their families across 12 southeast Michigan counties. Since 2015, the agency has partnered with more than a hundred businesses and organizations to provide access to inclusive employment skill-building opportunities and meaningful job placement support. Rachelle is an active member of dozens of regional business and service organizations bringing with her a mission of empathy, education, and advocacy. Rachelle is also the parent of an adult son with autism and is committed to forging pathways to a higher quality of life for Michigan residents with autism and other disabilities.

Human-Centered AI with Derek Crager

Written by techsupport on .

Derek Crager is a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD professional who spent a lifetime misunderstood — until he found his voice in technology. With a background in industrial reliability and a mind wired for pattern recognition, Derek turned personal struggle into purpose, founding Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com.

Through his work, Derek helps neurodivergent individuals harness AI not just to cope — but to create, earn, and thrive. His flagship tool, Pocket Mentor, offers voice-powered guidance in industrial settings, proving that AI can be both human-centered and practical.

Career, Determination and Animation with Jorge Gutierrez

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Emmy and Annie Award-winning Jorge R. Gutierrez is a Mexican animator, painter, voice actor, writer and director. A CalArts Experimental Animation BFA & MFA graduate, Gutierrez has completed various films, cartoons, and paintings exploring his love affair with Mexican pop and folk culture. He was the Director & Co-Writer of the Guillermo del Toro produced animated feature The Book of Life, which earned him a 2014 Golden Globe Award nomination. Along with his wife and muse, Sandra Equihua, they created the multiple Emmy Award-winning animated series El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, for Nickelodeon. Gutierrez most recently created, wrote, and directed the event series Maya and the Three for Netflix which won 2 Annie Awards, and 4 Emmys. Gutierrez is currently writing and directing a Netflix animated feature named I, Chihuahua with Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

Creating Success with Steve Winshel

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Steve Winshel holds a PhD in experimental cognitive psychology but has spent his career as a serial startup founder and coach, mentor and teacher to many communities.  He helps entrepreneurs start their own businesses and coaches people who are at inflection points in their lives – career and personal.  He works specifically with neurodivergent clients to help them develop executive functions, move forward to successful careers, or start their own businesses.

Click here to listen

ABA Therapy and Your Child with Jeff Skibitsky

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Jeff is founder and president of ABS Kids which has become a leading provider of services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The company has locations in California, Utah, and North Carolina and works with a team of more than 800 treatment providers. Jeff has been active in the autism community for almost two decades, holding numerous positions on various committees and boards. He is an advocate and a nationally recognized expert in treatments for children with ASD.

Click here to listen

Being KIND with Kari Baker

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Kari is a former financial services executive and business owner turned author, speaker, and podcaster.  She is the founder of KIND Families, a community of people who love Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences and is the host of The KIND Families Podcast.  Kari became a KIND mom in 2014 when her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three.  She started KIND Families to encourage, support, and inspire others to find purpose and promise in their individual journeys.  

Click here to listen

Emergency Preparedness with Judy Mark of DVU

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Judy Mark is President of Disability Voices United, an organization directed by and for people with disabilities and their families. DVU advocates for choice and control over our lives, meaningful outcomes that matter, and systems that are equitable and accountable. Judy has led efforts in California to enact several disability rights laws, spoken widely before diverse audiences and appeared extensively in the media about disability issues including on NBC News, the LA Times, and NPR. Judy also identifies as a person with a disability. 

Click here to listen

The Value of Music with Valery Goldes

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Valery Goldes is a recording artist, pianist, singer-songwriter, composer and a producer who grew up in Israel.  A child prodigy in classical piano, he has played with orchestras across Europe & Israel, including under the baton of Zubin Mehta with the Israel Philharmonic when he was only 13.  As a piano coach, Valery’s passion has always been to share his music knowledge and experience with his students. He believes in being not only an instructor but a mentor to each of his students, many of whom are neurodiverse.

Click here to listen

Supporting Siblings with Jessica Siegel

Written by Gilda Evans on .

Jessica is the founder of The Center for Siblings of People with Disabilities and the author of Billy’s Sister: Life when your sibling has a disability–a picture book based on her experiences growing up with her brother, Billy, who has autism. She has also spent over a decade working in nonprofit marketing and communications and is the owner of Sing Creative Group. 

Click here to listen