Raz Coaching Services

The Stanford University Neurodiversity Project Summit was an amazing experience to see what efforts are being made across the U.S. and abroad. A huge thank you to Lawrence Fung, M.D., Ph.D. for his incredible work over the last 7 years, shaping #TheNeurodiversityProject into a groundbreaking initiative with over 700 participants! From visionary research to innovative programs, the summit highlighted the shift towards a strengths-based approach for neurodivergent individuals. This is PROGRESS that I love being a part of. I have found my people after so many years on an island promoting my own work and contributions! Now I have this large community of like minded professionals on the same mission ✨ The event started of with keynote on #PositivePsychiatry which set the tone, emphasizing how #mentalhealth and #neurodiversity can thrive through a strengths-based lens. This transformative message was echoed throughout the event like: 🔸 Dave Friedman of AutonomyWorks 🔸 Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech 🔸 David Siegel, CEO of Exceptional Minds These #leaders are changing workplace culture by fostering environments where neurodivergent talent can flourish. As the founder of #CoachingAcademics, the K-12 panel discussion with Christina Arroyo Hirsch and Abby Kirigin, Ed.D. resonated deeply with me—highlighting how strength-based approaches can empower students to excel in academics and beyond. Another standout was the K-12 Panel on Strengths-Boosted IEPs, where I was inspired by: 🔸 Jade Ann Rivera, Lab Director at Bridges Graduate School 🔸 Kristin Wright Office of Education, Sacramento County 🔸 Jeni Rickard, Senior Director of Special Education at Pleasanton Unified School District The potential of strengths-based approaches in STEM education was explored by experts demonstrating how these methods can catalyze change in higher education. I was also honored to hear Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D., MD, New York Times Best-Selling Author, who advocates for a strengths-based approach to #ADHD. His reminder that “students with ADHD have race car brains with bicycle brakes” reinforced my mission to help students develop the "brakes" they need to thrive. Grateful to connect with so many dedicated professionals, and looking forward to bringing these insights back to our work at Coaching Academics to continue empowering neurodivergent students. Special mentions to the innovative organizations I encountered at the poster sessions: 🔸 #The Neurodiversity Foundation with Dr. Shawn Fry & Sandi Drucker Wright 🔸 #NeuroNav, #Pragnya, which helps families find resources like Coaching Academics 🔸 #Frist Center for Autism and Innovation 🔸 Learning Different Alliance with Jennifer Cummings Also, a big shoutout to Bryan Wiley of #SeedsLearner for his work on emotional awareness using the #RULER method, developed by Yale researchers. Pushing forward toward a world that celebrates neurodiversity! 🤩 #StrengthBasedApproach #Inclusion Perry Knoppert Anthony (Tony) Bellezza