Project coordinator for TEACCH Autism Program’s Community Employment Collaboration Grant, focused on dismantling barriers and optimizing accessibility and continuity of adult services for neurodiverse populations (i.e., IDD and autism), with a particular emphasis on improving supports for multiply minoritized groups. Self-advocates, families, service providers and other key voices will be centered in the process of developing an innovative, culturally responsive solution.More info from recent media coverage published by UNC Health:“Over the next five years, the $1.1 million grant will optimize opportunities for competitive integrated employment, postsecondary education, and independent living for individuals with ID/DD and their families in the Triangle and Triad regions of NC. This project aims to increase the capacity of the Triangle and Triad regions in NC to provide, expand, and strengthen transition services and facilitate improved transition activities between schools and their local organizations for individuals with ID/DD.The objectives are to:1) establish an NC Community Employment Collaborative with state and regional participants2) conduct a landscape analysis3) develop a Community Collaboration Employment Transition Plan4) implement the Community Collaboration Employment Transition plan. The long-term goal will be to sustain the NC Community Employment Collaboration and extend it to a statewide system.”

*Founded a non-profit organization that provides community integrated social and vocational opportunities for people of all abilities, using a no-hierarchy structure between people with and without disabilities*Managed a Board of Directors, staff, and volunteer committees*Collaborated with UNC MBA, School of Law, Duke Disability Alliance, UNC OT, Duke OT, Duke Engineering, and community partners (i.e. SEAWIND Farm, Gray Squirrel Coffee) to establish a viable model of inclusive organizational practices*Developed and facilitated three community-based programs for neurodivergent adults– "Living Your Best Life" and "Belonging in the Workplace," and "Navigating the Digital World"

*Co-founded OTs for Neurodiversity, a social media movement dedicated to advancing a neurodiversity paradigm within the profession of occupational therapy and related fields. *Created content, OT intervention tools, and professional development resources informed by autistic adults to increase practitioners' appreciation of neurodivergent experiences*We offer consultation and in-services trainings to individuals, agencies, schools, and organizations interested in strengths-based, identity affirming practices.

GUEST PRESENTER, Exceptional Children's Assistance Center | "Work Together NC: A Community Collaboration Focused on the Transition to Adulthood for People with ID/DD" | June 2023GUEST PRESENTER, The Arc of High Point | "Work Together NC: A Community Collaboration Focused on the Transition to Adulthood for People with ID/DD" | June 2023FEATURED GUEST, Dr. ThOTs Podcast | "B3 Coffee: Smashing the Hierarchy" | May 2023LEAD PRESENTER, NC-DCDT TRANSITION CONFERENCE | "Work Together NC: Working Together to Turn Possibilities into Opportunity during the Transition to Adulthood: A Statewide Systems-Change Initiative" | APRIL 2023LEAD PRESENTER, TEACCH Autism Program | "How We Talk About Autism and Why it Matters" webinar | April 2023GUEST SPEAKER, CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL | Introduced the proclamation of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month | March 2023GUEST SPEAKER, COALITION OF OT ADVOCATES FOR DIVERSITY AT TOWNSON UNIVERSITY | "Neurodiversity Affirming OT Practice" | April 2023GUEST SPEAKER, AOTA's Autism Community of Practice | "B3 Coffee: An Innovative Model of Community Based Practice with Autistic Adults" | March 2023FEATURED GUEST, FRIENDS WITH WHEELS Podcast | February 2023PANELIST SPEAKER, UNC-CH Allied Health Ambassadors | "Neurodivergent Clinicians Panel" | November 2022PANELIST SPEAKER, NCOTA Fall Conference | "Advancing Occupational Justice through Social Entrepreneurship" | November 2022INVITED DE&I SERIES SPEAKER, EG LIFE SCIENCES | "Neurodiversity and Allyship in the Workplace" | September 2022GUEST LECTURER, DURHAM TECH OTA PROGRAM | "Neurodiversity Affirming OT Practice" | September 2022INVITED SPEAKER, DISABILITY INCLUSIVE SEXUAL HEALTH NETWORK | "Disability Identity and Self Advocacy" | June 2022CO-PRESENTER, AHEC AUTISM IN THE EAST CONFERENCE | "Embracing Neurodiversity Affirming Practice with Transition-Aged Youth and Adults" | May 2022

Assisted with the development of an inclusive postsecondary education program at UNC-Chapel Hill