Career Coaching Strategies to Support Neurodivergent Clients
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
12:00 - 2:00 pm
The term neurodiversity was coined by autistic sociologist Judy Singer in 1998. It refers to the diversity of human minds, the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that functions in ways that diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.”
As career development professionals, we work with clients and students with a broad range of neurocognitive functioning. Some may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, ADHD, and specific learning differences. We may find ourselves ill-prepared to provide career transition and job search coaching that benefits our neurodivergent clients.
Join us for this informative session to learn new tools to support your neurodivergent students and clients. Three subject matter professionals are ready to share their expertise with you.
Presenters:
Rich Davis, Comfort Career Coach at Comfort Career Connections, earned his BS in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and has professional experience that spans workforce development, private practice, and higher ed environments. His career coaching incorporates his perspectives as a neurodivergent career professional with powerful predictive analytic career reports. Rich has served as chair of the employment committee of the Mayor’s Commission for People with Disabilities in Philadelphia and on the Workforce Development Board in Montgomery County, PA. He has been a panelist for the NDGiFTS Movement and a Team Leader for the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge.
Janine Rowe: As a Career Counselor in Private Practice, Janine works with clients to explore careers, clarify skills/interests/personality traits, develop and implementing goals, and address roadblocks successfully, with specific expertise in assisting individuals with disabilities navigate the job search process. Janine also serves as a Chemical Dependency Counselor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Career Coach/Neurodiversity Specialist at Early Stage Careers, and Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Medaille College and Rochester Institute of Technology. She is a Certified Career Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, certified MBTI practitioner, Winner of New York State Career Development Association's Early Career Professional Award (2014), and is in the final steps of obtaining licensure as a mental health counselor in New York State. She earned a BA in Psychology from Hamilton College and M.Ed. in College Counseling from the State University of New York College at Brockport.
Eric Homburger is an experienced Job Coordinator and Career Coach with a demonstrated history of working in higher education, with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. He is skilled in Vocational Education, Internship Development, Program Development, Job Coaching, Training, Supervising Staff, and Teamwork. He is Assistant Director of Employment Services at Life's WORC, an organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, Founder of Next Step Solutions NY, and Neurodiversity Specialist/Career Coach at early Stage Careers. Eric earned an MA in General Psychology with a Certificate in Human Resource Management and BA in Psychology from Adelphi University. He is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies at the University of Maine.
Mary Ann Newell is an educator and clinician who has been supporting students with autism spectrum disorder for nearly ten years. In her current role as Assistant Director, ASPIRE College Support, she helps students navigate the challenges of university life and to increase their academic and social competence. Prior to joining the ASPIRE team, Mary Ann taught special education and supervised a clinical treatment team providing comprehensive intervention services to individuals with ASD. Mary Ann received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Chester University and her master’s degree in clinical counseling from Chestnut Hill College. She is currently licensed as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania.
NCDA CEUs: NCDA CEUs are pending
Act 48 credit: After the event, PACDA can provide you with certificate of attendance, for you to submit to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to obtain Act 48 credit. Email ceu@thepacda.org to obtain your certificate.
