Where Neurodiversity Meets Academic Excellence
Proven Expertise in Neurodiversity-Informed College Preparation and Student Success
Columbia University Course: Neurodiversity, Socioemotional Learning, and College Readiness
At Columbia University, I developed and taught a course that bridges the gap between neurodiversity awareness and college success. This innovative curriculum addresses the critical intersection of neurological differences, emotional intelligence, and academic achievement in higher education settings.
Course Overview: My Columbia course empowers students to understand and leverage their unique neurological profiles while building essential socioemotional skills for college success. Students explore how neurodivergent thinking patterns can become academic strengths, develop personalized resilience strategies, and learn to navigate the college application process with confidence and authenticity.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Understanding neurodiversity as a natural variation in human cognition and learning
Developing self-advocacy skills for academic accommodations and support services
Building emotional regulation and stress management techniques specific to academic environments
Creating personalized study strategies that align with individual learning profiles
Crafting compelling college application narratives that highlight unique strengths and perspectives
Establishing support networks and mentorship connections for ongoing success
Why This Matters: This course addresses a critical gap in traditional college preparation. While most counseling focuses on standardized metrics, my approach recognizes that every student brings unique cognitive strengths and challenges. By understanding their neurodivergent profiles, students can make informed decisions about college selection, request appropriate accommodations, and develop the self-awareness needed to thrive in higher education.
My Teaching Philosophy: I believe that neurodiversity is not a limitation to overcome, but a different way of thinking that can lead to innovation and success. Through evidence-based practices and personalized guidance, I help students transform perceived challenges into competitive advantages in their college applications and academic careers.
This course represents my commitment to advancing the field of college counseling beyond traditional approaches, ensuring that every student—regardless of their neurological profile—has the tools and confidence to pursue their educational goals successfully.
