Join us on February 19th, 2025 at 11:00 for networking and introductions to a dynamic group of leaders in our community. This session will offer information, tools, strategies, and best practices to help participants gain the skills needed to support neurodiverse individuals in developing healthy, safe, and sustainable relationships. Featured Speaker: Jennifer Dantzler
About your Featured Speaker!
Jennifer Dantzler is the Founder and Executive Director of Inspire ND, Inc., a nonprofit focused on creating inclusive communities for individuals with autism and other neurodiversities. She has over 20 years of experience building high quality, innovative programs for individuals with autism. Jennifer originally founded Including Kids, Inc. as an early intervention clinic which grew to serve adolescents and young adults. Seeing the need for more robust young adult services she founded Inspire ND, Inc. and created a program focused solely on the needs of adolescents and young adults. Today, Inspire ND, Inc. is tackling the community head on through education, engagement, and advocacy initiatives to create truly inclusive communities.
Jennifer has earned recognition for her contributions, including the 2008 Woman of Achievement Award in Human Services, 2011 Health Care Professional of the Year, and induction into the Morgan’s Wonderland Wall of Fame in 2021. In 2021, Texas State Representative Dan Huberty declared April 21st “Jennifer Dantzler Day” in recognition of her contributions to the autism field.
She holds a Postgraduate Certificate of Autism from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in Education in Intensive Special Needs from Simmons College, and earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary/Special Education from American University. Jennifer is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Texas. She actively contributes to several professional organizations, including CASP, ABAI, and TX ABA.
A sought-after speaker, Jennifer addresses topics such as inclusion, neurodiversity in the workplace, and best practices in ABA. She is also a leadership coach for Empower Behavioral Health and a strategic management consultant for Project Beacon. Passionate about community inclusion, she advocates for meaningful opportunities for all individuals with neurodiversity.
More about our Networking Group!
This networking group aims to bring together organizations, professionals, and advocates who are passionate about neurodiversity and committed to improving the lives of neurodiverse individuals and their families in Montgomery County. By collaborating and sharing best practices, resources, and expertise, we aim to create a Center of Excellence that will serve as a hub for:
Support Services: Identifying providers offering a comprehensive range of support services, including education, employment, social integration, and mental health support, tailored to the needs of neurodiverse individuals.
Research and Development: Supporting research and innovation in our community to improve our understanding and approaches to supporting and providing resources to the neurodiverse community.
Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness about neurodiversity and advocating for inclusive policies and practices in our community.
Training and Education: Providing training and professional development opportunities for support providers, educators, and community members to enhance their skills in working with neurodiverse individuals.
Community Engagement: Organizing events, workshops, and awareness campaigns to engage with the broader community and promote acceptance and inclusion. We believe that by pooling our expertise and resources, we can create a powerful network that will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of neurodiverse individuals and their families in Montgomery County.