DifferentBrains.org is excited to present a free 5 part webinar series dedicated to caregivers. Whether you’re caregiving as a loved one or in a professional capacity, too often your own needs can get neglected. This series will address your well-being, self-care needs, and provide you with valuable tools, interventions, and resources. Webinar topics will include:

• Self Care/ Mindfulness
• Networking & Community
• Tool Kits for Work/Life Balance
• Caregiving & Cultural Diversity
• Resources for Common Challenges

A Q&A will follow the webinar, and a recording will be made available to everyone that registers. Live captions will be available for this event.

ABOUT OUR WEBINAR HOSTS:

CAROLINA LEON, MS, LMHC, LMFT, NCC, QS: “I have been practicing since 2013, working with children and families in different environments. I have worked with at-risk youth, neurodiverse children, and their families and with families in the court system. I am dually licensed in Mental Health and Marriage and Families. Additionally, I am a Qualified Supervisor for both disciplines and a National Certified Counselor. My specialty is working with neurodiverse children and families. Additionally, I also treat couples who may have communication or past trauma to resolve. I enjoy treating the family system as I believe one small change can make a substantial difference. My therapeutic approach is tailored to the individual or family’s needs, drawing from frameworks such as Solution Focused, CBT, Gottman, and Bowen theory. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, including my English bulldog Chunky, and I am currently pursuing a Doctoral degree from Barry University. I also believe cultural humility is essential when treating anyone, knowing they are the experts in their life. Moreover, I am the founder and president of RCS Exclusive Therapy, LLC.”

MELODIE PLAISE, M.S.: Melodie Plaise earned a bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in Africana Studies, as well as a master’s in clinical psychology from Barry University. Melodie is currently pursuing a doctorate in counseling with a specialization in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling. She serves as the Founding President of the University’s NAACP chapter and focuses her research on the historic marginalization of minority populations. Outside of school, she organizes and serves with community advocacy groups to promote equity and justice. In addition, she works to decolonize and destigmatize mental healthcare through her practice.

PATI FIZZANO, M.S.: “I received my undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University as an Exceptional Student Educator (ESE) with an ASD, autism spectrum disorder endorsement. With over 15 years of experience working with teens diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism, I attended Lynn University and graduated with honors as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. My clinical passion and professional niche in working with people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their loved ones grew into my passion. I wanted to begin raising awareness to support this population through writings and research and co-wrote Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Asperger’s Autism SpectrumDisorders, and Neurodiversity with Dr. Hackie Reitman, founder of Different Brains. Presently, I am a doctoral student at Barry University in their Family and Marriage Counseling Program to grasp a deeper understanding in supporting families and caregivers that have been touched with autism.”

Different Brains® is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding and acceptance of the basic variations in the human brain known as neurodiversity; ending the stigma attached to the related diagnoses and treatment; uniting silos of resources and research whose goals could be better achieved through collaboration; offering support to families and caregivers; and improving the lives and maximizing the potential of those whose brains may be different.

The contents of this newsletter, the ability to mentor our neurodiverse interns, and everything on our website is made possible through the generous, tax deductible donations of people like you. If you enjoyed this newsletter please consider contributing to our cause. Neurodiversity awareness and acceptance starts with you!

Different Brains Inc.
3471 N. Federal Hwy #309
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306

info@differentbrains.org