Neuroinclusive Workplace Panel 2024

Jennifer is a strategic and comprehensive Human Resources professional with Aramark, responsible for driving performance, growth, and engagement by attracting and retaining top talent, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and fostering professional development.

Her experience spans fast-paced and diverse organizations, including hospitality, healthcare, and nonprofits. Jennifer is particularly passionate about engaging the neurodiverse workforce, bringing empathy and inclusivity to all employment experiences.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s at 54, Tim Goldstein works for a major tech company, is a Neurodiverse Communications Specialist, a speaker on neurodiversity, and Autism Society of America board member. He helps organizations and individuals understand and overcome the Neurotypical Neurodistinct divide.

Using his Neurocloud™ concept, he explains how to support the neurodistinct worker. Tim has taught to universities, global companies, groups, and individuals and in his book, Geeks Guide to Interviews.

Amy Gravino is an autism sexuality advocate and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. She is also the President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, which offers autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services for organizations, schools, individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Amy is an international speaker who has given TED talks, spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presented worldwide to audiences on a variety of topics related to autism, with a dedicated special focus and research on the subject of autism and sexuality. Ms. Gravino obtained her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University in 2010 and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Yes She Can, Inc. and the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City. She is an award-winning writer who has coauthored a chapter on autism and sexuality in the Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and her work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research, and other outlets.

Ed established Mychal’s Learning Place in 2001, in honor of his daughter, Mychal. Her developmental and physical disabilities became evident when she was just two years old. Despite her challenges, Mychal always maintained her sense of humor and a loving spirit. She taught Ed invaluable lessons about life and brought to his attention the stark realities faced by parents due to the lack of resources, programs, and services for children with developmental disabilities. Tragically, Mychal passed away at the tender age of 7 1/2.

What began as a modest after-school program serving 16 students has grown over the past 22 years. Today, Mychal's offers an adult program, operates a commercial bakery, provides T-shirt printing and embroidery services, and most recently, opened a Café. Through Mychal’s Learning Place children and young adults with developmental disabilities feel safe, loved, and encouraged to achieve independence and build self-esteem.