The Workplace: The Future of Neuroinclusion at Work  – Speakers

Cllr Jeanie Bell was appointed as Merseyside’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) in January 2023. She was chosen by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, following an open and transparent recruitment process, and she works alongside her to deliver her vision and priorities for the region, focusing on three key pillars: • Fighting Crime; Proactive Policing. • Supporting Victims; Safer Communities. • Driving Change; Prevent Offending. As Deputy PCC, Jeanie can deputise for the Commissioner when necessary. She also has responsibility for a range of portfolios including Modern Slavery, substance misuse and addictions, and neurodiversity in the criminal justice system.

Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski is a seasoned Project Manager, founder of Thinking Light Coach, and co-founder and former co-lead of the Neurodiversity Network (NDN) at GSK. She championed initiatives to empower neurodiverse employees and advance inclusion. With 20 years of success in corporate STEM roles and lived experience as a neurodiverse individual, Danielle combines deep expertise with personal insight. As a certified coach, consultant, trainer, and TEDx speaker, she supports individuals and organisations in navigating the evolving neurodiversity landscape, offering practical strategies to create a neuro-inclusive culture and empower individuals to leverage their unique cognitive strengths.

Donna is the Head of Training Services at neurobox. Donna started her career as a Nursery Nurse and a Primary School teacher where she developed a passion for supporting those learners with dyslexia, leading her to work for many years at the British Dyslexia Association (BDA). Over the years at the BDA, she’s worked with children and adults with dyslexia; working within education and workplaces to raise awareness and champion the Dyslexia Friendly approach. Her passion in the latter part of her career lies with supporting adults in the workplace through delivering training, and as a Workplace Needs Assessor. In 2022, Donna joined the Succeed With Dyslexia (SWD) team as Head of Training and Assessment in 2022, utilising her years of experience to create a global service. She continues her work supporting the community as a SWD Ambassador and a part of the ANND Coalition (Adult Network: Neurodiversity and Dyslexia), as well as SHADDA Local Dyslexia Association. She is now part of the Neurobox Team as Expert Training and Development Lead.

Deborah is a neuro-inclusion practitioner and academic, with 14 years of experience researching and working in the field. Her research has been published in several Routledge peer-reviewed journals, People Management magazine and the British Dyslexia Association handbook. Deborah has a PhD in dyslexia from the University of Kent. She brings her varied background to her role as Head of Consultancy & Research at neurobox, having worked as a disability advisor, strategy coach, study skills tutor, university lecturer and theatre practitioner. Deborah is committed to increasing access to the workplace, by identifying and removing barriers and building neuro-inclusive workspaces.

Qualifications: PhD, PGCHE

Dr Richard Purcell is the co-founder and director of Bristol-based assistive technology company, CareScribe. Rich is an NHS doctor and entrepreneur, developing innovative assistive technologies to promote accessibility and inclusion in education and the workplace.

Elizabeth is neurobox Ambassador and has a BA Hons in (Combined Honours Degree (Human Resource Management/Sociology) Professional Graduation Certificate in Education (Lifelong learning post 16). Elizabeth was diagnosed with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Irlen Syndrome, in her adulthood at university. She was also diagnosed with Dyscalculia in 2019 and diagnosed with ADHD In Feb 2023. Elizabeth successfully ran a charitable organisation for 6 and half years company that was based in Wandsworth London ( April 2016- Oct 2022).

Qualifications: Elizabeth Takyi (BA Hons - Professional Graduate Certificate in Education)cert)

Katie Allen is a Confidence Coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the "Speaking of Inclusion" podcast. With a background in both commercial leadership and HR she understands the societal challenges faced by businesses today. She is now on a mission to use her insight and experience to change the world of work and create psychologically safe spaces where everyone can thrive. Talking with you, not at you, her goal is to empower forward thinking leaders, allies, and accomplices with the confidence to have the conversations that matter, without the fear of putting their foot in it.

Lee McDermott (he/him) has been in post as the EDI Officer at the University of Cumbria since September 2018, working within EDI for 10 years and education for 15 years. At the University, Lee has led on the University of Cumbria’s White Ribbon June 2022 accreditation and development of the 3-year action plan, undertaking the role as organisational lead in 2021. Lee has also led on the Stonewall WEI Silver Award success in 2022, Disability Confident Leader validation and supported the University to achieve the Athena Swan Institutional Bronze Award in April of 2023.

I am a creative, tenacious, Autistic ADHDer living in lovely Salford with my wife and our kiddo plus cat. I have a huge passion for creating inclusive and understanding environments and supporting others to be able to work at their best. I want to help make sure people are not stopped from working by poor processes, outdated policy or lack of understanding.

After a lifetime of working with neurodiversity, and more than 13 years of supporting others with neurodiversity - and disabilities - I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in supporting not just people but also teams, managers, and organisations. From helping design and deploy neurodiversity, disability, and wider ED&I policies, to working with individual managers and employees. Prior experience in senior management and operational roles has also given me a valuable understanding and awareness of the needs of the organisation, managers, and individual employees.

Steve is a Neurodivergent Mentor and Teacher and also a Workplace Strategy Coach for neurobox.

Steve is a Neurodivergent Mentor and Teacher and also a Workplace Strategy Coach for neurobox. Steve also runs his own company run along with his wife called ParkeCore Health and Wellness. Steve and his wife work with clients on their physical and mental wellness and specialise working with neurodivergent children and adults.