Mental Health Panel 5: Exploring the Lived Experiences of PDA Individuals Across the Lifespan to Identify Coping Strategies and Strengths
Event Details:
Location
Exploring the Lived Experiences of PDA Individuals Across the Lifespan to Identify Coping Strategies and Strengths
Moderator: Stacey Greeter, MD
Objectives:
- Participants will describe the impact of PDA across the lifespan and identify three unique challenges and strengths of PDA individuals.
- Participants will recognize specific strategies, supports and accommodations for PDA individuals across multiple contexts.
- Participants will leave equipped to foster positive identity development in PDA individuals utilizing lived-experience based support strategies.
Heidi Wheeler, PsyD, Psychological Assessment Clinical Supervisor/Neuropsychologist, AACI
Heidi Wheeler, PsyD, is a psychological assessment clinical supervisor and neuropsychologist at AACI in San Jose, CA, and is passionate about training and supporting the next generation of clinicians through her supervision of student trainees, interns, and post-doctoral fellows. She specializes in the evaluation of neurodivergent children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Wheeler earned her BA in psychology from UC Berkeley and completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Azusa Pacific University, with clinical training at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, American University of Beirut Medical Center, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Morrissey-Compton Educational Center. Dr. Wheeler previously served as a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute, where she conducted comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and collaborated with families and schools to support youth with complex developmental and learning needs. Internationally, she led the psychology and assessment department at Smart Kids with Individual Learning Differences (SKILD) in Lebanon, training clinicians and advancing awareness of learning challenges throughout the Levant. Dr. Wheeler has also consulted on child protection and trauma programs for war-affected and refugee populations in the Middle East. Dedicated to trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, she values collaboration with families and support networks to create effective, strengths-based intervention plans.
Marni Kammersell, MA, Yellow Ladybugs
Marni Kammersell is a late-identified Autistic researcher, writer, and consultant who supports families in creating neuro-affirming learning environments. Her doctoral research focuses on family resilience and how autonomy-supportive environments foster growth and well-being. With over 15 years of experience in alternative education, Marni draws on both research and lived experience to support neurodivergent youth and their families. Learn more at wanderingbrightly.com.
Molly Herold, EdM, MA, LCMHC, Owner, Therapist & Educator, NeuroAbundant, LLC
Molly Herold, EdM, MA, LCMHC is an AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD) mental health therapist in private practice. Following their work and education at Columbia University, Molly currently specializes in intersectional identity exploration, with a focus on trans/nonbinary folks, folks who’ve experienced trauma and fellow neurodivergent people. As a prolific neurodiversity educator, Molly creates neurodiversity affirming learning opportunities for fellow neurodivergent clinicians and professionals. Through their company NeuroAbundant, Molly teaches and hosts fellow educators to offer engaging NBCC approved continuing education to clinicians on topics such as neurodiversity affirming therapy, intersectional identity experiences, assessment & diagnosis. NeuroAbundant strives to integrate excellence in clinical practice and social justice with core knowledge from lived-experience and the growing ever-evolving neurodiversity movement.
Madylynn Snyder, LMFT, Founder, Mady Snyder Marriage and Family Therapy Inc
Mady Snyder, LMFT, is passionate about transforming the way we approach relationships involving neurodivergent individuals. As a late-identified neurodivergent adult and a clinician specializing in autism, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA profiles, and neurodiverse couples, Mady has witnessed how traditional models of relationship therapy often pathologize differences rather than honoring them. Through her clinical work, Mady has supported countless couples in navigating communication, connection, unmasking, sensory and executive functioning differences, and the impact of trauma and ableism on relational dynamics. She helps couples move away from neuronormative expectations, instead fostering attunement, alignment, and relationship structures that honor each partner’s authentic self. In addition to her clinical practice, Mady has trained therapists and community groups on shifting from deficit-based frameworks to neuroaffirming relationship care. She draws from research in neurobiology, psychology, lived experience, and social justice to equip audiences with practical strategies for building truly inclusive, supportive relationship spaces. Mady’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to dismantling ableist narratives and creating a world where neurodivergent ways of connecting are recognized, valued, and celebrated.