As we mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week from March 17-23, the Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) would like to acknowledge the important contributions of the neurodivergent staff who contribute so much to our school communities.

One of these amazing staff members was Brianne Curtis, a school psychologist. Brianne was diagnosed in her 30s with ADHD, Tourette's, Complex PTSD, and OCD. That means her own school experience lacked the context she would later find with the help of a diagnosis — context she tries to illuminate for students today.

"Neurodiversity is my life. It's there every day for me," she said.

In school, Brianne said she was a quiet, anxious student whose struggles were often hidden by her academic success. She said she had to learn to mask to finally feel some belonging in high school, but that was exhausting.

Now in her professional life, she uses this understanding to help others.

"I want kids to know they are allowed to be authentic.”

Brianne's experiences help her connect with students who might have feel overlooked. She provides an important perspective and understanding for students learning to be their authentic selves and to harness their unique ways of understanding.

She advocated for neurodiversity through presentations called "Map of a Lost Girl," which discuss late diagnosis, unmasking, and identity building. Brianne also works on professional development within the division, creating a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent students.

Besides the inherent value of a neurodiverse perspective, she said she was also grateful for the creativity, big-picture thinking, and empathy that have grown from the soil of neurodiversity.

Timon Kozelko, an educational assistant at J.H. Bruns Collegiate, brought a different perspective to neurodiversity. Diagnosed with autism, Timon also uses his experiences to connect with students and promote understanding.

 "I've been in these students’ shoes before," he said.

Timon moved into LRSD as a student in 2003, and he said the administration at Island Lakes Community School did their all to make him feel integrated and safe, right from day one. He then joined the division as staff in 2016.

“I wanted to repay that with the work I do within the division every April for Autism Acceptance Month,” he said.

Every April, Timon shares his story during Autism Acceptance Month. He creates presentations that highlighted the work done by students and staff to promote autism acceptance. These efforts include showcasing programs, encouraging donations to Inclusion Manitoba, and organizing spirit week activities.

Timon values the opportunity to offer understanding and support to students, helping them unlock their potential.

“I knew every situation was different, but I understood that sometimes they got left in the dark a little bit, but if they had an adult there to support them, I thought that really provided them an access point to have a better future ahead,” he said.

Reflecting on the progress in society, Timon was optimistic about the future. "We've come so far, but we can get even further.” 

As Brianne put it, "It's not just about awareness or acceptance. It's about celebrating neurodiversity."