This interactive session challenges traditional views of neurological differences and reframes neurodiversity as a natural and valuable part of human variation. Through engaging discussions and activities, participants will explore how different ways of thinking and working contribute to workplace success. The session offers practical strategies for recognizing individual strengths, reducing unconscious bias, and creating inclusive environments where every employee has the opportunity to thrive.

In this session, you will:

• Define and distinguish between neurodiversity and neurodivergence, building a foundational understanding of neurological differences.

• Explore how neurodivergent traits can contribute to both strengths and challenges in the workplace, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and approaches.

• Apply practical strategies to foster a more inclusive workplace that supports different ways of thinking, communicating, and working.

About our Speaker

Abby Rock is a Learning & Development Specialist and instructional designer with a passion for adult learning, leadership development, and creating impactful learning experiences. She enjoys helping individuals and organizations grow through practical, people-centered development programs that build skills, confidence, and meaningful workplace connections.

Connect with Abby Rock LinkedIn

ATD Rhode Island's 11th Annual Charity & Cheer benefiting Crossroads Rhode Island!

Join us for an exciting evening of networking and holiday celebration at The District in Providence! 

Appetizers will be served, and a cash bar will be available. We will be raffling several gifts. Come celebrate with us!  

Half of the proceeds will benefit Crossroads RI, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

We will also be collecting canned goods and cold weather gear including winter hats, gloves and thick socks to benefit Crossroads.

If you can't make it to the event but still want to donate, or would like to make an additional donation to Crossroads RI, visit our Crossroads Fundraiser Page to make a donation today.

It’s time to confront an often-overlooked challenge: loneliness. It’s not just a personal issue, it’s a cultural and leadership blind spot impacting engagement, productivity, and learning. And it’s not limited to remote workers. In fact, some of the loneliest people in our organizations are working-age adults, many of them married with children, struggling in full offices and busy teams.

This session equips leadership professionals with insights and strategies to recognize and respond to loneliness as a barrier to professional growth. You’ll learn the latest data on workplace loneliness and why it’s rising, even in connected environments. We’ll explore how inclusive collaboration, leadership modeling, and a growth mindset can help build cultures of connection where all employees, not just the outspoken or extroverted, can thrive.

You’ll walk away with practical tools that support inclusion, belonging, and resilience. Because the next chapter of work demands more than innovation, it requires human connection.

About our Speaker

Elizabeth Neves is a Certified Instructional Designer, Professional Speaker, Master Facilitator, Motivational Speaker, Adult Mental Health First Aid USA Instructor, and HR professional deeply committed to advancing workplace well-being. With a unique ability to bridge mental health awareness and practical HR strategies, she helps organizations foster cultures rooted in connection, care, and psychological safety.

Known for her highly engaging and interactive presentation style that goes far beyond traditional lectures, Elizabeth creates dynamic learning environments where participants feel comfortable reflecting, collaborating, and learning from one another. Through real-world scenarios, guided discussion, self-reflection exercises, and storytelling, she keeps audiences energized, involved, and motivated to apply what they learn immediately. Her facilitation approach encourages open dialogue, shared insight, meaningful connection, and thoughtful vulnerability.

With warmth, authenticity, and actionable strategy, Elizabeth empowers HR professionals and leaders to build workplaces where culture is intentional, connection is prioritized, and no one feels alone.

Connect with Elizabeth Neves on LinkedIn