The Neurodiva's Shift: Movement, Connection, and Belonging in School with Dr. Shani Challenor
Guest: Dr. Shani Challenor. In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz is joined by educator, advocate, and "Neurodiva" Dr. Shani Challenor for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about neurodivergence, education, faith, and what becomes possible when people are truly seen. Dr. Shani shares her journey as a trained dancer, special and general education teacher, adjunct professor, and mom—along with her experience being diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and depression while earning her doctorate. She reflects on growing up feeling unheard in school, how movement and the arts became a gateway to learning, and why connection—not compliance—is the foundation of meaningful education. Together, Paul and Dr. Shani explore the emotional weight that families of neurodivergent children carry, the gaps in overwhelmed school systems, and the importance of shifting mindsets from "fixing" students to honouring their brilliance. Dr. Shani also speaks candidly about intersectionality, sharing what it means to navigate neurodivergence as a Black woman, and how faith continues to guide her calling and advocacy. This episode is a reminder that progress doesn't always look like perfection—and that breakthroughs often begin with patience, grace, and hope. In this episode, you'll hear: Dr. Shani's late diagnosis with ADHD, anxiety, and depression How dance, music, and movement support regulation, memory, and confidence The difference between compliance-based teaching and connection-based learning What educators need to understand about the daily emotional load families carry A real-life story of shifting a student from barriers to breakthrough Why many school systems struggle to support neurodivergent learners—and where hope still exists The intersection of race, gender, and neurodivergence in professional spaces Faith, purpose, and the mission behind The Challenor Challenge Connect with Dr. Shani Instagram: @DRSHANICHALLENOR The Challenor Challenge: Shifting spaces, mindsets, and systems so neurodivergent individuals and all learners are genuinely included, valued, and supported through storytelling, education, creativity, and lived experience. About the Podcast The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast centers lived experience, amplifies neurodivergent voices, and explores what it really means to be supported, understood, and valued in our communities and systems. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it—and follow or subscribe so you don't miss future conversations.
