Connected & Understood: Championing Neurodivergent Youth in Our Communities

Connected & Understood: Championing Neurodivergent Youth in Our Communities

Join us for an insightful event focused on supporting neurodivergent youth in our communities. At Lake Nona Performance Club, we will come together to learn, share experiences, and champion inclusivity for all. Connect with like-minded individuals and experts in the field to gain a deeper understanding of how we can create a more supportive environment for neurodivergent youth. Let's work together to ensure that every individual feels connected and understood in our communities. See you there!

Mom Pros Orlando is a monthly collaborative parenting event for moms to be through grandmas who continue to be! Designed for working moms seeking to develop meaningful relationships with other moms by learning, supporting, and growing with one another on this journey of parenthood! Each month will host a new topic related to parenting as a working professional and will be facilitated by a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health.

Meet our December MomPros Panelists!

Ms. Elsie Nadal honorably served in the United States Navy for over 20 years as a Military Medical Assistant, EMT, and Registered Nurse. Following her retirement in December 2021, she embraced a new calling—advocating for individuals and families within the special needs community.A recent graduate of OCPS Leadership Orange, Class of 2024–2025 (Cohort 14), Ms. Nadal is committed to leadership, service, and community empowerment. She has been an active volunteer in her local church, serving in both the Disability Ministry and the Homeless Ministry.Ms. Nadal is also one of the founders and leaders of Life Beyond Disabilities, a Christian connect group for families and individuals with disabilities in Orlando. The group officially launched in February 2025 at Faith Assembly Church in Orlando, Florida, with the mission of fostering faith, inclusion, and community support.

Ms. Loyda Márquez, a seasoned Registered Nurse with 23 years of experience in the healthcare field, has dedicated her career to providing exceptional patient-centered care and fostering teamwork in emergency room and acute care settings. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Lead Nurse in the Procedures Department, where she meticulously coordinates services, assists surgeons during minor procedures, and ensures the utmost safety and excellence in patient care.

As a mother of a 19-year-old young man diagnosed with autism, Ms. Márquez has often been approached to share her personal journey. This experience has ignited a strong calling within her to advocate for individuals and families within the special needs community. Through her compassionate voice, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication, she encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and find strength in their journey.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Márquez actively participates in her local church, volunteering in both the Disability Ministry and the Homeless Ministry. Her unwavering dedication extends to her involvement as one of the founders and leaders of Life Beyond Disabilities, a Christian connect group for families and individuals with disabilities in Orlando. This group, officially launched in February 2025 at Faith Assembly Church, holds a mission to nurture faith, promote inclusivity, and provide a supportive community for all.