Chiara Latimer, Co-Director of the Center for Neurodiversity & Autism PATH Career Coordinator at Rowan University, will begin by introducing an overview of the work she and her team do at Rowan University. The bulk of the presentation will then focus on providing practical information that we as practitioners can use in our work with neurodiverse students and clients.

Chiara Latimer is the Coordinator of the Autism PATH Career Program at Rowan University. This program is designed to support the transition of neurodiverse students from higher education into meaningful employment. In 2007, Chiara’s leadership in a mentoring program for differently abled, elementary school students led to her recognition as a finalist for the Jefferson Award for Public Service in the state of Delaware. This experience naturally guided Chiara’s career and academic goals towards supporting neurodiverse students and families. Chiara has dedicated 9 years of her career to supporting neurodiverse students in clinical and educational settings. Upon the completion of her masters in family therapy at Drexel University, Chiara focused on providing therapeutic services to individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families through family therapy and the supervision of therapeutic support professionals.

Prior to and in addition to her role with Rowan University, Chiara has worked with and developed services for differently abled individuals and their families in various capacities. Her experiences inspired her to transition into higher education teaching, eventually leading her to Rowan University. With a focus on career readiness and educating employers, Chiara continues to promote the importance of empathy and inclusion with a dual report to the Office of Career Advancement and Accessibility Services. She is currently completing her doctorate degree in Higher Education Leadership.