Lucy Anacleto (Neurodiversity Network Founder)

Hi, I am Lucy Anacleto, and I am the Programme Leader for the PG Cert in Neurodiversity. I am passionate about improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals and have years of experience in this field both professionally and personally. I was one of the founding members who set up the Neurodiversity Network which is for both students and colleagues across the university. The network is a supportive environment where staff and students can meet. We invite guest speakers as well as having more informal chats sessions. We share and develop our knowledge of neurodiversity to inform practice and policy in a positive way.

Hilal Yildiz (Neurodiversity Network Chair)

Hi, I’m Hilal, a Senior Lecturer in EDI and co-chair of Neurodiversity Network. My interest in neurodiversity is both personal and professional, shaped by my lived experience of ADHD and receiving a diagnosis later in life. I am particularly interested in how neurodivergence intersects with culture, migration, language, identity and belonging, and how these overlapping experiences affect students and colleagues in higher education. I hold a PhD in Open and Distance Education, and my work focuses on making learning, communication and university spaces more accessible and genuinely inclusive. Through the Network, I contribute to research on neurodivergent experiences, develop training and resources, and help create opportunities for people to connect and share their experiences without judgement. I also lead Sanctuary@Arden, supporting refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant communities. I believe that listening to lived experience and making thoughtful, practical changes can help everyone feel more understood, supported and able to belong.

Hannah Johnson Toyne (Neurodiversity Network Chair)

Hi, I’m Hannah, an English Language Lecturer in the Language Hub and Neurodiversity Network Co-Chair at Arden University. With a background in language teaching, linguistics, and psychology, my work explores the intersection of lived experience, education, and neurodiversity. I am particularly interested in late-diagnosed neurodivergence, identity, and strength-based approaches to autism and ADHD.

Through my research, teaching, and advocacy, I challenge traditional ideas of what is considered “normal” and am committed to promoting greater awareness, inclusion, and accessibility for neurodivergent people.

Azahara Torres (EDI Intern and Neurodiversity Network Ambassador)

Hi! I’m a student at Arden, currently completing the PG Cert in Neurodiversity, and an intern in the neurodiversity area of the university’s EDI department. I was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at age 36. My background is in journalism, teaching Spanish as a second language, and communications work within NGOs. Right now I’m especially interested in how neurodivergence and multilingualism intersect; but, honestly, anything to do with how our brains work amazes me.

Emma Craven (Neurodiversity Network Ambassador)

I’m doing my BSc (Hons) Psychology Student (Level 6). Drawing on my lived experience as an ADHD distance learning student with other chronic health conditions, I focus on creating neuro-affirming, human-centred spaces where disabled and neurodivergent students thrive at Arden.

Alongside serving as a Programme Representative and Inclusion Panel Member, I co-host the network’s weekly Friday Cuppa & Chat (12–1 pm), lead an ADHD webinar series, and launch podcast initiatives that elevate neurodivergent voices. Recognised as an Inspirational Presenter and highlighted by Vice-Chancellor Carl Lygo as a pioneer in student support, I am committed to creating environments where students feel comfortable being themselves, have a sense of belonging, and, more importantly, can thrive in their studies, not simply survive.

Gail Archibald (Neurodiversity Network Ambassador)

My name is Gail and I grew up in a society where no one ever discussed neurodiversity, let alone disclosed any neurodivergence. As a result, when we moved to the UK, I felt ill- equipped to support neurodivergent students and colleagues; this led me to enrol on the PG Cert Neurodiversity and, on completion, I joined the NDN as an ambassador and advocate.

I lead the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching’s Taught Programmes, which means all of my students work in Education, I am passionate about both modelling best practice when it comes to accessible and inclusive education and educating others about Universal Design for Learning in order to ensure that lessons and activities are designed in a manner that does not exclude any student.

Alex Turpel (Neurodiversity Network Ambassador)

Hi, I’m Alex and I’m a student ambassador for the neurodiversity network at Arden, currently finishing my Level 6 in Psychology. I found out that I have AuDHD 3-ish years ago and have since been trying to make things more accessible for myself and other neurodivergent individuals. I’m extremely passionate about research in neurodiversity and could talk about it all the time. Accordingly, my dissertation is about the menstrual cycle and ADHD. For me: Finding out that one is neurodivergent is like taking a rolled-up mattress out of its package. Even though it seems like this huge thing that you will never be able to put back in, finding a way to live with it makes your life more comfortable than ever before. I’m trying to advocate that, step-by-step, small changes and accessibility needs in our daily life help to build a better life for everyone. By openly speaking about the changes I applied in my own life to advocate for my needs, I hope to normalise speaking up for oneself and creating the space that every individual deserves.

Fawn Hunkins-Beckford (Neurodiversity Network Ambassador)

I’m Fawn, I’m a level 5 distance learning psychology student and NDN ambassador. I’m passionate about neurodiversity and accessibility. I’m interested in the Social Model of Disability, MAD studies and Open Science and enjoy exploring underrepresented demographics in psychology. The NDN provides a great opportunity for people of all neurotypes to pair lived experience and academic skills with meaningful growth in Arden University.

Amy Fuller (Neurodiversity Network Ambassador)

Hi, I’m Amy, and I work within the ArdenCONNECT team at Arden as Senior Peer Mentor Lead. I have lived experience of late-diagnosed autism and ADHD, and I am particularly interested in creating accessible, neuroinclusive communities where students can feel heard in ways that feel affirming for them. Through my background leading mentoring programmes in charities and higher education, I have seen first-hand the positive impact non-judgemental spaces can have on students of all ages.