Why I Founded Ignite Change Makers

Oct 16

The mindset that all good students learn traditionally starts before a student enters school. Teachers and parents believed it because they were held to those expectations. “Good” students sit in class, listen to the teacher, take notes, and study to ace their tests and graduate to get a job after school. But not everyone fits that model. Some of the brightest students don’t thrive in the traditional environment.

The term “neurodivergent” is emerging as more students, teachers, and parents discover that our neurological gifts are as unique as our personalities. Awareness surrounding the need for innovative and alternate learning environments that accommodate neurodivergent students is growing along with the number of autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD diagnoses. My experience as a misunderstood neurodivergent student and how it shaped my life sparked my mission to help schools, teachers, parents, and students approach learning with a more inclusive mindset. Here’s the story behind Unsuitable Advice:

I Didn’t “Do School.”

Learning as an unidentified ADHD student in a traditional environment was challenging. The teachers, my parents, and I assumed that my “C” grades were a lack of focus and motivation. It seemed that I needed to apply myself harder, so I accepted that I was the problem and the situation had nothing to do with antiquated teaching practices. I figured that I “didn’t do school.” This mindset allowed me to skate through high school. I ventured into college under the false impression that I needed to pay closer attention. Then an odd thing happened that changed the course of my life. Knitting, of all things, opened the door to a new way of learning.

Knitting Changed Everything

Strangely enough, I had acquired the desire to knit, which helped me focus in class.

Despite my professors’ disapproval of this unconventional learning strategy, knitting accommodated my ADHD brain and allowed me to thrive. I graduated from college with the new perspective that traditional ways of learning don’t fit everyone, specifically those with neurodivergent gifts. My mind opened, a seed was planted, and I decided to become a special education teacher.

Learning Centers For Neurodivergent Students

Hyper-focused on a Special Education Master’s Program, I graduated from George Washington University with straight As. A passion for the neurodivergent student population and the mission to shine a light on their value set me on a specific path. Teaching in independent schools, I created learning centers for neurodivergent students and trained educators in the art of teaching various types of learners. The mindset shifting more responsibility for student learning to the teachers was gaining momentum.

The Keys to Inclusive Learning

I accomplished terrific things teaching and coaching unique learning needs on behalf of neurodivergent students for twenty-five years. Neurodiversity is finding a voice and a place in school programs, teacher lesson planning, and student support. There’s more work to do in helping schools, students and parents see the value of neurodivergent individuals and their importance to society. Discovering a talent for showing people how neurodivergent gifts are changing the world led me to create Unsuitable Advice. My company helps schools, teachers and parents recognize the need for change in traditional education. Students who learn best with non-traditional methods will also understand what fits.

Learning is not one-size-fits-all. Traditional teaching does not match or accommodate neurodivergent student needs. Teaching and learning are unique experiences for everyone. The “apply yourself” mindset and tendency to blame the student is evolving to consider differing needs. If your student struggles to thrive in school, contact me. I am happy to help.

Hey There, I’m Gail Suitor

Living and working with a neurodivergent brain can be challenging. I know because I have one, raised three, and taught many over 25+ years.

I help learning disabled people break free from labels so that they can appreciate their unique brains, ignite their brilliance, follow their passions, and become the change makers they were born to be.

My Change Maker Accelerator Program uses Mastermind Pods to help participants learn the 7 strategies of highly effective neurodiverse people so that they can discover their superpowers, develop their Ultimate Change Maker Blueprint, and create the life they want.