COLE WHITAKER
Reshaping Higher Education with Neurodiversity Workshops
ABOUT
Cole Whitaker has spent his entire adult life in education. After two decades teaching in vocational schools, he earned a Master of Science in Psychology and now serves as an instructor in the Neurodiversity Navigators program at Bellevue College.
His commitment to supporting neurodivergent students is deeply personal, shaped by his own experiences with dyslexia and his work with diverse learners, many of whom had learning disabilities. During his graduate studies, Cole focused on autism spectrum disorder and was diagnosed as autistic at age 40.
He brings a trauma-informed, holistic approach to adult education, with a strong belief in empowering all students to succeed.
TESTIMONIAL
"Cole is highly intelligent and compassionate individual who possesses an innate ability to connect with others. He has an incredible capacity for empathy, which allows him to understand the perspectives and experiences of those he
is working with...In addition to his emotional intelligence, Cole is a fantastic writer. He has the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, making him an excellent communicator. His writing is vibrant, alive, and meaningful. He writes with feeling and depth but also accurately. He is always on point but never pedantic or dry. His work is thorough, illuminating, and elucidating."
-Dr. William McCown
Professor, School of Behavioral & Social Science
University of Louisiana at Monroe