Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Ivory Duncan, an educator, consultant, and founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity™, LLC, a company committed to transforming how families and schools support neurodiverse children. With over 15 years of experience in education leadership, including roles as Assistant Principal and Senior Director of Postsecondary Leadership Design, Ivory blends professional expertise with personal pa...
Jul 18, 2025•28 min•Season 9Ep. 5
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Samara Toussaint, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent children and their families, dedicating her career to empowering them through education, advocacy, and culturally sensitive care. Her journey as a Haitian-American woman navigating mental health stigma in her community deeply informs her work as a clinical school psychologist, driven by her commitment to breaking barrie...
Jul 11, 2025•32 min•Season 9Ep. 4
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Cori Fonville Foster, a homeschooling mom, educator, and advocate with over six years of experience in personalized education. After transitioning her own neurodivergent child from traditional schooling to homeschooling, she has helped numerous neurodivergent students thrive in individualized learning environments. In This Episode: In this inspiring episode, educator and advocate C...
Jul 04, 2025•31 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Cheryl Poe, the founder and Executive Director of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., a special education advocacy organization dedicated to empowering parents and professionals, especially those supporting Black and Brown children with disabilities, through resources, information, and workshops. In This Episode: In this powerful episode, advocate Cheryl Poe joins us to unpack the “double bur...
Jun 27, 2025•41 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, We’re back and more grounded than ever. In this welcome back episode, host Maria Davis-Pierre shares why Autism in Black® took a pause and how the break brought clarity, new projects, and deeper purpose. This space continues to be rooted in truth-telling, joy, advocacy, and unapologetically centering Black Autistic voices. In This Episode: In this powerful episode, Maria breaks down why harmful narrativ...
Jun 20, 2025•18 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Stacy Haynes, a distinguished educator and Licensed Professional Counselor, discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting gifted, disabled, and Black students. In This Episode: Dr. Stacy Haynes delves into the world of Black Autistic students who are also identified as gifted, a group that often faces significant challenges in traditional educational settings. T...
Jun 12, 2024•26 min•Season 8Ep. 11
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. Today, we're excited to welcome Dr. Emajonite Etienne, an expert in curriculum and teaching with a Master’s in Special Education, who has dedicated her career to enhancing autism education through evidence-based practices. In This Episode: Dr. Emajonite Etienne discusses her research and findings on the most effective evidence-based practices for students with autism. This episode is designed to enlighten educators, par...
Jun 11, 2024•22 min•Season 8Ep. 10
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In today’s episode, we are thrilled to have Yovanna Madhere, MSW, an experienced clinical social worker, author, and transformational speaker, share her expertise and personal journey as a parent of a young adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In This Episode: Yovanna Madhere offers a blend of personal insights and research-backed strategies focusing on fostering independence, self-advocacy, and effective time man...
Jun 10, 2024•38 min•Season 8Ep. 9
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. Today, we're joined by Lovelee Lundy, a published poet and author, who uses her art to navigate and illuminate the journey of parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In This Episode: Lovelee Lundy shares her personal and poetic journey since her son Cairo's diagnosis with autism. Lovelee has channeled her experiences into her writing, creating works that not only express her emotional landscape but also aim to e...
Jun 07, 2024•20 min•Season 8Ep. 8
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In today’s episode, we are honored to have Kayla Smith, an advocate and educator, who sheds light on the often overlooked aspects of being a Black autistic individual. In This Episode: Kayla Smith delves into "The Black Autistic Experience," a topic that challenges the typical narratives portrayed in popular culture and academic research, which predominantly focus on white autistic individuals. Kayla brings to the foref...
Jun 06, 2024•30 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. This episode features an inspiring conversation with Victoria Boateng, an autism advocate and skilled djembe artist who has harnessed the power of African drumming as a transformative outlet for self-expression and community building. In This Episode: Victoria Boateng shares her personal journey as an Autistic African American woman growing up on the north side of Chicago. Diagnosed with autism at age three and nonverba...
Jun 05, 2024•31 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. Today, we are joined by Meghan Ashley, a dedicated mental health therapist and behavior specialist, who specializes in working with Autistic adults and women of color. In This Episode: Meghan Ashley shares insights from her workshop, "Adults Adapting to Autism," which was a highlight at the recent Autism in Black Conference. This episode delves into how adults can adapt to a late diagnosis of autism, overcoming the shoc...
Jun 04, 2024•28 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast , hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're joined by Jamilah Bashir, a dedicated education consultant, IEP coach, and advocate with a profound connection to the autism community through both her professional journey and personal life as a sibling of a Black individual with a disability. In This Episode: Jamilah Bashir shares her unique perspective that comes from being at the intersection of education and personal experience with autism. S...
Jun 03, 2024•34 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to host Katrina Liew Wilson, a renowned global educator, diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner, and health equity researcher. Join us as we delve into a conversation that promises to enlighten, empower, and inspire. In this episode, Katrina shares her transformative journey from her diagnosis in 2021 to becoming a champion for self-advocacy and equity in the workplace and beyond. Wi...
Apr 11, 2024•30 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this compelling episode of Season 8, we delve into a vital conversation with Schereeya Reed, a visionary poet, and advocate who is not only shaping narratives but also paving paths for black autistic talent in the corporate world. Join us as Schereeya Reed shares their invaluable insights on navigating Corporate America as an autistic individual of color. From selecting the right job and advocating for necessary accom...
Apr 10, 2024•49 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 8 of the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. We're thrilled to have you back with us for another empowering season dedicated to the black autism community. In today's episode, Maria extends a warm welcome to both new and returning listeners as we kick off the season with exciting updates and heartfelt reflections. She dives into the anticipation of the upcoming Autism in Black Conference, which will be held virtually from April 19-21, 2024. This year's ...
Apr 09, 2024•17 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this special episode, Maria takes the spotlight and shares her personal journey of preparing herself and her child for the significant transition from middle to high school. Maria delves into the support system she has in place, including her family, particularly her husband, who plays a vital role in navigating this transition together. She also highlights the importance of having a lawyer and collaborating with her ...
Jun 02, 2023•27 min•Season 7Ep. 10
In this episode, we have a special guest, Dominique Mack, who is a professional educator committed to advocating for those most in need. As a skilled assistant principal, Dominique has made it her professional mission to ensure that the most vulnerable learners receive an education that supports their individual learning style and helps them reach their highest academic potential. Dominique was also a speaker at our third annual Autism in Black Conference. Listen in as we discuss her workshop at...
May 26, 2023•46 min•Season 7Ep. 9
In this episode of the Autism in Black Podcast, Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, is joined by Nakia and Kwame Stringfield, a married couple who have been happily married for over 25 years and are parents to three daughters. They are passionate about supporting families raising children with disabilities and share their story to inspire others and promote love and positivity. Nakia is the author of the book "Rewired Parenting: Changing Your Mindset for Your Special Needs Child." The conversation explore...
May 19, 2023•31 min•Season 7Ep. 8
In this episode of the Autism in Black Podcast, Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, is joined by Dr. Berry, a board certified physician, and host of the Lunch and Learn Podcast. Dr. Berry is a father of two beautiful autistic children, one with ADHD, and is an advocate for the Black community in health care. Dr. Berry and Maria Davis-Pierre discuss the recent 3rd Annual Autism in Black Conference, including the speakers, sessions, and overall guest experience. Dr. Berry also emphasizes the importance of a...
May 12, 2023•26 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, founder and CEO of Autism in Black. In this episode, Maria is joined by Cheryl Poe, founder and owner of Advocating 4 Kids Inc and a mother of two sons with disabilities, as well as having a disability herself. The conversation centers around Cheryl's experience at the third annual Autism in Black Conference and her presentation at the event. Listeners will gain insights into the conference and the valuable information s...
May 05, 2023•30 min•Season 7Ep. 6
On this episode of Autism in Black Podcast, host Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, founder, and CEO of Autism in Black Ink, speaks with Patrinia Baksmaty, an education disability inclusion strategist, founder of The Kaleidoscope Collaborative, and Harvard-certified Universal Design Learning practitioner. Patrinia is also a speaker at the third annual Autism in Black Conference happening virtually from April 28th through the 30th. In this discussion, Patrinia shares her expertise in universal design lear...
Apr 28, 2023•35 min•Season 7Ep. 5
On this episode of Autism in Black Podcast, host Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, founder, and CEO of Autism in Black Ink, speaks with Dr. Brandi Tanner, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents with learning disabilities and behavioral concerns. Dr. Tanner shares her expertise in comprehensive evaluations within the school system and the importance of ensuring that children are not miscategorized. The discussion de...
Apr 25, 2023•33 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this episode of the Autism in Black Podcast, Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, is joined by Dr. Berry, a physician, and host of the Dr. Berry Pierre Podcast. Dr. Berry is a father of two beautiful autistic children, one with ADHD, and is an advocate for the black community in health care. Dr. Berry and Maria Davis-Pierre discuss the upcoming conference and the importance of education, advocacy, and community in supporting the Black autistic community. The 3rd Annual Autism in Black Conference is pres...
Apr 21, 2023•30 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode of the Autism in Black Podcast, host Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, is joined by Schereéya, a autistic creator, artist, and poet. Schereéya shares their unique perspective on the intersectionality of being autistic, Black, and trans. The focus of the conversation centers around autism in the media and the importance of intersectionality in understanding and advocating for autistic individuals. Schereéya emphas...
Apr 19, 2023•45 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode Maria shares what has been happening in the year since receiving her autism diagnosis. Throughout this season, Maria will be discussing all things autism and the Black parent experience, with the goal of educating, supporting, and empowering Black parents to advocate not only for their children but themselves as well. Listeners can expect to hear from a variety of experts in the field, as well as personal...
Apr 14, 2023•20 min•Season 7Ep. 1
The Autism in Black Podcast is hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, and focuses on all things autism and the black parent experience. Our goal is to educate, support, and empower black parents to advocate not only for their children but themselves as well. Today we are joined by Cheryl Poe, Founder, and Owner of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., a special education advocacy organization that provides resources, information, and workshops to parents and professionals with a special focus on addressing the ...
Nov 04, 2022•33 min•Season 6Ep. 4
The Autism in Black Podcast is hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, and focuses on all things autism and the black parent experience. Our goal is to educate, support, and empower black parents to advocate not only for their children but for themselves as well. The guest on this week’s program is Kala Allen Omeiza, who is truly wonderful. A graduate of Miami University and the University of Oxford in the UK. Kala has also contributed to numerous autism and mental health studies at Harvard Medical,...
Sep 16, 2022•37 min•Season 6Ep. 38
The Autism in Black Podcast is hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, and focuses on all things autism and the black parent experience. Our goal is to educate, support, and empower black parents to advocate not only for their children but for themselves as well. Today's episode is a back-to-basics episode. We are discussing what to do after your child receives an autism diagnosis. These beginner conversations have to happen more often, in my opinion. We frequently find ourselves conversing with peo...
Aug 26, 2022•28 min•Season 6Ep. 37
The Autism in Black Podcast is hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, and focuses on all things autism and the black parent experience. Our goal is to educate, support, and empower black parents to advocate not only for their children but for themselves as well. Today we are joined by Cheryl Poe, Founder, and Owner of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., a special education advocacy organization that provides resources, information, and workshops to parents and professionals with a special focus on addressing ...
Aug 19, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Season 6Ep. 1
