As organizations work to build more inclusive and high-performing workplaces, supporting neurodiversity has come to light as an area for improvement. This session explores how embracing neurodivergent employees (those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, etc.) can remove barriers for success and enhance organizational performance. Designed for HR leaders and people managers, this session aims to increase awareness and offer practical strategies for inclusive hiring, accommodations, and leadership. Through real-world examples participants will learn how to create environments where all employees can thrive and contribute their best.

Jess Doll, Ph.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is an Assistant Professor of Management at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where she serves as the Human Resources Management Coordinator for the HR concentration and minor within the Walker College of Business. She is also a co-advisor for the university’s SHRM-Appalachian Student Chapter, supporting the next generation of HR professionals.

Meeting Sponsored by: Emerald Health Direct Primary Care & Aesthetics

Introducing Emerald Health DPC, a local Direct Primary Care practice in Hickory staffed by women physicians and a nurse practitioner. Members pay a flat monthly fee of $85-$95 per month for primary care services, same-day or next-day urgent access, and appointments long enough to actually cover what's going on, with no copays and no surprise bills. It works alongside existing insurance policies, not instead of insurance, but we also see patients who don't have insurance. DPC offers the kind of access that has traditionally been hard to find without paying a lot more for it. Emerald Health keeps its membership intentionally small, which is exactly what makes it work. We'll have more details at the meeting, including a calculator you can use to run the numbers for your own team.