Education
Built on the core belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity and everyone benefits from inclusion and belonging, the Center for Developmental Disabilities equips students, practitioners, scholars and family members to become agents of change alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Preparing the Ideal Graduate
OSUCDD provides internship and research practicum opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain real world experience and knowledge under the direct supervision of OSUCDD leadership. OSUCDD trains student employees in best practices for inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Spotlight on Ideal Graduates
Emily Schleich's path to becoming a champion for neurodiverse individuals began at Oklahoma State University. Emily initially came to OSU in August 2014 to pursue a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Along the way, she found a true passion and calling.
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A Passion Ignited
During her graduate studies at OSU, Emily was hired as a graduate research assistant on the Oklahoma National Core Indicators (NCI) Research project under the direction of Drs. Jennifer Jones and Kami Gallus. It was through her work collecting the NCI In-Person Survey that she found a passion working alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Connecting her work on the Oklahoma NCI project with her graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy led Emily to recognize the critical need for accessible, quality mental health services for this underserved population.
Innovative Experience
Combining her experience and training in marriage and family therapy and the support and mentorship from Drs. Jones and Gallus, Emily began facilitating a mental health social group for young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The group met twice a week in the on-campus, Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic. Emily credits these unique opportunities during her time at OSU as shaping her passion and desire to work alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the mental health field.
After graduating in December 2016, Emily moved to Denver, Colorado, where she pursued licensure and established All Minds Counseling. This innovative practice is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible mental health services for neurodiverse individuals, couples, and families. Services are designed to address the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals, fostering personal growth and community connections. Her practice serves as a hub for nurturing a thriving community where neurodiverse individuals can connect, celebrate their differences, and feel truly understood.
In addition to one-on-one therapy, Emily recognizes the importance of community and social connections. Her practice facilitates social skills groups and inclusive dating events for neurodiverse individuals, providing a safe space to develop interpersonal skills while building connections with others. These groups encourage participants to engage in meaningful conversations and practice social interactions in a supportive environment.
In a world that often marginalizes those who think and feel differently, Emily has dedicated her career to being an advocate in her community. All Minds Counseling not only provides vital mental health services but also nurtures a thriving community where neurodiverse individuals can connect and celebrate their differences.