Suffield resident and Suffield High School Class of 2023 graduate Mandy Young-Guzman was a selected speaker at the 2025 National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference, held November 19-21 in Orlando, Florida.
Mandy Young-Guzman speaks at the National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference.
The conference was attended by over 7,000 teachers, administrators and other early childhood education professionals from across the country and internationally. Mandy, 19, presented on contemporary understandings of neurodivergence, challenges neurodivergent students face in traditional classrooms and strategies educators can use to better support diverse learners. Her session drew more than 170 attendees and has since received invitations to be shared in several states and in Mexico.
A current student at Hampshire College, Mandy has focused much of her academic work on disability advocacy and education. After identifying a disconnect between existing research and what is commonly practiced in classrooms, she submitted her findings to NAEYC’s annual call for proposals. Her proposal was selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed process.
Crucial messages she shared included challenging a negative, deficit-based view of neurodivergence and that providing choice, sensory-friendly environments, flexible learning and assessment options and validation of student contributions will empower and benefit all learners. Drawing on both academic research and lived experience as a neurodivergent youth, Mandy centered the perspectives of neurodivergent children, who represent a growing percentage of today’s classrooms.
Mandy has credited professors Dr. Torre and Dr. Wenk for their guidance. Those interested in her work may contact her at 860-461-3477.