We recently connected with LEANN FIRESTONE and have shared our conversation below.

LEANN, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

I like to call myself a serial-entrepreneur–ever since I realized what a business was, my brain has been finding ways to start them! I have experience in many fields at this point. My idea to start a non-profit–Neurodiverse Network–was one that has started in my mind, and just grew and grew, and now that it’s out of my brain and in the world, and it’s thriving! After discovering at 30 years old that I was autistic, and had been misdiagnosed my whole life, I quickly realized there was no community or support for someone like me. Diving deeper into the systems, and learning more about Neurodiverse Individuals, I also realized there isn’t really a community for us to turn to, and not much support outside of what the underfunded state systems can provide. From my own need for connection and resources, I started connecting with other late diagnosed Autistics online. The online community was a huge help at a critical time, and I realized that, yes, that is what I need to build–but LOCALLY! I need to help people like myself, and caregivers of Neurodiverse Kids, find and connect with each other. We need to share our experiences, and feel accepted and understood, in a safe space. I didn’t know what I was doing, and/or how to start, so I talked to my accountant, hired an online lawyer, and started a corporation! We applied for our tax exemption from the IRS, were quickly approved, and then the idea was put into action! We are working on growing our teams , grant writing and fundraising to open a Local Community Center for Neurodiverse People! We don’t want to stop there—our team has plans to advocate, educate, and collaborate with local businesses to have more neuro-affirming practices, community outreach, private grants, and more! We are still in the growth process and it’s still scary , but I say if it feels right you should take the leap and just go for it !

LEANN, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Like I’ve said carreer wise … I’ve worn many hats… I went to vo-tech when I was in high school, where I learned how to do hair. After graduating, I got my cosmetology license. I still work in the Hair industry part-time–most of my current clients are neurodiverse and I love helping kids that struggle to cope with sensory aversions or fears of haircuts! I earned an associate’s degree in Marketing/Management, and have held positions that specifically utilized that degree, such as bridal services coordinator and social media affiliate. Over the past 12 years, I used my skills and interest to maintain my own Hair Stylist social media page, which then translated well to managing the social media presence for Neurodiverse Network.
I have a huge drive for community. When I had my daughter 6.5 years ago, I had no mom-friends–I had to start from scratch. I had postpartum depression and tons of concerns. So, I found mom communities, started mom groups, facilitated events, and meetings–I unknowingly created this amazing support system which carried me through a difficult time. During the pandemic, our online community thrived, and most of us are still friends today. I want to create that kind of community again–for Neurodiverse People. I want us to have people to turn to–people who understand and support us. I want parents to have a place to connect with each other, and children to have a safe space to just BE THEMSELVES. I love diversity. I think it’s what makes us learn and grow. I want all types of people and brain styles involved in our community–which is sometimes hard for people to understand. Too often, people still want segregation and separation—they want our differences to divide us. I am coming from a place of peace, understanding, and unity. Neurodiverse adults diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, etc. have little to NO support outside of their families or friends (if that!). There is no state or federal system to help us. WE have to help each other.

I live in a world that was built without my needs and my neurotype in mind. I have trouble navigating neurotypical demands and social expectations. My own struggle motivates me to share the resources and tips I’ve learned with other people who are just like me. We’re stronger—and happier—together.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’m currently right “in the thick of it” and currently having my resilience tested—good thing I have a lot of practice! Starting a nonprofit is really challenging. It’s like starting a small business except your business plan shows no profit coming in, so it’s hard to convince people to fund you! I have been applying for grants and sponsorship for 8 months with little to show for it—it’s a real test of stamina. I have 9 board members and 20 volunteers, but we all have lives outside of this, so we work on the non-profit when we can. I’m grateful, but it’s a struggle to build momentum–you need endurance for this kind of work. Since I am not receiving a salary as a director–and likely won’t for another year or so–I still have to make time and allocate energy for my other part time jobs—not to mention being a mother, wife, and friend. I’ve had to explain Neurodiverse Network’s goals and mission–and all the intricate working parts of that–to so many people in order to get their support to help us succeed! It’s exhausting, which—silver lining—is really proving the extent of my grit and determination when passion is driving me. I’m confident I’ll make it through to “the other side” and it will be worth it, not just for me, but for my whole community.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In a way, this whole adventure has been one big pivot! After 12+ years in the Hair industry–something that I love and feel very passionately about–I am slowly transitioning to this new chapter. I don’t know if I’ll ever completely stop being a stylist, but, as it is, I’ve had to cut my schedule down to the bare minimum so that I can work on the non-profit. About a year ago, I had to make some hard choices. I had to think really hard about my priorities and how to manage a major transition without totally sacrificing the wonderful client base that I spent a decade developing. It’s a big jump, but I believe that Neurodiverse Network is my new journey, and hopefully, as our organization grows, more Neurodiverse folks can feel secure in making their own leaps, knowing the Network will be there to catch them!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ndnet.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/_leann_Firestone
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GlambyLeann
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Neurodiverse_Network
• Other: You can link any of the Neurodiverse Network social media or my own !

Image Credits
Juliana bird photography for the pic of me with the brick wall.