About me
Multiply neurodivergent (ADHDer and autistic), student at heart and a math and tech geek, with more than 16 years of experience as an academic, educator, mentor, and curriculum developer at both university and school level.
I am from Puerto Rico, born and raised (Boricua de pura cepa) and this is where Harmonic Divergence is based. After living in the diaspora for more than 8 years, I decided to come back. My dream was always to raise my family here and to find a way of doing more for my community.
It’s been more than 7 years since I came back and I’ve been able to support my community in a variety of ways; as an educator, advocate, parent, mentor/coach. I’ve experienced firsthand a dire need for education around neurodiversity in Puerto Rico and beyond. I’ve seen how neurodivergent individuals struggle as a consequence of living in a society that still has lots to learn about how to accommodate, embrace and support neurodivergence.
Because of this, I said, ‘enough is enough’, it was time for me to do something concrete to generate a positive change. It was time for me to use my experience as an educator, neurodivergent person, and parent of neurodivergent kids to help build a neuroinclusive society. This is why Harmonic Divergence was created.
My journey started as an undiagnosed neurodivergent child, navigating school, career, and parenthood. Not understanding my own brain, and lacking the support, it was tough to navigate a neurotypical world. I learned (and I am still learning) how to build systems around my unique brain wiring.
As we move through the different stages of life, our responsibilities, goals and priorities shift, strategies that worked as a student might not work when you start a career or start a family. I struggled with this first hand when I realized that the systems I had in place that helped me succeed as a student were not the ones as a parent of neurodivergent children or in my career. This is why I’ve continued to learn and modify my toolbox to match the current needs and goals and I would like to help you do the same.
Anita Ponte, PhD (they/them)
ADDCA Associate Certified Coach (AACC)
My services
Individual Coaching Sessions
$25
One-on-one support tailored to neurodivergent clients, focusing on personal growth, goal-setting, and navigating challenges at work or in daily life.
Workplace Inclusion Consulting
$25
Guidance for organizations on how to create more inclusive environments, including communication strategies, sensory-friendly practices, and neurodiversity training.
More about myself
Where are you based?
I am based in Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised—although I lived in the USA for about 8 years.
Tell us a little bit about your background in education.
I have more than sixteen years of experience as an educator. I have a PhD in mathematics, which allowed me to develop and teach mathematics and computer science courses at the university as well as middle and high school level. For the past eight plus years, I’ve been a middle and high school educator, and was in charge of founding and developing the Innovation Sciences Department at my previous school.
I am also a Neuroinclusive Coach and Consultant, which means I support and coach neurodivergent (ADHD, autistic, dyslexic, etc.) kids, adults, and their support systems, and I offer workshops to schools and organizations.
What most drew you to the role of Neuroinclusive coach?
It is something unique and innovative. The structure, curriculum, culture, values, and approach are exactly what education should be all about. I have a lot of space to learn, to grow and to pursue my passions, and learn in a fun and engaging way.
Can you tell us more about your philosophy in supporting neurodivergent learners?
Besides the fact that I am neurodivergent (ADHDer and Autistic), throughout my years as an educator, I’ve seen how neurodivergent individuals struggle due to living in a society that still has much to learn about accommodating, embracing, and supporting them. I’ve also seen when we approach people by focusing on their strengths and leaning into their passions and interests, we can impact them in a positive way.
If you could pick one skill that all kids should master to prepare for the world of the future, what would it be and why?
Self-advocacy: when we are able to understand ourselves, our rights, and our needs, and we are able to communicate that understanding, we set ourselves up for success. To me, it’s the most important social and communication skill, and it also teaches us to understand others’ needs as well.
What do you like to learn about, or what is something new you learned recently?
I love to learn new things, I am an eternal student. I am constantly finding new things to learn in different areas, from art to computer science and technology, to medicine, like neuroscience. Recently, I’ve been tinkering with digital 3D sculpting with an app called Nomad Sculpt, and I would love to take those designs and transform them into real-life 3D-printed figurines.
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