Unveiling the Realities of Neurodivergence with Tabitha Kucera

Welcome back to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate. In this episode, I talk with Tabitha Kucera, an elite Fear Free and low-stress handling certified registered veterinary technician, veterinary technician specialist in behavior, certified cat behavior consultant, and a Karen Pryor Academy certified training partner. As the founder of Chirps and Chatter and an animal behavior technician at the Gentle Vet in Ohio, Tabitha brings a wealth of experience to our discussion.

Together, we unpack:

- Tabitha's background, from growing up in East Cleveland surrounded by stray animals to becoming a leader in veterinary behavior.

- The complexities and challenges neurodivergent individuals face in the veterinary field.

- The importance of understanding clients' backgrounds and contexts to improve compliance and animal care.

- How Tabitha's journey through different roles in vet med has helped her develop a unique approach to behavior consulting and organizational consulting with shelters and clinics.

- The impact of language and labels in shaping our understanding of neurodivergence and why Tabitha prefers not to use the term neurodivergent.

- The role of music and nature as therapeutic tools for managing mental health and maintaining balance.

- Practical tips for embracing one's neurodivergence, finding personal fulfillment, and navigating the highs and lows of both the veterinary profession and life.

Tabitha leaves us with the reminder that most people are good, and it's essential to find what works for you individually, leaning into your unique strengths and experiences.

Welcome back to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate and in this episode, I talk with Debra Hamilton of Hamilton Law and Mediation. Debra Hamilton is an attorney, mediator, and conflict consultant with specialized expertise in animal-related disputes. Her unique professional background combines legal expertise in animal law matters, advanced mediation, and conflict resolution skills, with a deep understanding of the human-animal bond.

Together, we unpack:

• Debra's journey: How her neurodivergence influenced her shift from litigation to mediation and her niche in animal-related conflicts.
• Challenges in learning: The strategies Debra used to navigate her educational and professional life, including her discovery of the limitations of traditional litigation for her neurodivergent needs.
• Mediation vs. Litigation: Why mediation serves both Deb and her clients better, focusing on collaboration and understanding rather than adversarial approaches.
• Human-animal bond: How animals play a crucial role in Debra's life and work, providing grounding and perspective.
• Communication tools: The importance of curious questions and non-verbal cues in mediation, particularly in high-emotion situations.
• The impact of conflict: The importance of understanding and mitigating the stress on animals and their owners during disputes.
• Personal stories and pivotal moments: Debra shares memorable cases and personal experiences that shaped her career and approach to conflict resolution.

Debra leaves us with one truth she wishes people understood: “I am thoughtful in my responses and passionate about my work. If my response isn’t what you anticipated, ask me a curious question. It helps me explain better and serve you more effectively.”

Welcome back to Left Unattended, the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. I’m your host, Ron Sosa, neuroinclusive leadership coach and advocate, and today I’m joined by Dr. Alex Harrison.

Alex is a profoundly deaf veterinarian, consultant, and founder of an equity-focused consultancy dedicated to building veterinary workplaces where everyone belongs. He is the 2025 Australian Veterinary Association President’s Award recipient, recognized for shifting the Overton window of what the profession sees as possible in equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Together, we dive into:

• Alex’s journey as Australia’s first profoundly deaf veterinary graduate and what it meant to practice without disability representation or support 25 years ago.
• How burnout and cognitive load impact marginalized professionals, especially when masking or “passing” becomes a full-time job.
• Why intersectionality matters and how collaboration across disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and queer identity creates stronger advocacy.
• The power and danger of the hidden curriculum in veterinary training and workplaces, and why unlearning outdated norms is essential for retention.
• How strengths-based design outperforms deficit-based thinking and outdated expectations of “omnicompetent clinicians.”
• The need for systems-level change instead of individualized “self-care fixes,” especially when mental health struggles stem from structural issues.
• Why diagnosis delays, especially for neurodivergent women, are reshaping the mental health narrative in the profession.
• How curiosity, cultural humility, and repair can transform leadership and create psychologically safe veterinary teams.

Alex leaves us with one truth he wants the world to understand: We cannot solve these challenges in silos. Unlearning, humility, and cross-pollination across identities and across countries are how we move the profession forward.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-harrison-263b69107/
• Equity consulting: www.vetquity.com.au

If this conversation resonated with you, let’s go deeper together:

• Join the Left Unattended Newsletter: weekly insights on neuroinclusive leadership and thriving as your full self → https://www.syn-apt.me/newsletter
• Work with Me 1:1 or in Groups: learn more about coaching → coaching.syn-apt.me
• Connect with Me on LinkedIn: join the conversation on neuroinclusive leadership → www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-sosa-cvpm-ccfp-pgd-cld-53453797