Continuing Education Symposiums

Neurodiversity and Autism: What FCNs Need to Know

Thursday, October 15, 2026

This symposium focuses on the importance of health care providers understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), neurodiversity and their impact on individuals and families. You’ll learn how faith communities can offer support and whole-person care.

This symposium is guided by the FCN Scope and Standards: Standard 8: Advocacy: Champions the voice of the health care consumer; Standard 9: Respectful and Equitable Practice

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of attending this symposium, participants will be able to:

1. Define neurodiversity and the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

2. Identify diagnostic criteria and core features of neurodiversity and ASD

3. Describe the spectrum of ASD, individual differences and the relationships between ASD and other common co-occurring conditions (ADHD, anxiety, depression)

4. Identify the Impact of ASD on different aspects of life.

5. Discuss how faith communities and FCNs can support individuals and families impacted by ASD and neurodiversity.

Speakers

Ambre Michel has been with Fraser for 26 years, beginning her career there as an undergraduate student and continuing after completing her master’s degree at the University of Saint Mary’s of Minnesota. She has extensive experience in early childhood treatment, social skills groups, psychological assessment, and outpatient therapy.

Ambre now works in the Clinical Training Department, where she supports ongoing staff training and facilitates community workshops. She enjoys fostering staff development and creating meaningful, engaging learning opportunities. Ambre is passionate about neurodiversity and dedicated to building environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Outside of work, Ambre enjoys traveling with her husband, gardening, and exploring new restaurants. She also enjoys spending lazy time with her rescue cat Frida.

Jordan Brandt is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Clinical Training Professional at Fraser, where she focuses on staff development and supervisor mentorship. She has been with Fraser since 2013, with experience in early childhood day treatment, psychological assessment, and outpatient therapy, supporting children and families across a range of clinical needs.

Jordan regularly facilitates both internal and external training; she is passionate about developing confident, skilled clinicians and creating practical, relevant learning experiences that support staff growth and high-quality client care, while also providing external training that contribute to ongoing professional development and continuing education.

Originally from South Minneapolis, Jordan now lives in Atlanta with her husband and two-year-old son. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outside with her family, exploring local festivals with friends, and reading on the patio with a good cup of coffee.

Rachel Casper is the director of Children and Family Ministries at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church. Rachel finds joy in working with children and helping them grow in faith. She has spent the last seven years developing programs for EPUMC’s autism ministry, including a sensory friendly worship space, and has organized an adaptive Bible camp that draws families from around the state of Minnesota. Rachel has led the Hopkins schools Special Education Advisory Committee, advising decision makers and advocating for students in the district.

Rachel received the Eden Prairie Human Rights award in 2025 for her work advancing accessibility for children with autism as well as the United Methodist Jeanne Audrey Powers Ecumenism Award for Healing a Broken World. She was also highlighted in Nelson Cowan’s book Let the Children Lead, which discusses intergenerational worship models.

Rachel lives in Hopkins, MN with her husband and three sons. She is first and foremost an autism mom, which is her inspiration to create inclusive spaces for all children.

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Continuing Education Programs