Bridging Technology Expertise and Neurodivergence Strategies for Success

Empowering students, educators, and professionals to unlock their potential through purpose-driven strategies, lived experience, and innovation.

Information Technology

Education, Coaching & Mentorship

Cybersecurity, Software Development, Network Engineering, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Database Administration, Web Development, Technical Support

Adult Dx ADHD

Diagnosed at 56

I always knew I was different; I liked being different - I will provide you with Strategies and My Lived Experiences.

Workshops

Information Technology & ADHD

Video Series, Speaking Engagements, Collaborations

Welcome to a Different Way of Thriving

I’m Dr. Nichelle Dionne—professor, technologist, nonprofit founder, and advocate for neurodivergent success.

From teenage motherhood to military service, from writing code to teaching the next generation, my journey has always been about one thing: proving that difference is strength.

Here, you’ll find strategies, stories, and resources designed to empower those who dare to be different—and those who support them.

Speaking: Sharing Knowledge, Experience, and Empowerment

As a technologist, professor, and nonprofit founder, I bring real-world insight and lived experience to the stage. I speak about the intersections of technology, education, and personal resilience—helping audiences reimagine what success looks like when we embrace difference.

My educational philosophy harmonizes my two core passions: Information Technology and the art of teaching. These two loves have fueled my journey as an educator, inspiring my commitment to imparting knowledge effectively.

I believe that every individual possesses the capacity to learn, and it falls upon me to uncover the most effective means of engaging each student in the learning process.

This is because that “Individual” is me.

At an early age, I seek to find my learning combination.

Tech Your Way Forward: How to Start in the IT Industry

Learn Practical ADHD Strategies for Success from My Ah-ha Moments

Thriving On Your Own Terms

Originally developed in 2001 as part of my Master’s Degree final project in Training and Development, Dare To Be Different: A Different Type of Peer Pressure is a framework for resilience, self-leadership, and long-term success. It draws from both formal educational research and real-life experience as a single mother navigating college, military service, full-time work, and raising a son.

Before I ever knew about my own ADHD, I instinctively created strategies to support focus, independence, and growth—strategies that later proved essential for thriving as a neurodivergent adult. Today, Dare to Be Different™ blends practical, lived lessons with academic grounding, offering a unique, tested approach to personal empowerment.

If this sounds like the support you’ve been searching for, join the Dare to Be Different™ waitlist today and be the first to receive workshop updates.

Workshop is Coming Soon - Dare To Be Different

This program is for

Students learning how to build independence and resilience
Parents guiding their children through complex educational journeys
Educators seeking tools to empower non-traditional learners
Professionals crafting success beyond external expectations

Core Focus Areas Include

Resilience and Growth Mindset
Creating Empowering Routines and Habits
Time Management, Focus, and Flexibility
Self-Advocacy and Building Your Own Standards of Success
Celebrating Unique Strengths

What are they saying?

Before this class, I struggled with Excel and almost dropped a previous course due to frustration and time demands, even with tutoring. However, in this class, Dr. Manuel’s clear instructions and weekly lectures made everything much easier. I didn’t need tutoring at all because she was always ahead of our needs and responsive to questions. Thanks to her, I learned a lot, including Access and Visio, for the first time.

You are the most engaged professor I have had and it has helped with my learning of databases tremendously!

Straight up, I scheduled this class by itself in my program because I expected it to be very difficult, like the rest of the tech-focused classes I’ve taken. I didn’t expect to learn much and assumed I’d be left to figure everything out on my own without fully understanding what was happening. However, after the first week, everything changed. I’ve never really had a professor who teaches how and why things work. Most just tell me what to do and move on, regardless of whether I personally understand it or not. Having a professor who explains concepts clearly and engages in meaningful discussions made the biggest difference for me. This was a great class, and you reignited my interest in technology.

I absolutely loved this class. Not only was it filled with useful knowledge that I could apply in real-life situations, but it was also genuinely fun. The camaraderie among us was incredible—we laughed and learned together. I’ve never looked forward to a weekly class meeting as much as I did with this one. I’m especially excited to learn more about SQL, as it’s the tool we use at my workplace to manage our many databases.

Even though I wasn’t able to attend any of the live online sessions, I could still watch the recorded videos and complete my assignments with very few issues. Dr. Nichelle consistently checked in with me to ensure my questions were answered, despite my busy schedule. Overall – an amazing class and an excellent professor!

Dr. Nichelle Manuel, I truly appreciate everything you did to help me get started, from advising me on which laptop to purchase to assisting with loading the necessary programs. I genuinely enjoyed and learned so much in this class. You’ve gone above and beyond what I could have ever asked for, and your kind heart and willingness to help others mean so much. We need more people like you in this crazy world. Thank you for making my experience of returning to school so welcoming and positive.

This is my first term, and for the most part, it’s been a great start. However, I had a HUGE hiccup with one of my assignments, and that’s when Dr. Nichelle Manuel came to the rescue and saved my night. I had spent three hours trying to solve the issue, but technical support wasn’t much help. Dr. Manuel assured me that once I got home, she would do her best to assist—and she did exactly that. She stayed with me to work through the problem, even though it was nearly 10 PM. She went out of her way to help, showing the kind of dedication that every student deserves. Dr. Nichelle Manuel is a caring, determined professor who genuinely wants her students to succeed. Thank you so much, Dr. Nichelle, for your incredible dedication!

Thank you for providing constructive feedback on my individual activities, which has helped me continue to grow and develop. I also appreciate the kindness and respect you’ve shown me throughout the course. I can confidently say that you are one of the best professors I’ve ever had.

Professor, I watched the video, and you are such a light! I love how you laugh at your own jokes and how excited you get over the little things. It’s so refreshing and important to have fun, and your positivity is truly contagious. I really enjoyed the lecture videos!

Dr. Nichelle has shown herself to be an outstanding instructor. Her approach to teaching is not only inspirational but multi-faceted. Understanding that students learn differently, Dr. Nichelle constantly evolves her courses in order to meet the needs of her students and to capitalize their learning. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are both truly progressive. She's constantly moving forward. She has the best advice and holds each student she comes across accountable for their work. I am proud to have her as a mentor.

Dr. Nichelle possesses an exceptional ability to connect with IT students in her classrooms. She manages to keep control in the classroom and presents both simple and complex concepts to all levels of students. Nichelle is a well-liked teacher with an understanding of what it takes to motivate IT students.

Dr. Nichelle was my instructor for several classes, including Database, SQL, and Technical Writing. Her instruction was instrumental in my professional development, helping me advance as both a Data Analyst and Technical Writer. Dr. Nichelle not only provided excellent instruction within the classroom but also went above and beyond by assisting me with advanced-level database tasks required in my professional role. Additionally, her Technical Writing class elevated my documentation skills to the next level, significantly enhancing my techniques. Dr. Nichelle is one of the most talented, intelligent, and generous individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing.

Dr. Nichelle was one of the most IT competent instructors I have ever had. Her knowledge of industry standards and practices was shown in each lecture and assignment. Her instruction and guidance help shape my mind for what to expect on my career path. Dr. Nichelle teaches with love for the industry and her students.

Quick Strategies (Remember I was doing this before my dx) - Connecting the dots

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