Neurodiversity Ambassadors- Who Are We?

By Yujin Ha

Wedged between well-established YMCA volunteer opportunities like Homework Helpers and Saturdays in Motion, the web page for recently formed Neurodiversity Ambassadors sits rather inconspicuously on the Greater Somerset Hills YMCA website. Our goal, however, is anything but: we aim to bring awareness about neurodiversity by providing enriching programs for children.

Founded in 2022 by Nina Park, currently a junior at Ridge High School, one student’s passion rapidly became the flame that sparked worldwide communities to action. Neurodiversity Ambassadors (NDA) now boasts chapters in Basking Ridge and Bridgewater, New Jersey, as well as in California, Minnesota, and South Korea. Led by a group of dedicated student leaders, NDA has already collaborated with local organizations, such as the Greater Somerset Hills YMCA and the Bernards Ensemble, in order to promote awareness and appreciation of neurodiversity.

We are currently working alongside the YMCA as we host “Rhythm, Music, and You,” a music education program for neurodiverse children. Each week, we center our lessons around a genre of music and focus on teaching a specific musical skill to participants. Engaging and fun for both the children and the volunteers, our program offers a hands-on experience with music that brings joy to all.

NDA’s core mission is to bring awareness of neurodiversity to a vast array of communities where the efforts of every individual matters.

Interested in joining? Contact Nina Park at neurodiversity.ambassadors@gmail.com or @neurodiversity_ambassadors.