our founder
"A strong workforce ramp includes employee skills plus supervisor coaching, because employee training alone cannot fix
a workplace that is not prepared."
Sonia Marshall- Brown
- Sonia Marshall-Brown is the Founder and Executive Director of It Takes a Village to Educate a Child (TAVTEC), a nonprofit organization. With 35 years of combined experience in business and general and special education, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s degree in Special Education and General Education, with dual certifications. Sonia is a passionate advocate for individuals with Autism, ADHD, mental health, and other neurodivergent diagnoses. In 30 to 90 days, we create a success ramp that trains participants and coaches supervisors for retention and lasting results because it does not make sense to prepare employees without equipping the supervisors who lead them. Many neurodivergent people do not disclose their condition at work due to fear of stigma, which means supervisors must be prepared to support all employees, not just the ones who self identify. Gallup reports 37 percent of employed neurodiverse individuals choose not to share their condition with coworkers due to fear of stigma from peers and leaders. In our recent training, 83.3 % of attendees reported improved mindset and interview readiness skills. We promote a stigma free environment where employees and employers are equipped with practical tools to thrive in a neuro inclusive workforce.
- This work is personal. Close family members are differently wired and have faced real challenges in life and the workplace. Over time, TAVTEC has expanded from K to 12 to higher education and now supports entry level Gen Z and early career participants, while keeping mindset, social emotional well being, and outcomes at the center.