Local Professional Launches Neurodivergent Coaching Practice and Publishes Inclusion Memoir

Somerville, NJ – After 25+ years in corporate accounting and learning & development, Elyse Robbins has launched a specialized coaching practice serving neurodivergent individuals while publishing her memoir “Beyond the T-Shirt: A Journey from Labels to Liberation.”

The book chronicles Robbins’ transformation from a child told to cover herself at the pool to an advocate creating inclusive spaces. It offers a unique perspective connecting body acceptance and neurodiversity advocacy—two areas Robbins demonstrates are deeply linked through shared experiences of marginalization.

From Corporate to Coaching

Robbins’ corporate background provides a unique foundation for her practice, Empowerment Coaching by Elyse. Her experience in organizational systems, combined with her personal journey, creates a perspective that resonates with both individual clients and corporate diversity initiatives.

“Having worked in traditional corporate environments for decades, I understand how to work within those systems to create change from the inside,” Robbins notes.

Her coaching specializes in helping neurodivergent individuals and families develop self-advocacy skills, navigate workplace challenges, and build systems that honor their unique needs.

Addressing Market Gaps

The timing addresses a critical gap in professional services. Neurodivergent individuals face unemployment rates as high as 80%, despite often possessing valuable skills. Many also struggle with body image issues due to masking and sensory processing differences.

“There’s a huge need for coaches who understand these intersections,” Robbins observes. “Traditional approaches that address these issues separately miss the connections between them.”

Her integrated approach draws on strengths-based coaching, Health at Every Size® principles, and neurodiversity-affirming methodologies.

Professional Applications

“Beyond the T-Shirt” functions as both memoir and practical guide for creating inclusive environments. The book includes a comprehensive reader’s guide, making it valuable for professional development programs and diversity training initiatives.

Robbins offers consultation services to organizations and has developed workshops including:

    •    “Beyond Compliance: Creating Authentically Inclusive Workplaces”

    •    “The Business Case for Embracing Cognitive Diversity”

    •    “From Accommodation to Celebration: Rethinking Workplace Inclusion”

Credentials and Community Impact

As a Somerville resident, Robbins holds an MBA from University of Phoenix and maintains coaching certifications through the International Coach Federation (ICF ACC). She’s an active SHRM member and offers pro bono consultation to local nonprofits and small businesses.

“My goal is to help create workplaces where people don’t have to choose between authenticity and success,” Robbins states. “There’s tremendous business value in inclusion, but more importantly, it’s simply the right thing to do.”

For more information about coaching services or speaking availability, visit empowermentcoachingbyelyse.com or connect via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/elyserobbins. “Beyond the T-Shirt” is available through Amazon.

Contact: empowermentcoachingbyelyse@gmail.com