Our Story
MNeurodivergent Duluth is one of the newest MNeurodivergent communities to form. It formed in October of 2024 with the Regional Event Coordinator, Ashlie Castaldo, and three event organizers: LJ Legarde, Santanna Ficken, and Annika Juenemann. The first event of this community was held on October 24th, 2024.
Current Volunteers
Regional Event Coordintor: Ashlie Castaldo
Ashlie Castaldo is an Autistic community advocate who is born and raised in Duluth, MN. She serves as the MNeurodivergent Regional Director for Duluth and is a committed member of the Board of Directors. Her prior experience includes event hosting. Since beginning her tenure, she has assisted with tabling, met with the community, and brokered important partnerships. Ashlie worked alongside Duluth Cider for their offering, Stardust, to benefit autism support and acceptance, and oversaw the media planning in that initiative. In her spare time, she serves in local politics, enjoys trying out new foods, and going to museums. Her favorite holiday is Halloween.
Event Organizer: Santanna Ficken
Event Organizer: Annika Juenemann
Annika is a pediatric speech language pathologist in Duluth, MN. In addition to passions for advocacy and inclusion, she strives foster supportive networks that empower neurodivergent individuals and their loved ones. In her free time, Annika enjoys being outside, napping, and snacking on sweet treats.
Event Organizer: Adrianna Webb
Adriana is a lover of nature and spending time with people. She works as a researcher for the Environmental Protection Agency in Duluth, MN, but was born and raised in South Carolina. Besides studying and protecting nature at work, she enjoys spending time outdoors exploring hiking trails, Lake Superior beaches, bird watching, and discussing Game of Thrones lore, to name a few hobbies. Adriana also loves insects, and has a varied collection at home, including pet spiders and praying mantis. In her role as Event Organizer, she hopes to foster connections between people, and to explore all of the beautiful places that Duluth has to offer.Find us on social media
