Creating A Pathway for Extraordinary Success (CAPES)


People with disability or mental health diagnoses, including ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent traits, possess unique qualifications.

As a life coach, mentor, consultant and advocate, I empower unique individuals and their advocates by unlocking exceptional potential to change the world with outstanding contributions.

Whether harnessing the power of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), requesting reasonable accommodations, or learning new skills, my focus is promoting accessibility to help those with diagnoses.

I draw inspiration from personal experience, thriving with multiple diagnoses. My goal is to shift the narrative, transforming perceived limitations into vast opportunities.

Join me in creating a future where unique brains and abilities are affirmed, cherished and equipped to realize their extraordinary potential.

LEARN MORE!

Coach & Mentor

Unleash Power

Discover the Benefits of Your Diagnosis


Have you ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or disheartened after receiving a disability or mental health diagnosis?

If you wish to transition from feelings of fear, negativity, or doubt (catabolic energy) to a space of acceptance, compassion, peace, and joy (anabolic energy), I'm here to guide you through that transformation.

Together, let's embark on a journey where we can:
  • Collaborate to assess your unique abilities and superpowers.
  • Cultivate a growth mindset that unveils limitless opportunities.
  • Thrive in a world not explicitly designed for your needs.
  • Achieve cumulative results supporting your success, access, and sense of belonging.
My program incorporates Core Energy Coaching™ to systematically eliminate obstacles, providing you with a step-by-step plan to realize your dreams!

Unleash Your Power Today!

Realize Potential

Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Anxiety, Dyslexia


If you or a loved one carries any of these diagnoses, I'm here to offer assistance in navigating and overcoming challenges.

The world may not be inherently accommodating to neurodivergent brains, and our diagnoses might be misunderstood or unsupported. But remember, we are not less; we are unique!

Each diagnosis comes with exceptional qualities:
  • On the Autism Spectrum? You excel in logical, systematic, detail-oriented tasks & thinking.
  • ADHD diagnosis? Your strengths are high creativity, hyper focus & intense concentration in areas of interest.
  • Anxiety? It's a survival instinct, aiding you in responding to immediate threats by preparing the body for action.
  • Have Dyslexia? Join the world's greatest entrepreneurs who have out-of-the-box thinking.
Let's work together to enhance success, access, and belonging by challenging limiting social constructs!

Realize Full Potential Now!

Positive Change

Coaching for Caregivers


If someone you care about has a mental health/disability diagnosis, it's common to experience a spectrum of emotions, from shock and denial to anger and frustration.

Often, individuals grapple with negative, catabolic energy that can block progress.

My coaching approach is geared towards facilitating a transformative shift from catabolic to anabolic energy, fostering acceptance, compassion, peace, and joy. Embracing anabolic energy opens up a broader perspective on life and enables the discovery of solutions to overcome obstacles.

Let's collaborate to unveil your path to positive change!

Experience Positive Change!

Group Coaching

Nurturing Inclusive Differently Abled Communities


I am committed to constructing a supportive community for those facing similar challenges, where we collectively celebrate victories.

In group coaching, we nurture a growth mindset, believing in boundless potential through shared learning.

Starting in May:
  • Individuals with Mental Health/Disability Diagnoses
  • Caregivers of Individuals with Diagnoses
  • Spouses/Partners of Individuals with Diagnoses
  • Identifying & Interrupting All Forms of Bullying
Join us on this enriching journey!

Find Your Peeps!

Core Energy Coaching™ for Everyone

Understanding and Harnessing Your Energetic Potential


Anyone can unlock their full potential, passions and purpose to live a life of fulfillment and joy - with or without medical diagnoses!

Core Energy Coaching™ is a unique personal development approach that helps you understand and manage your energy levels. By becoming more aware of your energy, you can make more conscious choices and create more positive outcomes in your life.

Core Energy Coaching™ is especially effective at helping you:
  • Break free from limiting beliefs and self-imposed obstacles.
  • Develop unshakable confidence and self-esteem.
  • Unleash your creativity and innovation.
  • Build stronger relationships and communication skills.
  • Create a balanced and harmonious life.
Envision your best life with Core Energy Coaching™!

Discover Your Energy Today!


Speaker & Consultant


My content can be customized to address specific topics relevant to your audience. I am flexible and dedicated to providing valuable insights and support.

Building Your Accessibility Program

10-step Process

Topics include:
  1. Accessibility Introduction - What is accessibility?
  2. Identifying Needs - Recognizing areas for improvement.
  3. Setting Goals - Establishing accessibility objectives.
  4. Understanding Laws - Requirements & guidelines.
  5. Creating Awareness - Importance of making spaces & platforms usable for all.
  6. Building Partnerships - Collaborating with stakeholders to garner support.
  7. Implementing Changes - Practical steps for improving environments & platforms.
  8. Training & Education - Resources for increasing accessibility awareness & skills.
  9. Evaluating Progress - Assessing the effectiveness of efforts & making adjustments.
  10. Celebrating Success - Recognizing achievements & maintaining momentum.
  11. Q&A Session: Answering questions & concerns.

Creating an Accessible Digital Presence

Top 10 Checklist

Topics include:
  1. Keyboard Navigation: Are all areas of the document/website accessible via keyboard?
  2. Headings: Are the headings appropriately tagged?
  3. Hyperlinks: Do all hyperlinks provide meaningful information?
  4. Alt text: Are all images accompanied by alternative text?
  5. Lists: Are lists utilized correctly for readability?
  6. Color Usage: Is color used solely for conveying information?
  7. Contrast: Are all text/background combinations high contrast?
  8. Alignment: Are all paragraphs left justified for consistency?
  9. Capitalization: Are there no more than 3-4 all capitalized words in a row?
  10. Subtitles: Are closed captions/subtitles provided for audio content?
  11. Q&A Session: Answering questions & concerns.

Got the Diagnosis; Now What?

Tailored talk/consultation about Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Dyslexia, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression

Topics include:
  • Understanding the Diagnosis: Learning about specific conditions.
  • Benefits of Early Diagnosis: Exploring targeted support & therapies.
  • Advocacy & Resources: Creating support systems.
  • Effective Communication: Strengthening relationships.
  • Coping Mechanisms: Managing stress & maintaining well-being.
  • Education & Development: Promoting learning & growth opportunities.
  • Building Resilience: Developing strength & adaptability.
  • Q&A Session: Answering questions & concerns.

Preparing for Birthdays & Holidays

Autism Spectrum, ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety

Topics include:
  • Plan Ahead: Establish a schedule & inform guests.
  • Clear Communication: Simple written/verbal guides.
  • Routine & Predictability: Maintain routines as possible.
  • Accommodations: Provide sensory flexibility.
  • Empathy & Understanding: Acknowledge & validate without judgment.
  • Supportive Environment: Foster acceptance, social interaction & connection.
  • Education & Awareness: Educate others about needs & challenges.
  • Professional Support: Seek guidance from healthcare professionals & specialists.
  • Q&A Session: Answering questions & concerns.

Educating Family & Friends About Diagnoses

Customizable for most mental health & disabilities

Topics include:
  • Understand First: Research the diagnosis.
  • Choose the Right Time: Calm, private setting for the conversation.
  • Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon; explain in clear terms.
  • Share Personal Experiences: If comfortable, encourage questions to create an open dialogue.
  • Discuss Treatment Options: Talk about treatments & management.
  • Set Boundaries: Only share what's comfortable.
  • Offer Resources: Provide books, websites, etc.
  • Express Gratitude: Thank them for their support and willingness to learn.
  • Q&A Session: Answering questions & concerns.

Reducing Bullying

of Students with Mental Health & Disability Diagnoses

Topics include:
  • Educate & Train: All stakeholders.
  • Positive Environment: Promote diversity & respect.
  • Foster Inclusivity: Organize accessible events.
  • Early Intervention: Promptly identify & address incidents.
  • Safe Spaces: Support & refuge areas for students.
  • Peer Support: Provide students with peer mentors.
  • Family Involvement: Engage families in prevention.
  • Empowerment Workshops: Train students to address bullying.
  • Community Partnerships: Partner to expand support.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Regularly assess program effectiveness.
  • Q&A Session: Answering questions & concerns.

About

I've been there!

Growing up with dyslexia, anxiety, depression, PTSD and a speech impediment...


Wendelin Dunlap
Navigating the challenges of neurodivergence is a personal journey, one I am intimately familiar with. I faced difficulties, including doubters.

My guidance counselor questioned whether I could succeed at Carnegie Mellon University due to my dyslexia. Despite the doubts, I graduated with honors and earned Master's degrees with honors from Arizona State and Western Washington Universities!

As a life coach, mentor and consultant specializing in ADHD, autism, and various neurodivergent conditions, my goal is to empower individuals facing similar challenges. My approach is different from traditional mental health therapy; although I can work in tandem with a therapist, I merge life coaching and disability help to help mental health.

My experience extends beyond my own journey. I partnered with my daughter to navigate significant issues outlined in her Individualized Education Program (IEP). Diagnosed with "Profound Autism" at age two and later diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, PDD-NOS, and scoliosis. She was mute until age 4, struggled with motor skills, faced food aversions/sleep issues and even posed a danger to herself and others in Kindergarten. After being expelled in 2nd grade, she attended a special education school until reintegration in 7th grade. Defying the odds, she used her unique superpowers to graduate as a valedictorian and is pursuing a Communications major with a Voice minor in college.

I've walked a similar path and am here to help you navigate it. Your journey doesn't have to be solitary.

Together, we can remove blocks, overcome obstacles and reach new heights!

~ Wendelin Dunlap, MSD M.Ed. CDE CPC

Credentials

Certificates & Memberships

Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) International Coaching Federation Professional Coaches (ICF) Member Badge
Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC) Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®

Diplomas

Carnegie Mellon University - Bachelor of Fine Art in Industrial & Graphic Design
Arizona State University - Master of Science in Design, Human Cognition, Behavior & Learning Styles: Thesis
Western Washington University - Master of Education - Eco-Social Justice & Curriculum Design: Degree Project

I Believe

Individuals with Mental Health/Disability Diagnoses -
including ADHD & neurodivergent traits like autism...

  • Have an exceptional purpose that may need to be fully understood.
  • Don't require "fixing" and will thrive using new skills and tools, including disability help
  • Deserve to celebrate their unique talents and abilities.

Medical diagnoses are...

  • Not predictors of success; they inform but don't limit dreams.
  • Tools and reference points for understanding similarities.
  • A part, not the whole, of one's identity.
  • Useful for government support and accommodations, ensuring accessibility.

Requesting reasonable accommodations...

  • Doesn't imply weakness or neediness.
  • Levels the playing field in an unbalanced world.
  • Equips all for success, including a special education school if required.
  • Reveals built environment weaknesses.
  • Encourages fairness and inclusiveness.

My role as a life coach is...

  • Not to alter essence or personal identity.
  • To partner in realizing unique abilities and goals through disability help and partnering with mental health therapy as needed.
  • To help achieve success, access, and belonging.
  • To foster a growth mindset where possibilities are boundless.
Everyone, regardless of their path, has a unique purpose - so individual results will vary!

LEARN MORE!