THE MENTORING TEAM
Walking With You On Your Journey…
A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDERS
As founders of NeuroDev, we understand the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent young adults and their families. Traditional education and support systems often fall short, leaving students feeling misunderstood, isolated, and unprepared for adulthood.
We’ve seen neurodivergent individuals placed in mental health treatments that focus solely on mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression without addressing the root of their challenges or their underlying developmental needs. While therapy can be beneficial, it’s not always enough. Neurodivergent young adults need real-world opportunities with support to practice and develop essential life skills and achieve lasting success.
That’s why we created NeuroDev – a place where neurodivergent young adults can discover their strengths, build essential life skills, and create more fulfilling, independent lives. Our unique approach combines personalized mentoring, a supportive community, and a focus on practical skills to enable students to thrive. We’ve witnessed incredible transformations in our students, from high school dropouts becoming college graduates to struggling individuals finding fulfilling careers. We believe that every neurodivergent young adult deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we’re committed to walking alongside them on their journey.
Administrators
JASON GRYGLA
Founder, Partner, Executive Director, St. George Campus
JASON GRYGLA
Founder, Partner, Executive Director, St. George Campus
Jason Grygla, MA, LCMHC, is the Executive Director and Founding Partner of NeuroDev. With over 20 years of experience as a therapist and Clinical Director, Jason’s expertise is complemented by his personal journey raising neurodivergent young adults.
Driven by a passion for fostering sustainable growth, Jason and his wife Debbie pioneered Neuro-Developmental Mentoring™️ (NDM), NeuroDev’s core approach. NDM teaches attunement to stress levels, meeting our young people where they are at developmentally, and connecting in collaborative ways with practical strategies to support well-being and overall development.
Jason works directly with parents and students, ensuring their success at NeuroDev. He is deeply committed to the development of the NeuroDev program, its staff, and the students he serves.
Together with his wife, Debbie, Jason co-hosts the popular podcast “Autism & Neurodiversity.” Through over 100 episodes, they share expert interviews, personal experiences, and practical advice to support neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Jason’s diverse background includes roles as a juvenile probation officer, Scout Master, and professional clown. He enjoys connecting with others through teaching, outdoor activities, and sharing his passion for rocks and minerals.
CAM SHERMAN
Executive Director, Co-Founding Partner, Raleigh Campus
CAM SHERMAN
Executive Director, Co-Founding Partner, Raleigh Campus
Cam Sherman, MA, ACMHC, is the Executive Director and Founding Partner of NeuroDev Raleigh. He works directly with parents, mentors, and students to help students live intentional, satisfactory lives.
Cam is passionate about progress. His fascination with human potential transformed his interest in psychology into a dedication to human development. He graduated with a degree in psychology, a master’s in counseling, and is pursuing a PhD in developmental psychology.
As a clinician and mentor, Cam champions a comprehensive approach that blends the benefits of a sound clinical understanding with the experiential growth of a developmental perspective. He fosters strong connections with students, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable independence, strong social connections, and valuable skills.
Cam thrives on connecting with his team. He credits his own development to mentors and finds deep satisfaction in witnessing the growth of those he works with.
Outside of work, Cam cherishes time with his wife and five children (2-10), and enjoys cycling as a way to unwind. He’s new to North Carolina and is still getting used to all the beautiful trees.
ERIC PEDERSEN
Tech Advisor & Co-Founding Partner
ERIC PEDERSEN
Tech Advisor & Co-Founding Partner
Dr. Eric Pedersen is the Tech Adviser, Co-founder, and Partner who mentors NeuroDev students who are ready for an internship or job placement in a tech related field.
Eric believes companies benefit from hiring diverse thinkers. He understands that neurodivergent young adults with the right support and mentoring can be successful.
Eric has served as a faculty member in the Computer and Information Technology Department at Utah Tech University since 1989. At the present time, he is the Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. He also teaches web development and tech entrepreneurship at Utah Tech.
In addition to his academic career, Eric is a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded several companies. He is also on the board of directors for many tech startups locally.
Eric directed the research team that developed and brought online the first website in Utah in 1993. He founded Infowest in 1994 and founded or assisted in the creation of other computer and technology companies, including Voddov.com, AreaTravelinc.com, SouthernUtah.com, ChampionFitnessUSA.com, and others.
Eric holds a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from Utah State University.
He enjoys basketball, soccer, swimming, canyoneering, tennis, computers, technology, hiking, traveling, and reading in his free time.
DEBBIE GRYGLA
Admissions & Marketing Director
DEBBIE GRYGLA
Admissions & Marketing Director
Debbie Grygla is the Admissions and Marketing Director at NeuroDev. She works with educational consultants, parents, and students to determine if NeuroDev is the right fit for their needs.
As a parent of neurodivergent children, Debbie understands the importance of finding the right support. She has successfully guided her own foster/adopted children, including her son Lee (one of NeuroDev’s first students), to independent adulthood.
Debbie is a Certified Life and Parent Coach. Along with her husband, Jason Grygla, MA, LCMHC (NeuroDev’s Founder and Executive Director), she developed Neuro-Developmental Mentoring (NDM). This core approach teaches attunement to stress levels, meeting our young people where they are at developmentally, and connecting in collaborative ways with practical strategies to support well-being and overall development.
Debbie teaches a weekly life skills class at NeuroDev and runs NDM Circle, an online membership platform offering live workshops, parent coaching, educational resources, and a supportive community. She is also the producer and co-host of the popular podcast, “Autism & Neurodiversity with Jason & Debbie,” featuring over 100 episodes of expert interviews, personal experiences, and practical advice.
A mom of 5 children (ages 12-32), Debbie keeps busy as a high school mountain bike team coach, dance mom and avid personal development podcast listener. She has lived in California, Arizona, and currently resides in the St. George, Utah area.
KINLEY LEAVITT
Admissions Coordinator, St. George Campus
KINLEY LEAVITT
Admissions Coordinator, St. George Campus
Kinley Leavitt is the Admissions Coordinator and works directly with NeuroDev students and parents. Her main focus is helping students transition to life at NeuroDev while being a support to parents along the way.
She believes that mentoring is always the answer. Walking with students on their path bridges the gap between where students are now and who they hope to become in the future. Through a mentoring relationship, she hopes to give her students access to valuable insights, guidance, and genuine connections.
Kinley graduated from Utah Tech University (UT) with a bachelor’s in Exercise Science. While at UT she was extensively involved on campus as an Ambassador and also served in the program’s presidency. Her favorite part of college life was dancing on the UT Blaze dance team and cheering on the Trailblazers.
Kinley is from the small town of Monroe, Utah, and loves all things outdoors: hiking, riding horses, and camping. Her main passion is dance and she spends most of her free time coaching at a local high school.
MANDY JORGENSEN
Student Development Coordinator, Raleigh Campus
MANDY JORGENSEN
Student Development Coordinator, Raleigh Campus
Mandy Jorgensen, M.Ed., RYT, is the Student Development Coordinator in Raleigh. She supports students, parents and mentors in all aspects of life at NeuroDev.
As the mom of two neurodivergent young adults, Mandy knows first hand the challenges and joys of neurodivergent parenting. She understands the unique ups and downs, including the experience of having a child out-of-state for specialized support. She loves using her life experiences to connect with students and parents as they navigate this challenging journey.
Mandy’s interest in development led to a premedical undergraduate degree followed by a master’s degree in education and years of teaching both neurotypical and neurodivergent students. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT) and has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years.
Mandy lives in Raleigh after moving south from Minnesota years ago. She enjoys trying out new recipes and exploring Raleigh’s greenways and trails with her husband, Ben, and cockapoo, Louie. She and her family love hiking and plan vacations around exploring beautiful landscapes.
Raleigh Campus
ETHAN MINNICH
Tech Coach and Mentor
ETHAN MINNICH
Tech Coach and Mentor
Ethan Minnich is a Tech Coach and Peer Mentor who works with students to teach game design principles, Unreal Engine, and coding. Ethan believes in the power of interactive education to make complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Ethan has worked as a Lead Instructor at iD Tech Camps, teaching coding and game design, and has also taught the children of Amazon employees at Amazon headquarters. He is an experienced game designer and instructor, passionate about creating educational games based on historical conflicts.
Ethan holds a double major in Simulation and Game Design (SGD) and History from William Peace University in Raleigh. In his free time, he enjoys developing games and going to the gym.
ANDREW PECK
Mentor
ANDREW PECK
Mentor
Andrew Peck is a mentor who works with NeuroDev students to improve their abilities in critical thinking, technology, and life skills.
He believes it is important for students to find themselves in order to gain the motivation to pursue greater avenues. Andrew is passionate about sharing experiences with students to aid in the journey to success.
Andrew secured his Bachelors of Art with a focus in Simulation and Game Design. He achieved a summa cum laude status at William Peace University in Raleigh and assisted numerous students throughout his academic journey. With his technical expertise, he plans to use his knowledge to assist students to be ahead of new technologies and practices.
Andrew grew up in Willow Spring, North Carolina and enjoys playing videogames with his friends in his freetime. If you don’t see him online playing Minecraft, then he’s most likely climbing at Triangle Rock Club trying to scale the hardest walls.
BEN GONZALES
Mentor
BEN GONZALES
Mentor
Ben is a mentor who works with students to learn how to be independent and develop life skills. As an older brother to a person with autism, Ben knows that most similar programs focus heavily on diagnosing, treating, or medicating the people who come to them for help, but do very little in the way of preparing them for day to day life. He understands just how important it is for struggling neurodivergent youth to not be treated as fundamentally different from others, or as children, but as their own agent, as their own individual self.
Ben graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Arts in Simulation and Game Design from William Peace University in Raleigh, and is a Game Designer and Programmer from Wallace, North Carolina. He’s earned his Eagle Scout rank, and enjoys camping, tabletop and video gaming, and voice-acting.
St. George Campus
RACHEL POSTMA
Director of Student Development
RACHEL POSTMA
Director of Student Development
Rachel, OTD, OTR/L, is a Director of Student Development who works with NeuroDev students to promote holistic development and growth through engagement in a fulfilling, functional life.
Rachel believes in the importance of promoting independence through intentional participation in meaningful activities. She believes personal development stems from overcoming unique personal challenges that are achievable but outside of one’s comfort zone. She collaborates with students and staff to provide opportunities for developing independence through appropriately graded challenges.
Rachel is an occupational therapist who has experience in multiple areas of practice, including equine-assisted therapy, neurology, and pediatrics. Rachel has presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association national conference and has contributed to several publications relating to functional cognition and empowering youth through engagement.
Rachel holds a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Touro University Nevada.
Rachel enjoys all varieties of outdoor activities, particularly riding horses, hiking, and working on her small farm. Originally from southern Nevada, she currently resides in Hurricane, Utah.
CARSON DRAWE
Director of Student Development
CARSON DRAWE
Director of Student Development
Carson Drawe, Director of Development, focuses on tailoring NeuroDev to each individual student by assessing what they need with the student and embarking on their path forward with them. He also enjoys finding opportunities for the students whether it is through a volunteering experience, a job, an internship of some sort, or even a tour of a company that a student might find interest in.
Carson’s favorite part of his job is when he feels a student is ready to collaborate with him to build a sustainable life for him/herself. Carson has fostered relationships with multiple organizations in the community such as St. George Regional Hospital, STEM Outreach Center, and multiple other companies in St. George to get opportunities for individual students.
Carson will be getting his undergraduate in BA in Psychology and will be pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Carson loves spending time with friends and his wife. He also loves studying languages, writing music, and camping.
BLAKE WRIGHT
Director of Student Development
BLAKE WRIGHT
Director of Student Development
Blake is a Director of Development who works with students to develop in ways that will help them succeed and have a good life.
Blake believes that development doesn’t just mean growth, but gaining perspective on how to create a life worth living. While learning how to do hard things is essential to growth, feeling fulfilled and in control along the way is important to develop.
He has experience in health and wellness as well as training in QPR and community resources.
He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University.
Blake is originally from Hurricane, Utah, and enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife, friends, and family.
DEVON RICE
Director of Professional Development
DEVON RICE
Director of Professional Development
Devon is from Bountiful, Utah, who now calls St. George home. He began his NeuroDev journey as a night mentor in the Summer of 2019.
As the current Director of Professional Development, Devon is utilizing his years of experience with NeuroDev, his experience as a business owner, and his knowledge gained in obtaining his degree in Marketing and Digital Design to start businesses that can employ NeuroDev students.
Devon’s expertise in leadership is backed by years of student leadership at Utah Tech University, including his tenure as the 2022-23 Student Body President. Following his graduation, and prior to returning to NeuroDev, Devon accepted a role at the university as the advisor of the ambassador program and event planner for all admissions events.
He works at NeuroDev for the fulfillment it provides, both for him and for the students he works with. NeuroDev students can expect to have a fun time with Devon, while also accomplishing their next big step in life. With connections throughout the entire Southern Utah community, he is bound to have opportunities available for all NeuroDev students.
With his dedication to NeuroDev’s mission, Devon hopes to not only provide jobs and mentoring for his friends at NeuroDev, but to truly help change their lives.
GRANT GUBLER
Recreation Director
GRANT GUBLER
Recreation Director
Grant Gubler is the Director of Recreation who works hard to get students new experiences. While teaming up with students Grant plans and organizes activities to get students out to enjoy life.
Grant knows that by developing meaningful relationships he can have a positive influence on the students and help them find a happy and fulfilled lifestyle.
Grant has opened a pizza restaurant in Zion National Park. He also organized and led a pest control sales team in Southern Utah and was the head technician for the pest control company prior.
Grant is currently attending Utah Tech University for his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and plans to get his masters in marriage and family therapy.
Grant is an avid rock climber, mountain biker and enjoys weight training. He loves taking the students outside and exploring new hobbies with them. Grant is from La Verkin, Utah.
ELLEN EBBERS
Academic Director
ELLEN EBBERS
Academic Director
Ellen Ebbers is the Academic Director and works directly with the NeuroDev students. Her main purpose is to help students develop their executive functioning skills. Ellen manages schooling, medical appointments, medications, and travel plans. Her hope is to lead by example so that the NeuroDev student will understand the importance of cultivating these useful skills.
She believes that creating valuable relationships with other people are the most important aspect to contributing and building within the community.
Ellen grew up in the small town of Pleasanton, Ca. She graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California just 30 minutes away from her hometown. She earned a degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Health Promotion. Ellen Played college softball while earning her degree, team sports has helped Ellen understand where she fits in the world. Before NeuroDev Ellen taught PE at Hurricane High School, as well as coached softball, and girls wrestling.
HAYDEN HAWLEY
Tech Coach
HAYDEN HAWLEY
Tech Coach
Hayden is the Tech Coach who develops NeuroDev’s school curriculum, works with students to channel their focus, and help them earn technical certifications.
He values patience and believes in doing things the right way, even if it’s not the easy way.
Hayden is an experienced mentor at NeuroDev, and understands that neurodivergent students learn differently. He has developed strong relationships with each student and knows how to tailor lessons to fit their needs.
He is a current student at, Utah Tech University (UT), studying computer science.
Hayden is a gamer, music nerd, and movie buff from Surprise, Arizona.
AMIT FLANK
Assistant Tech Coach
AMIT FLANK
Assistant Tech Coach
Amit Flank is the Assistant Tech Coach. He works with students to help build their understanding of various tech related concepts ranging from web development to algorithmic optimization.
Amit has a deep understanding and love for tech having worked at various companies doing everything from building out HR software to working with facial recognition technology. He brings his passion and expertise to NeuroDev’s students and helps them grow their tech foundations while at NeuroDev.
AVREE MCARTHUR
Mentor
AVREE MCARTHUR
Mentor
Avree McArthur is a night mentor who works to give students the opportunity to better their skills in communication, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and overall executive functioning.
Avree knows that working and going to school can be stressful at times, but she believes it is important to keep up the social aspect and make time to have fun, and she wants to help our students with that!
She is currently working on a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Minor in Photography at Utah Tech University.
Avree is from St. George, Utah, and enjoys trying new things. She loves to rock climb, hike, go to concerts, take road trips, and do photography.
MITCH WHALEY
Mentor
MITCH WHALEY
Mentor
Mitch Whaley is a mentor who helps NeuroDev students to be themselves, have a good time, and grow as students. He works to create an environment for NeuroDev students to enjoy themselves, hangout, and have fun.
He knows as a college student how hard it can be to relax and not be stressed. He knows the value of getting students outside and involved in activities to decompress during college, which will ultimately open opportunities to make more friends and grow by trying new things.
Mitch is currently studying Information Systems and Analytics with an emphasis in Information Technology at Utah Tech University.
He really enjoys participating in high adventure outdoor activities such as rock climbing and canyoneering. He loves to take people on fun adventures throughout the St. George area. In addition, he enjoys playing volleyball and pickleball.
Mitch grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a big town south of Denver and has been living in St. George for the past three years.
LEVI DAME
Mentor
LEVI DAME
Mentor
Levi is a night mentor who works with the students to help them meet goals, get outside, and be active!
Levi knows that developing lasting relationships is an essential skill to the success of the students at NeuroDev. Getting the students outside and out of their comfort zones to try new things. Levi tries to give the students new opportunities to learn something new.
Levi graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Utah Tech University.
Levi grew up on a ranch in northern Utah raising and showing cattle. Along with raising cows, he is an avid basketball fan and player.
SAM NEW
Mentor
SAM NEW
Mentor
Sam New is a night mentor who works with NeuroDev students to be the best version of themselves. Through personal connections, lively experiences, and a good attitude, Sam constantly strives to improve the lives of his students through active living, trying new things, and adventure. Sam is also an avid nerd and loves anything comic book, music, or video game-related.
Sam knows the importance of pursuing your interests, and through those interests, students at TechieForLife learn the necessary skills to meet new people, find opportunities, and create lifelong connections. Through St. George’s strong community bonds, Sam helps students find a circle that piques their interest. He knows the importance of getting to know people, learning new things, and making new friends wherever you go.
Sam is a senior at Utah Tech University pursuing an IS degree in Arts Administration, working towards being a concert manager for non-profit organizations. Through his university, Sam has been able to serve on the Utah Tech Student Association for three years, helping students make the most of their college experience. Sam is also involved with the Utah Tech Roar of the Red Rocks Marching Band, and the many clubs that Utah Tech has to offer including, but not limited to: Utah Tech Esports, Laser Tag Club, Chess Club, Game Makers Club, Tabletop Club, Trailblazers Club, and Birds Aren’t Real Club.
Sam grew up in Leeds, Utah, and is lucky to call Southern Utah his home. Sam loves spending time with others through many means, from enjoying the great outdoors to watching the next new movie. Sam also enjoys armored combat, martial arts, paintball, craft sodas, Dungeons and Dragons, jazz flute, and anything that allows him to get on his creative side.
BELLA ESTES
Mentor
BELLA ESTES
Mentor
Bella is a night mentor who knows the importance of NeuoDev’s mission of development, which is something she loves to help others achieve while striving for development herself.
Bella is an ambitious and involved student at Utah Tech and works with the students to become more involved at the university in different ways. She has been involved herself as the Student Body President, Ambassador President, in various clubs on campus, on committees such as the Student Advisory Board, Student Fee Board, scholarship and planning committees, and involved by participating in weekly campus events.
She will soon receive her Bachelor of Science with honors in Communication Studies, a minor in Business Management, and a certificate in Entrepreneurship.
Bella was born and raised in Arizona where she was previously involved in leadership, sports, and the arts.
XIRONEL GUERRA
Mentor
XIRONEL GUERRA
Mentor
Xironel is a mentor who helps NeuroDev students be creative, clean, and always cares for each and every student. She wants to help every student overcome a fear or excel in anything they want to do.
Xironel is currently finishing up her cosmetology license and wants to own a spa. She is certified as a lash tech. She is creative and not only does she love the beauty world but she also loves to bake, draw, and make bracelets.
She really enjoys indoor adventures such as playing board games, cooking or baking, doing puzzles, and watching a good movie. She loves to hang out with friends and just enjoy the day.
Xironel grew up in sunny Los Angeles, CA in the big city. She lived in Charlotte, NC for 2-3 years as a kid and has been in St. George for the past five years.