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Sandra discusses her journey with ADHD, diagnosed at age 38, and the concept of being "neuro spicy." She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, advocacy, and understanding one's brain to manage ADHD effectively. Sandra highlights the need for accommodations in professional settings, such as performance improvement plans (PIPs), and advocates for universal design learning (UDL) to create inclusive workspaces. She stresses the significance of rest and self-care, and encourages individuals to pay attention to their needs and advocate for themselves to thrive professionally and personally.

In this episode, you will hear:

• understanding the term “neurospicy”
• navigating professional roles and ADHD diagnosis
• leadership and advocacy in social work
• obstacles navigating professional spaces
• advocating for accommodations in the workplace
• role of culture and community in support

Guest Bio:

Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW, known as The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, is a clinical leader, speaker, and advocate transforming how we view neurodiversity in leadership. As Clinic Director for Transformations Care Network, she drives operational innovation, integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles from academia into workplace practices, and cultivates inclusive, high-performing teams.

A specialist in coaching Latinx and neurodivergent professionals, Sandra blends metacognitive strategies and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) into leadership development to foster emotional resilience and strategic growth. She is the creator of the J.A.R. Framework, a model that reframes invisible impact to strengthen leadership effectiveness.

A contributing author to Latinx in Social Work Vol. 3 and a sought-after speaker, Sandra’s work challenges outdated narratives and celebrates cognitive diversity as a catalyst for success. Through her platform, The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, and her doctoral research at Simmons University, she is redefining leadership for a more equitable future.

Contact/Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurospicysw/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandracrespo/

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Victor discusses his journey from macro social work to advocating for social workers' involvement in politics. He emphasized the importance of local government and his role in Higher Education. Additionally, he shares that his “Why?” regarding running for president elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is to address membership decline and improve chapter support. Victor highlights the need for social workers to balance micro and macro practice, engage in community advocacy, and foster respectful relationships with elected officials.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ role of political social workers
+ challenges and misconceptions within social work
+ balancing macro and micro practice
+ journey with NASW and vision
+ power of listening and compassion

Guest Bio:

Victor earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. For over 25 years, he has taught policy, political practice, and community organizing in the School of Social Work at California State University, Los Angeles. Victor has been an active member of NASW since 1991.

Victor is a former Mayor and Councilman for the City of Artesia, California, Chairman of the Artesia Planning Commission, Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Behavioral Health Commission, and local government consultant.

Contact/Socials:

Email: victor@victormanalo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.macro.social.worker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-manalo
Website: www.VictorManalo.com

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Jose speaks about his personal and professional experience with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like hair pulling and skin picking. He highlights 4-5% of the population suffers from BFRBs, with nail biting affecting 20-30%. Alviar emphasized the importance of reducing shame and increasing awareness, noting that BFRBs are now recognized in the DSM-5 for the first time. Jose also shares his experience transitioning from patient to clinician and the role of peer support in recovery as well as the scarcity of trained clinicians, with only a few hundred in the U.S. He encourages those affected to seek help and join supportive communities, a driving factor in starting his own podcast about BFRBs.


In this episode, you will hear:
+ impact of BFRBs on various domains
+ confusion between BFRBs Self-Harm
+ peer support and recovery
+ challenges associated with revealing BFRBs to loved ones
+ accessibility of support and treatment

Guest Bio:

Jose Alvear is a licensed clinical social worker in NYC who treats people with all types of body-focused repetitive behaviors. Jose went from a skin picking patient to BFRB advocate to clinician in order to help raise awareness of these disorders. He currently co-hosts the BFRB Podcast.


Contact:
Website - http://www.bfrbpodcast.com
Podcast - http://www.bfrbpodcast.com

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