September 8, 2026

Pamela Lister, MA, LMFT

Topic:

Nero Inclusion in the Workplace Culture - A Guide for EAP's and Mental Health Clinicians

Description:

The expanding focus on diversity and inclusion reflects a growing recognition of their impact on organizational effectiveness, innovation, and workforce well-being. While traditional frameworks emphasize visible and social identities, emerging research highlights the importance of cognitive diversity and neuro inclusion. This session invites participants to broaden prevailing definitions of diversity to include differences in how individuals think, process information, and perceive their environments. When understood and supported, these variations contribute meaningfully to creativity, problem-solving, and collective intelligence.

Drawing on clinical expertise, organizational practice, and real-world examples, this session provides evidence-informed strategies and practical tools for cultivating neuro-inclusive cultures. Attendees will gain actionable insights for building resilient, adaptive teams that leverage cognitive diversity as a foundational driver of sustainable performance and human-

centered leadership.

Outline

DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion)

Value

a) Application

Neurodiversity

Adapting the Workplace

a) Advantages

Bio:

Pamela Lister is a National Employee Assistance Professional at Kaiser Permanente and a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist recognized for advancing neuro-inclusive leadership and workplace design. With over 12 years in employee assistance, including five years on the United States Postal Service national disaster response deployment team, she brings a rare perspective at the intersection of neuroscience, trauma, and organizational performance. Pamela integrates advanced neuro-regulation modalities including NLP, Brainspotting, MER, and Hawaiian energy practices. She is Vice President and former President of the San Francisco Bay Area EAPA chapter and the 2024 EAPA Professional of the Year.

Goals:

1. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify neurodiversity and its relevance to the workplace and EA's, and clinicians who are assisting clients with workplace stress.
2. By the end of the presentation participants will be able to utilize successful strategies for creating optimum performance by neurodiverse employees, which EAP's and mental health clinicians can support.
3. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to appreciate neurodiversity as another aspect of D.E.I.(diversity, equity, inclusion), which is incorporated into organizations and affects the role of EAP's.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to gain 2 actionable strategies for building resilient, adaptive teams that leverage cognitive diversity as a foundational driver of sustainable performance and human-centered leadership, which is supported by EAP's in consultations and activities, along with short term counseling.
2. Participants will be able to name 1 way to broaden prevailing definitions of diversity to include differences in how individuals think, process information, and perceive their environments, which applies to the EA and mental health clinician role.
3. Participants will be able to create 2 intentional adjustments to physical space, cultural norms, and leadership practices that can foster inclusion for individuals who face challenges within conventional office structures. EAPs can utilize this when coaching managers and staff.