Will you catch the wave with us?

Due to a wealth of neurodivergent brains in my family, I redirected my career in 2012 to increase opportunities for neurodivergent youth. Initially, this focused on preventing higher education dropouts and increasing the likelihood of getting a degree. A college degree will do just fine, I naively thought at the time. That turned out to be a mistake. So much more is needed for every talent to be meaningful.

In my journey, I have been working on large and small projects with this as my goal. In WAVE, all these experiences come together beautifully, and especially together with SO many wonderful other people who share the same drive and ambition. Because I believe that we can only realize inclusion by working together across borders. 

Besides having a huge passion for my work, you can easily get me to talk for a very long time about Pyrenean mountain dogs and movies. I am also an avid reader and love cooking, eating, traveling and my wonderful neurodivergent family. 

I am Manon Krabbenborg and believe in talent - everyone has something valuable to offer! I stand for a world where you can be who you want to be and where we see each other without prejudice. Rather looking at possibilities than limitations. How beautiful is it when you come home from school, work or another activity with confidence and a big smile, because you are appreciated for who you are? I am a connector and believe in the power of real contact. Everyone deserves to be heard and seen.

Besides my work, I am a proud mother of four children and enjoy adventure and exercise. As you can see in the picture, I like to wear sports shoes - for me the symbol of taking action. Whether it's running, playing volleyball, hiking in the mountains or building an inclusive and powerful future together, I go for it!

At work, I am fortunate to work with a team of motivated colleagues. Their enthusiasm and drive inspire me every day.

Next July we are expecting our first grandchild. A special moment that I am really looking forward to. The idea of becoming a grandmother makes me very happy. Outside my family (with 3 sons-in-law) I enjoy traveling, especially vacations by plane and city trips. Experiencing culture and good food are things that make me happy and give me a lot of energy.

Project WAVE - It is a movement. A movement of professionals who want to continue to develop, inspire each other and build a community together for neurodivergent candidates.
How beautiful is that!

Possibilities. That's what I always want to look at, together with you. Creative, optimistic and also dwelling on what seems or is impossible. There is room for everything. My brain moves fast, connects, reads people easily and little escapes me. Handy and a beautiful talent and sometimes exhausting for myself.

What brings me a lot besides speeding up and slowing down, meditating, chanting, walking and good nutrition is running. Not very far, not “the best,” but wonderful to get new ideas, come to myself, breathe fresh forest air, land. The wave of the steps I take is a metaphor for life: it can be hugely disappointing and it can flow. I also have experience of this in many forms, and who knows, maybe I can walk with you for a while. At WAVE in a team or otherwise. Will you join me?

I stand for connection, safety and freedom. With an open mind and attention to who you really are, I like to help you discover and develop your talents. It is great when someone believes in themselves again and has confidence in their own qualities. How nice is it when you can fully focus on your own qualities?

As a psychologist and training consultant I have been working in my own practice for 15 years. Here I have had the opportunity to help many people of all ages regain their own power, including many neurodivergent people.

I am proud of my two children, who, with humor and their own way of thinking, show me a piece of their world. I am a warm, enthusiastic and involved person and love music, art and nature.

For years now, I have been researching the inclusiveness of our labor market and the role employers can play in it. I have met many inspiring people, employers and institutions that have already gone a long way in shaping inclusion. In addition, I regularly sit around the table with employers who find it very challenging to ensure inclusion within their organization. And that encourages me to keep going: with research, with impact and with inclusive behavior. Because it starts with yourself.

I enjoy good food with friends, hiking with my dog, and soaking up art and culture. I love (art) objects that invite you to 'double take': a second look, because there seems to be something crazy or special about them. And sometimes we get to do that 'double take' on each other. An extra look at someone, to really see what makes them special.

I do research at WAVE. That means I analyze whether WAVE is having the desired impact on the participants of all activities. For example, I look at whether neurodivergent pupils and students feel they are better prepared for the labor market through WAVE's activities and whether teachers and other professionals have increased their knowledge of neurodivergence and inclusive practices. I also keep an eye on the feedback on WAVE so that we as an organization can continuously improve ourselves.

In the photo I am holding my watch. I am very much a stickler for time; a deal is a deal for me. I am also very quick in my thinking and actions. That really characterizes me as a person. This strength is appreciated at WAVE and I can use it to help neurodivergent young people flourish together. My hope is that thanks to WAVE, everyone's unique talents will ultimately be valued in the educational and professional context!

In both my work and private life, neurodiversity plays a constant role and is a fact which I am used to.

In my work at Fontys and at the Samenwerkingsverband Autisme (SVA), it also plays a common thread. In all roles I fulfill, networking, connecting people & stories and informal meetings are central. I am convinced that we all have our own story and by sharing that with each other we see the similarities and differences. From that knowledge we can build, build on a shared story on which we can create more awareness about neurodiversity

My motivation is to make opportunities and possibilities visible and accessible for all people in education and in the workplace. Stories and humor play an important role, just like Yoda, ostriches and patterns which I like to catch in a picture!