Kristan Shimpi is an educator, consultant, and advocate for uniquely wired children and their families. Her work began at Duke University Medical Center, where she contributed to the first longitudinal studies of children with ADHD (an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to understanding children beyond labels).

She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and has spent years supporting schools and families as a district behavioral consultant. In that role, she helped develop school-wide approaches for diverse learners and co-created a District Autism Support Team that integrated social thinking practices across classrooms and school communities.

Kristan’s work centers on reframing behavior (not as good or bad, but as expected or unexpected) and helping children understand the why behind their actions. Drawing from her experience in schools and community-based programs serving underserved youth, she blends academic, emotional, and social development to support the whole child.

She is deeply committed to helping families recognize their child’s strengths, reduce daily stress, and build confidence in advocating for their child’s success at both school and at home.

Kristan is the author of Let’s TALK: A Problem-Solving Curriculum for Girls, based on the programming documented in her blog Friends TALK. The self-paced guide is available on Amazon. She is also the author of a memoir inspired by her family dog, Smooch.

Her current writing project is an E Book and companion podcast series titled Educating the Uniquely Wired Child, focused on practical, compassionate support for families navigating school and home life. Updates and resources can be found via her Linktree, and on social media at @uniquely.wired.child.