Karen Timm is a perpetually reflective educational leader, an author, an artist and a musician, a relentless learner, public speaker, and a passionate proponent of the Neurodiversity movement, as well as a global Autistic advocate; most importantly, she is the proud, openly Autistic parent of an AUsome Human. 

Founder of the Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators, Karen leads NINE to advocate ‘beyond walls and borders’ to foster Human Rights based, Neuroaffirmative practice in Education and beyond. By spearheading events such as the international Intersectional Infinity Summit, leading the development of NINE’s educational resources for Educators and other Allies, and modelling her commitment to amplifying diverse Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent perspectives, Karen has developed a reputation for driving change through ongoing critically reflective practice, active community building and innovative collaborative partnerships which disrupt thinking, shift defaults and change the trajectory for Neurodivergent students, colleagues and families. When Karen is not engaged in her busy work as a school administrator or her advocacy efforts, you may find her drafting one or more picture books, paddleboarding, beachcombing, stim dancing, viola playing, or capturing unique details from nature through photography and the arts.  

Karen has presented for a variety of organizations including:

• Ontario Principal's Council, 

• Neurodiversity Training International, 

• AMASE Scotland, 

• Association of Chief Speech and Language Pathologists of Ontario, 

• Anti-Ableism Symposium, Waterloo Region District School Board

• Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Special Education Department

• Upper Grand District School Board, Special Education Department

• Durham District School Board, Speech and Language Department

She has developed and conducted professional development at several Ontario schools and has been featured in multiple podcasts and live events. Karen is always looking for collaborative cross-pollination opportunities with schools, school boards and service providers across Ontario and beyond.

Karen is pursuing her Master's of Education at Ontario Tech University, with research interests in Neuroaffirmative Practice; Normalizing an Intersectional approach to Accessibility; Normalizing Reliable AAC for Non-Speakers and Multi-modal communicators; and Human-Rights Based, Trauma-Informed and Anti-Ableist Intentional Systemic Design.

Read Karen's article in the Ontario Principal's Council's magazine, The Register:   Reframing Normal: Embracing Autistic Truths Fosters Trajectory  Shifts for Neuro-Inclusive Schools