Championing Neurodiversity and Empowerment Through Adelphi’s Bridges Program

By James Beamer 

On any given day, you’ll find Stephanie Grindell navigating the bustling halls of the university, stopping to greet students and staff with a warm smile and words of encouragement. As the senior associate director of the Bridges to Adelphi program Grindell has a clear purpose: to help neurodiverse students find their footing and flourish in an academic environment that often feels daunting to them.  

“This isn’t just a job,” Grindell said. “It’s a calling to make sure every student who walks through our doors feels seen, supported and capable of achieving their goals.” 

Established in 2007 with just three students, Bridges now serves over 130 neurodiverse students, providing tailored resources like academic coaching, social skills training and emotional support. Since joining the Bridges team in 2016, Grindell has been instrumental in transforming the program from a small initiative into an essential part of campus life, according to Bridges director Diana Damilatis-Kull. She said the program has grown in size and the depth of services it provides, helping students tackle challenges like time management, social interaction and emotional regulation.

A Journey Fueled by Empathy and Determination

For Grindell, her work is deeply personal; she recalled struggling to find support systems early in her education and now uses those experiences to guide her work. “I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate school without proper support,” she said. “I’m here because I want these students to know they’re not alone.”

Her empathy drives her, as does her vision for a world where neurodiversity is celebrated, not stigmatized. 

Grindell’s influence is felt throughout campus, where Bridges students often describe her as a mentor, advocate and friend. Her approach combines patience with a no-nonsense dedication to each student’s growth, instilling confidence in students who may have previously doubted their abilities. 

Turning Challenges into Triumphs 

One of Grindell’s most rewarding accomplishments involves a former student who joined Bridges as a shy freshman with little confidence and is now an adjunct professor at Adelphi, she said. “I still remember when they would barely speak in class,” Grindell recalled. “To see them now, leading a classroom with pride, it’s moments like these that make everything worth it.” This transformation, she noted, is a testament to what can happen when students are given consistent support, encouragement, and space to grow.

Stephanie Grindell.

Broadening the Reach of Bridges 

Grindell’s passion doesn’t stop at individual student achievements; she’s also focused on expanding Bridges’ reach and resources. Partnering with organizations like Northwell Health, she has secured summer internships for students that often lead to career opportunities. Grindell is working on new partnerships with companies like Goldman Sachs, aiming to provide more vocational training that opens doors for students beyond their college years. 

In addition to these initiatives, Grindell oversaw the renovation of the program’s sensory room, a calming space where students can recharge—a project funded through her tireless advocacy for Bridges. “I want these students to feel comfortable and safe,” she said. “Having a space to decompress is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a critical one.”

Looking to the future, Grindell remains dedicated to raising awareness about neurodiversity, both within Adelphi and beyond, she said. She aims to build a community where students' strengths are recognized and misconceptions about neurodiversity are replaced with understanding and respect. “Our work doesn’t end with academic support,” she said. “We’re here to create a culture that values neurodiversity as a vital part of our campus and world.” 

Grindell has become more than just a director to Bridges’ students—she’s a source of inspiration, hope, and transformation. Her story, marked by empathy, determination, and an unwavering commitment to neurodiverse students, is changing lives and setting a powerful example for inclusivity at Adelphi.