talks & trainings
UVMHN Health Equity Summit 2025
The Health Equity Summit is a collaborative space for health care professionals, community leaders, researchers, advocates and change-makers to come together in pursuit of a more just and equitable future. This Summit is built to spark bold conversations, uplift underrepresented voices and drive actionable strategies that transform how we understand and achieve health equity across our communities.
Through interactive sessions, expert panels and storytelling, we examine the root causes of health disparities and explore collaborative solutions. We work together to advance equity — the fair and just opportunity for everyone to achieve their highest level of health — across clinical care, policy, education and community systems.
This year's Summit arrives at a critical time, and we are honored to welcome keynote speaker Loretta J. Ross, whose message of empathy, shared values and ‘calling in’ is both inspiring and essential.
Thursday, October 23
4:00 - 6:00 pm | Opening sessions and presentations
Friday, October 24
8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Keynote and concurrent sessions
Location: UVM Davis Center | Burlington, VT
Oral Presentation by Dr. Cory Ambrose, NMD, MAT on Friday October 24th from 2:30-3:00, Williams Room, Davis Center UVM. Recordings will be available.
Neuro-Affirming Care for Adults: Promoting Safety and Self-Alignment in Clinical Practice
Tracks: Community Engagement and Empowerment; Rural Health Equity; Health Disparities and Inequities
Description: Many adults begin exploring autism, ADHD, and other forms of neuro-identification later in life, often after years of masking, misdiagnosis, or internalized stigma. While self-discovery can be affirming, it can also cary psychological risks. Research shows that late-identified autistic adults face elevated rates of depression and un-aliving—not due to the neurodivergence itself, but from years of unsupported needs and internalized ableism.
This session introduces neuro-affirming care principles, including identity-first language, collaborative framing, and trauma-informed practices. Participants will explore how these approaches foster trust, reduced shame, and improve engagement. We’ll contrast deficit-based diagnostic models with affirming frameworks that emphasize autonomy and lived experience.
Special attention will be given to the ethical responsibilities of clinicians in supporting identity exploration, navigating disclosure, and creating safer clinical environments. Attendees will leave with practical tools to integrate neuro-affirming practices into everyday workflows—such as flexible communication formats, sensory accommodations, and reducing gate-keeping to better support neurodiverse adults.
MOre about my TEACHING
I love teaching evidence-based botanical medicine. It’s so important to understand the history of this beautiful field, including its often overlooked historical roots in indigenous populations. My lens is LGBTQ+ and BIPOC inclusive and I am staunchly body-positive. I enjoy teaching people how to harness their innate strength to help be the best version of themselves.
WHO I TEACH
I enjoy teaching coaches (you’re so motivated and into it!! Love it!), functional med practitioners, nurses, and my fellow naturopathic doctors and students. In addition to my doctorate, I have a Master’s in Teaching Science, so I’ll always have a special place in my heart for teaching both kids and adults. You’ll never stop making me laugh.
Do you want me to teach your next event/webinar/class/conference? Get in touch here. Looking forward to getting to know you!