Founder and President - He/They

Michael Ruffin is a late-diagnosed ADHD and Autistic individual who has turned his personal journey into a mission to support and empower the AuDHD community. Through his work as a content creator, advocate, and coach, he strives to provide resources and guidance he wished he had access to earlier in his life.

Driven by his experiences, Michael founded Dueling Minds to foster a world that celebrates neurodiversity and supports the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals. Beyond his leadership, Michael is a sought-after public speaker, hosting panels at the International ADHD Conference and delivering talks on AuDHD topics.

With his personal experience, expertise, and unwavering commitment, Michael is a driving force in the AuDHD community, working to create a society that values and uplifts neurodiverse voices.

Secretary - They/Them

Kathaniel's personal and professional experiences drive their amazing dedication to the AuDHD community. Exploring an autistic self-diagnosis in college and later receiving an ADHD diagnosis, coupled with their sibling's autism and ADHD journey, fuels their deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in the community.

As a teacher, Kathaniel's five years in the classroom have allowed them to work with diverse autistic and ADHD students, reinforcing their grasp of these individuals' unique needs and strengths. This continues in their commitment to research and understand everything they can about self-improvement to benefit not only their own life but also the lives of those they serve.

Believing that AuDHD coaching could have significantly impacted their journey, Kathaniel is driven to make these resources accessible to others. As Dueling Minds' Secretary, they focus on essential behind-the-scenes work. Beyond this role, Kathaniel supports community health care efforts in their area of California, leveraging their experiences to create positive change.

Technology Chair - He/Him

Nik brings a unique perspective to the organization as someone who recently discovered their own ADHD. Having navigated the challenges of going into adulthood without understanding the reasons behind their struggles, Nik deeply resonates with the experiences of many in the AuDHD community. Motivated by the desire to support others on similar journeys, Nik is committed to creating a network that connects individuals with the resources and services they need to thrive.

With a strong technical background and a creative spirit, Nik leverages his expertise to build the infrastructure and systems necessary to scale Dueling Minds' services effectively and efficiently. His experience as a product videographer, graphic designer, and writer, combined with a do-it-yourself attitude, allows Nik to tackle the technical aspects of the organization head-on. Through his role as Technology Chair, Nik aims to lay the framework that will enable Dueling Minds to serve the AuDHD community with unwavering dedication and support.

Board Member - He/Him

Shane Thrapp is a Certified Life, Relationship, and Career Coach with a specialization in ADHD. He is the founder of Creating Order From Chaos, an ADHD coaching and consultation business that empowers individuals with ADHD to discover their true purpose and conquer their goals. In addition to his work with individuals, he collaborates with businesses, facilitating their understanding of neurodivergence and implementing necessary accommodations.

In addition to his coaching endeavors, he holds the position of Operations Director for the nonprofit Men's ADHD Support Group. Through these roles, he passionately advocates for ADHD and AuDHD awareness through public speaking and podcast or YouTube appearances.

His mission is to make a lasting impact in the lives of neurodivergent people, guiding them on their unique journeys through the chaos of life with ADHD and empowering businesses to provide the support that neurodivergent people deserve.

Board Member - She/Her

Vida Carey, a passionate advocate for the AuDHD community, draws from her experiences as a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman, mother to AuDHD children, and sister to an autistic individual. With over 15 years in education, including eight as a behavior modification specialist and special education teacher, Vida recognized the lack of support for AuDHD students transitioning into adulthood. This led her to see her true calling and become a full-time AuDHD and ADHD coach.

Serving on the Dueling Minds board aligns with Vida's commitment to providing resources and support for the AuDHD community. Having experienced the challenges accompanying an AuDHD diagnosis, she is dedicated to ensuring no one feels alone on their journey fulfilling their passions.

Vida, an Oklahoma native, holds a Bachelor's in English Literature and a Master's in Educational Leadership. On top of being an AuDHD and ADHD Coach, she is also a Podcast Host, Content Creator, and is actively involved in the LGBTQIA+ and kink communities.