Belonging Starts With a Simple Hello.

We teach teens how to be supportive allies so that every student feels seen for who they are, not just their disability.

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About Me

I'm Sahasra

My name is Sahasra, and my journey began on my school’s track field. I realized that students with disabilities were often separated from the rest of us, living in a bubble of "different" tracks and "different" lunches. Through joining the UNIFIED program and having meaningful conversations, I discovered that neurodivergent kids aren't "abnormal" or "scary"—they have niche hobbies, unique humor, and experiences just like anyone else. I’m now a dedicated volunteer at RWJ Barnabas Children’s Specialized Hospital and a student advocate working to make school a place where every student feels seen for who they truly are.

My Mission

We work to change school rules and student attitudes so that neurodivergent kids are protected from bullying and always feel like they belong.

MY RESEARCH

I worked with Dr.Jobin Varkey, Asst. Professor from University of Southern California, to write a neuroscience research paper called "End of Life Epiphanies". My study focused on a special "burst of creativity" that people experience as they get older, which proves that the brain never stops growing or thinking in new ways. By using surveys and statistics from a senior center, I showed that even when the brain faces big challenges, it can still do brand-new things that the person had never tried before. This research taught me never to "underestimate" anyone just because of their age or health. Just like the people in my study, I believe neurodivergent students have hidden talents and unique ways of thinking that deserve our respect.

Leadership

Debate Team Captain

As a captain and judge, I lead my team in researching complex topics and help my peers develop the "people skills" needed to talk about difficult social issues with respect.

Non-Profit Founder

Founded Hearts Align, where I lead volunteer efforts to support hospital patients and help my community see the "whole person" behind every health struggle.

UNIFIED Program Mentor

Lead in talking to bullied neurodivergent kids, helping them work through their sadness and making sure they feel loved and included.

Student Teacher

During my internship at the Public Speaking Academy, I led classes for younger students, teaching them that their voices matter and how to share their stories clearly.

Policy Advocacy: Making Real Change in Schools

My goal is to change how schools support neurodivergent students.

Enforcing 504 Plans

I am advocating for state-wide policy changes to ensure that teachers and administration fully follow every student's 504 plan and accommodations

Protecting Students from Bullying

I am pushing for stricter school policies that address the specific types of bullying neurodivergent kids face, such as being mocked for their disabilities or ignored in social spaces.