Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain:
Using Knowledge and Compassion to
Show God's Love
Presented by Dr. Kristin Mauk, PhD, DNP, RN, CRRN,
GNP-BC, FARN, FAAN
Sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association
DATE: February 26. 2026
TIME: 3-5 pm AKT, 4-6 pm PT, 5-7 pm MT, 6-8 pm CT, 7-9 pm ET
FORMAT: Zoom
Registration fee: $30 for LFCNA members/$50 for non-members
Please note that we do not accept American Express Cards
Nursing Contact hours provided: 2.0 (see below)
Objectives:
1. Define commonly used terms related to neurodivergence.
2. Explain how neurodivergence manifests in autism, ADHD, and OCD.
3. Appreciate the uniqueness of individuals whose brain works differently than others.
4. Discuss strategies that persons of faith can use to show God's love to children and families affected by neurodivergence.
Description: This interactive presentation will help participants gain an understanding and appreciation for persons living with a neurodivergent brain due to conditions such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Using an unfolding, real-life case study based on the presenter's personal experience with a neurodivergent child, the audience will learn strategies to address common challenging behaviors, social difficulties, and communication issues. Practical ways to show God's love to persons and families struggling with the complexities of neurological differences will be discussed.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Mauk is currently Professor of Nursing and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research in the School of Nursing and Health Professions at Colorado Christian University. Prior to moving to Colorado, she was a Professor of Nursing at a large private university in Indiana for nearly 25 years where she held the first Kreft Endowed Chair for the Advancement of Nursing Science, a position dedicated to gerontological nursing. She earned a BSN from Valparaiso University, an MS in Adult Health from Purdue University, a PhD from Wayne State University, a Post-Master’s GNP certification from University of Virginia, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Valparaiso University. Dr. Mauk has more than 44 years of experience in chronic illness nursing, rehabilitation, and gerontological nursing. She is certified in rehabilitation, and as a gerontological nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. Dr. Mauk has authored or edited 10 books, including three that were recognized with an AJN Book of the Year Award. She is the former Senior Editor for the Journal of Christian Nursing and serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Integrative Nursing. Recent publications include those in the APM&R and Rehabilitation Nursing.
This activity has been submitted to Montana Nurses Association for approval to award contact hours. Montana Nurses Association is accredited with distinction as an approver of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
It has been determined that the nurse planner, content expert, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
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