Bethany Bradley

Bethany Bradley is a graduate of the RIT School Psychology master’s program and has been working with autistic students in the Spectrum Support Program since 2013; she currently serves as the Associate Director. In her current role, Bethany oversees daily operations and supervises program staff and student leaders. Bethany and her husband are both RIT Alum and live in East Rochester with their two young daughters. 

1. HOW DO YOU TEACH OR EXEMPLIFY APPLIED CRITICAL THINKING?

The work I do is two-fold. On one hand, we’re supporting neurodivergent students as they transition from high school to college and college to career.  While the world we live in is not always conducive to neurodivergent ways of thinking and communicating, we’re there to assist in problem solving, advocating, accessing resources and making the most of their RIT experience. On the other hand, we work with partners across campus to create an environment that is more inclusive, understanding and accepting to neurodivergent ways of being.  

2. WHY DO YOU THINK APPLIED CRITICAL THINKING IS IMPORTANT IN YOUR DOMAIN OR ROLE?
In my role I’m able to work with students/staff at the individual level AND at the programmatic level to think critically about setting goals, analyzing options for moving forward and making data-based decisions. Rinse and repeat.

3. CAN YOU SHARE A STORY WHERE QUALITY APPLIED CRITICAL THINKING WAS KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS?
This semester our team developed a plan to offer group-style coaching in a constellation mentoring format.  We identified a need to offer more opportunities for students to connect, while increasing the number of students we can serve.  Through the planning process we utilized a driver diagram to think critically about our specific goals, factors that would influence the outcome and how we would assess whether we were successful.  I was able to facilitate the pilot program and we’re currently working on analyzing the feedback we’ve collected and are making adjustments for the spring term.  Eventually we will determine if we can expand the offering to more students.

Using critical thinking in this way allows us to be intentional about the changes we’re making to better serve our students and make the most of the resources we have.  This framework for continuous improvement is key to making an impact with the individual students we serve and maintains SSP's place as a leader among programs for autistic college students in the country.  

4. HOW DO YOU USE CRITICAL THINKING IN OTHER AREAS OF YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE OF RIT?
Managing a career outside of the home and a family requires a great deal of bandwidth.  My husband and I use many of the same strategies to make parenting decisions, both large and small.

5. ANY LAST CRITICAL THOUGHTS YOU WISH TO SHARE?
Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals, navigating a neurotypical world, are some of the most critical thinkers there are.  We should all work toward recognizing and celebrating those who think differently than we do.