Eye to Eye wins national recognition for neurodiversity leadership

USN students took home the Alliance Chapter award at the 2025 National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit for their work in peer support. 
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications 

University School of Nashville’s Eye to Eye and Neurodiversity Alliance Club was named the recipient of the 2025 Neurodiversity Alliance Chapter Award at this year’s National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit.

This national honor recognizes chapters from schools across the country that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in building inclusive, innovative programming and mentoring the next generation of neurodiverse students. USN’s chapter stood out for its creativity, consistency, and commitment to cultivating a supportive community for neurodiverse learners.

“We were so excited when we heard the news,” said Eye to Eye mentor Sadie Mae Bass ’26. “It feels really rewarding to know that the work we’ve been doing is being noticed and appreciated.”

The Eye to Eye program at USN pairs neurodiverse Middle Schoolers with mentors in the High School who share similar learning differences, offering weekly activities and guidance grounded in shared experiences. Entering its fourth year at USN, the mentoring initiative is co-led by Helen Martin ’26, Gardner Harris ’26, and Lucas Loller ’27.

“Middle School Learning Coordinator Mrs. McKay and I are bursting with pride, excitement, and so much gratitude for each of the students and what they bring to our school community,” said High School Director of Learning Support Debbie Van Slyke.

This school year also marks the official launch of USN’s Neurodiversity Alliance Club, which will provide a space for neurodiverse students and allies to connect, advocate, and educate the broader school community. Led by Corina Chalos ’26 and Ismaeel Moskinzada ’26, they said they hope the club becomes a driving force for neurodiversity awareness and inclusion on campus.

Sadie Mae said she believes the chapter’s dedication made it stand out during the summit.

“I think we were chosen because of the effort our chapter has put into supporting each other and making a difference on our campus,” she said. “We’ve tried to stay dedicated, consistent, and take advantage of each opportunity.”

USN's Eye to Eye chapter was first made possible thanks to generous gifts from Hal Sauer, Monica Wallis Campbell ’93, and Matthew Wallis ’97 in memory of spouse and mother, Linda Wallis Sauer, who was a teacher and administrator at USN from 1982-2013. While at USN, Linda held many roles, including Biology and Physics Teacher, Head of High School, and Academic Dean. Linda believed deeply and advocated passionately for children with learning differences. Faculty friends and extended family members of the Sauer and Wallis family continue to support this program to continue Linda's legacy. 

Looking ahead, the club aims to continue supporting USN’s student body.

“This year, we hope to keep building on what we’ve already done,” Sadie Mae said. “Reaching more students, strengthening our community, and creating a space where people feel seen and supported.”

As USN’s Eye to Eye and Neurodiversity Alliance Club continues to grow in both size and impact, the national recognition serves as a testament to the power of student leadership in transforming school culture and to the lasting value of embracing neurodiversity with empathy and action.
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