Helping you build a Neuro-Inclusive and Gender-Safe Workplace

Hi, I’m Chris D. Hooten, M.A. (they/them)

As a Neuromindfulness Coach, Writer, Educator, and Workplace Inclusion Strategist, I strive to advance Gender Safety, Neuro-inclusion, and Culturally affirming environments in workplaces and learning environments.

I specialize in shifting belonging from an intention to an expectation, by coaching leaders and teams on the practical and research-backed strategies to ensure that each team or community member feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Belonging has been proven to facilitate deeper connection, improve learning, and problem-solving.

For more than a decade, my coaching and consulting practices have empowered dozens of teams from The Space Needle, Topeka Pride, The American Bar Association Tax Section, and Washburn University with generating belonging for neurologically, racially, and gender diverse teams. While I have exprience supporting a variety of demographics, I am particularly passionate about improving belonging for Neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and Black, Indigenous, and other leaders of color.

To learn more about my practice, I encourage you to visit the rest of this site. If you’d like to work together now, visit the contact page to get in touch. For belonging resources, consider subscribing to my monthly Belonging Toolkit.

Featured Partners

Testimonials

  • Amina Loftin, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at The Bertschi School

    “I partnered with Chris to lead a faculty workshop on gender-affirming pedagogy, and they delivered beyond my expectations. Chris weaves a story instead of lecturing, which is beautiful to experience. They expertly articulated how leaders build affirming spaces and repair relationships after harm. We felt inspired to recenter relationships in our work and to affirm one another as colleagues. I also appreciated that they stayed afterward to answer questions from participants."

    Amina Loftin, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at The Bertschi School

  • “Each time Chris and I partner, I learn something new. They’re a true champion for intersectional equity and inclusion whose voice, perspective, intellect, and practices model bravery, authenticity, and hope. Working with Chris has undoubtedly enhanced my equity practice, and I recommend them without hesitation.”

    Ben Reuler, Founder + CEO of In the Area Productions

  • “Chris is an exceptional advocate for people who are marginalized and a disruptor of discriminatory systems. Their subject matter expertise is exceptional, while their ability to communicate complex concepts in accessible and digestible ways is outstanding. Chris is especially knowledgeable about the intersection of race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiversity in an equity landscape that often collapses issues into black or white understandings.”

    Heliana Ramirez, Ph.D., L.I.S.W., Researcher and Clinician, BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Workforce Wellness

  • Alina Santillan, Director, Seattle Arts & Culture for Antiracism

    “Chris is a beautiful storyteller and masterfully cultivates affirming and secure spaces for communities to have difficult conversations. They demonstrate the power of vulnerability and use connection and empathy to inspire people-centered community building. Chris is a steadfast advocate for justice who models a deep commitment to affirming humanity, community, and growth. I’m honored to work with Chris to advance equity and access.”

    Alina Santillan, Director, Seattle Arts & Culture for Antiracism

  • "Chris is a talented writer with incredible insight and an ability to convey crucial information effectively and impactfully. Their writing style uniquely welcomes the reader to relate with others and challenge barriers. They are an undeniable talent with a humanizing and affirming perspective that is much needed. Their ability to capture the hearts and minds of people through their writing to encourage reflection is phenomenal. I'm grateful that they share their writing."

    Moira Barnes (Contell), inclusion partner

  • “Having had the pleasure of working closely with Chris Hooten, I can confidently attest to their remarkable qualities. During their appearance on Coffee With Convery, Chris's contributions were nothing short of exceptional. Their presence infused the podcast with inspiration, education, and collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on both myself and the audience. Chris's authentic approach and engaging demeanor brought a unique perspective to our discussions, making every moment enriching and enlightening."

    Brien Convery, TEDx Speaker, Executive Advisor

  • "Chris is such a charismatic speaker, and their insights and expertise provided us with nuanced frameworks and tools to navigate community-building and equity work. Their Core Needs Framework and visuals are super helpful. Highly recommended!"

    Erika Lorenzana Del Villar, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bastyr University

  • Jessica Kelly

    "When my transgender teen came out at school, a couple of teachers accidentally used the wrong name and pronouns that first day back. I asked Chris to please gently remind staff of my child’s new name and pronouns, and we were floored by Chris and their response. Not only did they sincerely and thoroughly apologize on behalf of the entire school, they changed school policy to prevent something like this happening to another child. My teen felt seen and supported. I felt deeply thankful that Chris was the person to handle things."

    Jessica Kelly (Seattle independent school parent)

  • Shahzia Noorally, M.Ed, Creator and Host of The Equity Gap Podcast

    "I invited Chris to be a guest speaker on The Equity Gap Podcast, and I'm glad I did. Their perspective brings much-needed clarity, sparking crucial dialogue and offering honest, refreshing, and results-oriented solutions for advancing equity in the workplace and beyond. Chris' dedication to speaking truth and promoting justice sets them apart. As a speaker, Chris brings a unique and valuable perspective that will inspire and challenge audiences to consider what it truly means to show up with integrity in the pursuit of equity.”

    Shahzia Noorally, M.Ed, Creator and Host of The Equity Gap Podcast

Book Partnership Call