UNPACKED: Walk In My Shoes UNPACKED

In this season 3 episode, Micah is joined by his good friend Kai Forcey-Rodriguez. *Stefon from SNL Weekend Update voice* This episode will have everything! Kai is a future special educator and mental health professional specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education program at the University of Toronto-Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Kai was born in New York City, but grew up in Durham, New Hampshire. At age 7, Kai was diagnosed with Inattentive-ADHD and High Functioning Autism and over the years has learned to celebrate the unique gifts from being neurodivergent (Savant-like memory, musical savant abilities, and polyglot). Kai is a world traveller who has lived in Italy, The Netherlands, Russia, Indonesia, and now Canada and is a polyglot who speaks 8 languages. In College, Kai studied Italian Studies with a minor in Special Education Teaching where he realized both in Indonesia and in education courses his true calling which after graduating led him to serve with City Year New Hampshire. Kai finds joy working with, advocating for, supporting and understanding the needs of students and everyone around him fueled by his drive to give back and continue the legacy of his dedicated mentors and teachers from over the years. Kai also finds joy with providing comic relief e.g. jokes, wearing a green mustache, and voice impressions. Kai also credits and has deep gratitude for his own hard work to overcome life’s obstacles along with learning a lot through the unconditional support from his family, music, and his close friends from over the years who inspire me to do my best and accept/celebrate who I am. Currently, Kai lives in Toronto, Ontario and is working towards submitting his first publication about Autism and Mental Health while studying for his M.Ed at University of Toronto-OISE.