SPEAKER • RESEARCHER • CONSULTANT
Hi, I'm Lacey the Sensory Nerd.
Speaker, researcher, consultant, media producer.I created The SOLACE Model (TM) for sensory accessibility to design spaces that people don't need to recover from.If you've ever felt overstimulated in shared spaces (workplaces, events, stores, hospitals, classrooms, etc), but you didn't know exactly why or what to do about it - you've come to the right place. If all you've got are basic terms like 'loud', 'bright', or 'hot', I can help you.Neurodivergent + sensory burnout landed me in the hospital in October 2024. I went on medical leave and began searching for an answer.My whole life, many public spaces are sensory-hostile for me, and I was tired of always having to put up with it, find my own solutions, or burn out. And I wasn't the only one!I live with multiple sensory issues myself, but every human has a nervous system that is constantly being chipped away at by sensory-overload in uncalibrated spaces.I asked the question 'why isn't there a cross-sense model for nervous system harmony?'. And then I created one - the SOLACE Model (TM).
SOLACE goes beyond the surface level of 'loud' or 'bright' and digs deeper into real science for real comfort.
My passions are speaking, educating, and media production which have led me to deliver keynote talks, lead workshops, create videos for YouTube, and produce other educational content.SERVICES
• Keynotes & Workshops
• Sensory Profile and Comfort Evaluation (SPACE) Assessments for spaces using the SOLACE Model TM
• Sensory-aware neuro-inclusion consulting for organizations and event planners
• Data collection, and CertificationEmail me to arrange a consultation: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
Subscribe to my newsletter to get access to my free sensory resources (including the STIM Guide, and Sensory Barrier Bingo), plus other tips, deals, and goodies! I will never send you spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.
ORGANIZATIONS LACEY HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH
LACEY IS A MEMBER OF
The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS)
The Canadian Women's Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC)
Autism Alliance of Canada
Associate of Neurodiversity Change Foundation
The Elleiance Network
Cartified Inspirational Speaker via Speaker Slam
Proudly Canadian | Women-Owned | Making Every Space More Sensory Accessible.All product names and designs are used under and protected by trademark.
Land AcknowledgementLacey currently lives and operates based out of Tkaronto, on the traditional, unceded territory of the the Mississauguas of the New Credit First Nations, the Huran Wendat, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Anishinabewaki.
TESTIMONIALS
Here is what people have said about Lacey's work, and about working with her:
SENSORY WORK
"I really learned a lot and I've encouraged my company's DEI and facilities teams to attend a future session. I think an enormous number of institutions can benefit from learning from you"
-Meredith Weinhold (Canadian Medical Association Journal)
"Lacey delivered a highly insightful session on sensory conditions. She blended research with practical strategies you can use right away to make spaces more accessible and inclusive.Any organization would benefit from engaging Lacey. Her expertise will help protect the overall quality and perception of the shared space experience."
-Mike Scott (President - International Live Events Association, Vancouver Chapter)
"I really enjoyed your presentation. I gained a lot from it and I hope more people get to hear what you have to say on the subject of sensory accessibility"
-Uli Egger (Rick Hansen Foundation)
"I'm truly amazed at how detail-oriented and creative you are on the topic of sensory science education"
-Lara McLachlan (Neurodiversity Change Foundation)
"I really enjoyed your innovative approach to accessibility, as a fellow neurodivergent person, it was refreshing!"
-Jason Perks (The Efficiency Architect)
"Lacey has a talent for crafting accessible environments that help people feel welcome and comfortable. She brings a wealth of knowledge to her work and is great at connecting ideas and crafting threads"
-Kendred C (ODLAN)
"I am consistently in awe of the work that Lacey produces"
-Jennifer Magee (Inclusive Workplace Supply Council of Canada)
"As someone in an adjacent field, I was really impressed with the webinar. It was clear that much research was involved"
-Liz R
"Your webinar was informative without losing me in the details, and it was nerdy in the BEST way!"
-Keegan Chambers (webinar attendee)
"I've been noticing how much noise and cross-talking can overwhelm me and affect my ability to process information. Thank you for making event spaces less stressful to network in!"
-Fabio Ferreira (workshop attendee)
"This seems like a really great way for how to make a space better. Even if you're not neurodivergent, these are really tangible ways to make a spare enjoyable for any person"
-Shanu K
"The work you are doing is so important for the community, please keep it up!"
-Victoria Urquhart (Actor)
AutScape 2026
"I can't express how much I feel impacted by being kept from experiences and life by sensory hostile environments, and you doing this work makes me really hopeful about a future that is sensory-comfortable and aligned"
-Aria K (AutScape 2026 attendee)
"Thank you so much, this was amazing! When venue owners ask me how to make their spaces more sensory-inclusive, i'll know to send them to you!"
-Dr. Gal Schkolnik
"Great information and a great conversation starter. SOLACE and the ABCs of sensory are very memorable!"
-Taelor B (AutScape 2026 attendee)
"I love the way your brain works, you have such a great way to explain sensory issues!"
-Carrie (former Audio Engineer)
"This is one of the stimmiest presentations i've ever heard. I never thought of framing sensory issues the way you do!"
-Tod (AutScape 2026 attendee)
"Lacey is a really good speaker - it was all explained really well!"
-Kabie (AutScape 2026 attendee)
OTHER
"Lacey is a great speaker and host. She has serious organizational skills to make things happen, and she's great at turning strangers into friends"
-Wednesday Bell (event attendee)
Subscribe to my newsletter to get access to my free sensory resources (including the STIM Guide, and Sensory Barrier Bingo), plus other tips, deals, and goodies! I will never send you spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.
SPEAKING
The Stage is My Happy Place
Lacey's first paid speaking engagement was in 2014 at Nerd Nite Toronto, where she spoke about being a modern 'polymath', or a person with many varied interests and talents.Originally a very shy, awkward introvert - Lacey has evolved significantly over the years and now combines her curiosity, creativity, and humour to be an engaging speaker.She has a particular passion for 'edutainment', ie using art and media production to help educate and delight audiences.Lacey has experience with all of the following and more:
• Keynotes, Panels, & Workshops
• Standup comedy and storytelling
• PodcastsBelow are highlights.[email protected] for bookings
SPEAKER SLAM
SPEECH AT OQCC
EVENT HOSTING & EMCEEING
"Arty Mix Events" was an event company Lacey started and ran for a year before shifting into consulting.
NEURODIVERSITY PRESENTATION
"If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid"
STANDUP COMEDY
STORYTELLING
PODCAST
Interview with a representative from Rick Hansen Foundation
YOUTUBE
What happens when you 'brain scan' a song? You learn cool science!
OTHER
Click here for testimonials about Lacey's work and speaking
[email protected] for bookings
ART & DESIGN
Lacey has been an artist and multimedia producer for over 20 years.She has produced music, podcasts, graphic designs, a short fiction novel, puppetry, a short film, youtube videos, live streams, and more.You can purchase some of Lacey's designs as shirts, stickers, phone cases, mugs, and more over at one of two RedBubble shops:• neuromixart - Neurodiversity-centric designs.
• artemiscreates - General designs + LGBTQ-centric designs.
SAMPLES: NEURODIVERSITY CENTRIC
SAMPLES: GENERAL
VIDEO BY LACEY
"Terpnothesia" Texture Visualizer
"Lacies" Friends Parody Trailer
The Blair B*tch Project Short Film
Puppetry Short Film Making of + Final production
Anatomy of a Photoshoot
Video Podcast Compilation (2022)
Playspace
MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER CREDITS-Pace Productivity Inc Event Videography (2025)
-Videographer for V. Urquhart
-Producer @ Hat Collecting Video Podcast (2025)
-Generation Women Event Videography (2025)
-Confessions of a Founder Event Videography (2025)
-Workshop Videographer @ Podcamp 2025 (Candice Lee Creativity)
-Writer/Producer/Director/Editor @ The Blair B*tch Project Short Film - Canadian Film Fest (2025)
-Producer/Editor/Puppeteer @ "Porphyrica" Short Film (2025)
-Producer/Host @ Hat Collecting Video Podcast - YouTube (2020 - 2022)
-Producer/Host @ Artemis Creates Twitch & YouTube Channel (2020 - 2021)
-Independent Musician / Composer / Mixer / Producer (2004 - 2018)
-Producer/Host @ T.M.I.T. Project Video Podcast (2016)
-Producer/Host @ N.I.M.H. Podcast (2013 - 2014)
ABOUT LACEY
Lacey (she/they) is a speaker, researcher, consultant, and creative producer. She was late-diagnosed Autistic/ADHD, and has blossomed into a driven and dynamic person.Lacey discovered her passion for public speaking in 2013 when she started her first podcast.She has the unique distinction of being an accountant turned public speaker, thanks in part to improv and standup comedy classes.Throughout her adult life, Lacey was always searching for a job that allowed her to 'bring her whole self to work every day', and after 15 years in the corporate world, she found it - public speaking.As a 'modern polymath', she delivers strong results across mediums, from consulting and coaching to keynote speeches, workshops, writing books, and producing videos.Lacey has been producing media in one form or another since high school. She is a published author, independent music producer, indie filmmaker, graphic designer, puppeteer, comedian, and more.Lacey was nicknamed 'The Purple Blur' by friends because of her porphyrophilia (love of the colour purple) and how fast she hustles to make things happen. Lacey is also a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
FUN FACTS
Lacey has studied a few different languages to varying degrees including Spanish, French, Greek, American Sign Language (ASL), and Japanese. She hopes to travel in the future to speak and perform around the world.While Lacey is right-handed, she wears her puppet on her left hand to make controlling the arm rods easier.Lacey enjoys skating, biking, climbing, and swimming. She's a big hockey fan and also enjoys racket sports. She also enjoy board games, card games, video games, escape rooms, and other puzzles.
PRESS
Articles Authored:
• Weighted Blankets & Heavy Words: Sensory Terminology Demystified
• A SOLACE Snapshot: Review of the Accessibility Professionals Network Conference 2026
• Investing in Prevention: Failed Systems and Fire Extinguishers
• Sensory Science Video Roundup: Presented by The Sensory Nerd
• Freezing Us Out of Spaces: Why Calibration Matters More Than Accommodation
• No Trick Questions: What's Behind Good Sensory Spaces
• Beyond the 9%: What Real Data About Events Reveals
• Not a Niche: Contrast Collapse is a Systems-Level Problem
• Sensory Contrast Collapse: The Battle for Balanced Comfort Across Senses
• Beyond Quiet Rooms
• The Loudness Wars - Why the Volume at Events Needs to Come Down
• Mapping the Neuro Gap - The Hidden Cost of Being Her
• Mapping the Overlap - Finding Common Ground In Common SpacesGuest Blogs:• Looking Out For Each Other - OQCC Blog
Lacey as the guest on other podcasts
• Celebrating Neurodiversity with Lacey Artemis - Hosted by Jenine Lillian
• Our Disabled Future with Nico Meyering
• AdaptX Podcast Episode 097 - Strategies to Support the Sensory Needs of Consumers with Lacey Artemis
• Hat Collecting Podcast - Special Episode "Accessibility Beyond Your Own Experience" (hosted by Lacey)NeuroCurrent Podcast (hosted by Lacey):
• Ep 04: with Falisha Karpati, PhD (Neuroscientist)
• Ep 03: with Uli Egger of Rick Hansen Foundation
• Ep 02: with Shanondoah Nicholson of Beyond the BEO
• Ep 01: with Erin Sisko of The Elleiance Network
AFFILIATES• Block Blue Light - Blue Light Free products personally used and loved by The Sensory Nerd!
• Earpeace Earplugs - I didn't like Loops when I tried them, I tried several alternatives and Earpeace were my favourites.PARTNERS & PEERS• Retrophilia Accessibility Pins - Also stickers, fidget toys, and other items
• Mighty Plugs - Special wax earplugs for sleeping
• Microassistive Tech
• Neurodiversity Change Network
• Candor Diversity Group
• Falisha Karpati,PhD: Neuroscientist, Inclusion ConsultantSensory Specific
• Calm Nest Collective (EU)
• Kulture City - Sensory Training and Kits (USA)
• Rick Hansen Foundation (CAN)
• Soundprint - Find Your Quiet Place (USA)
• Nook Sensory Pods (USA)
• Metronaps 'Energy Pod' (USA)
STATS & SURVEYS
I have been conducting surveys (both of the general public, as well as specific sectors) through my consulting practice (Neuromix Consulting) to quantify key issues to aid in advocacy and consulting work.Better data means better understanding of the true underlying issues, and helps us develop better solutions.I started this work because I realized that most people don't have the necessary vocabulary (hypologia) to understand and describe their experiences effectively.This is not just an accessibility concern. It is a social, economic, and public health issue. If you'd like to help contribute to this work, the various surveys are linked below.
SHORT SURVEYS (5 or less mins to complete)
• Sensory Issues 'Bingo' Short Survey
• Sensory Aid Preference Survey
• AMA: Ask Me Anything About Your Senses
• "Neurospreading" SurveyLONG-FORM SURVEYS (20-30 mins to complete)
• General Public Sensory Comfort Survey
• Event Industry Staff Sensory Comfort Survey
• Retail Staff & Patron Sensory Comfort Survey (coming soon)
• Restaurant Staff & Patron Sensory Comfort Survey (coming soon)
• Healthcare Staff & Patient Sensory Comfort Survey (coming soon)
DATA HIGHLIGHTS
The following are the up-to-date stats as of Feb 28, 2026. These stats are re-checked approximately once a quarter.
Primary sensory discomfort drivers:
(across all genders and neurotypes)• Sound: 83% of respondents
• Seating and physical comfort: 44%
• Temperature and lighting tied at 39% and 38%.• Across the dataset, 91% of respondents reported being consistently uncomfortable in event environments as they currently exist.• Discomfort is not limited to neurodivergent respondents: While only 12.5% of respondents (so far) identified as neurotypical, over 70% of those respondents show evidence of recurring sensory strain based on endurance limits, early exit behavior, or identified discomfort triggers.• 43% of respondents reported not being able to tolerate an overstimulating environment for more than 60 mins.• 62% of respondents are not comfortable raising an issue of discomfort to staff, meaning most sensory failures never register as feedback or complaints at all.• Approx 70–75% indicate they leave environments silently rather than ask staff to intervene.• 78% of survey respondents said they are more likely to return to or recommend a venue that demonstrates sensory awareness (even when no formal accommodations are needed)• For a more in depth breakdown (of a slightly older data set), check out this blog post.
NEUROMIX CONSULTING
The Sensory Nerd (via Neuromix) helps organizations and venue owners understand, measure, and improve sensory conditions in shared spaces so that patrons, guests, and/or staff can stay longer, engage more fully, and be more likely to return and recommend.
CORE OFFERINGS
Speaking, Training, and Workshops• Keynotes & Panels
Lacey Artemis brings years of experience delivering talks ranging from corporate training to keynote presentations, with a focus on sensory comfort, inclusion, and human-centered design.
• Training & Workshops
Delivered directly to organizations or offered as premium webinars and digital courses. The following sessions are available on demand for a fee.The Sensory Event: Designing Events People Don’t Need to Recover From
The Sensory Restaurant: Dining That People Savour and Come Back For More
The Sensory Store: Retail That Boosts Baskets and Satisfies Shoppers
The Sensory Workplace: Preventing Burnout at the Source
The Sensory Classroom: Learning Without The Extra Cognitive Load
The Sensory Clinic: More Calming Care for Providers and Patients
CONSULTING AND REPORTS
Sensory Assessment & CalibrationSPACE Report™ (Sensory Profile and Comfort Evaluation.)
powered by the SOLACE Model™SPACE is a comprehensive assessment that helps organizations recalibrate their environments for scientifically-defined human comfort.It applies anywhere people gather: workplaces, classrooms, public buildings, healthcare environments, community hubs, and event venues.Comfortable spaces support focus, connection, and wellbeing.The SOLACE Model provides a universal, systems-level method for improving experience quality across senses and sectors.
With a SPACE Report™, your organization can:• Increase satisfaction and participation
Improve comfort, reduce sensory barriers, and help people stay longer, engage more, and feel more at ease.• Strengthen reputation and trust
More than 80 percent of survey respondents say they are more likely to return to and recommend spaces that demonstrate sensory awareness.• Support accessibility and inclusion
Align with emerging accessibility expectations and prepare your organization for the next generation of standards.• Improve wellbeing and reduce stress
Comfort supports focus, connection, safety, and community. Balanced environments reduce overwhelm for everyone, not only neurodivergent individuals.• Avoid costly mistakes
Identify low-cost adjustments and smart upgrades that prevent future retrofits, complaints, or turnover.• Deliver experiences that matter
Whether you are a government agency, non-profit, educational institution, healthcare provider, event organizer, or corporate workplace, the SPACE Report and SOLACE Score help your people feel welcome, comfortable, and able to participate fully.
CONSULTING AND REPORTS
Neuromix provides consulting support for organizations that want to move beyond awareness into action.This Includes:• Venue and Space Consulting
For venue owners and managers seeking to improve comfort, repeat visits, and positive word-of-mouth.• Organizational Consulting
For workplaces, institutions, and agencies looking to improve focus, productivity, and wellbeing in internal spaces.• Conference & Event Consulting
For planners and organizers who want to proactively assess venues, plan for sensory risks, and respond effectively if issues arise during live events.Targeted coaching for individuals responsible for shaping shared experiences.Coaching is available for:• Event hosts and emcees who want to understand sensory dynamics and deliver better audience experiences.• Managers and team leaders seeking to better support neurodiverse teams.
RESEARCH AND DATA
Research & Survey Data Access• Proprietary Sensory Survey Data
Paid access to Neuromix’s patron and participant experience survey data, available to organizations and researchers seeking deeper insight into sensory comfort trends.
SERVICE TIERS
• Basic SOLACE Assessment
Entry-level assessment for a single venue space, including a foundational SPACE Report. (Starting at $1,000 CAD)• Comprehensive SPACE Report
A more detailed evaluation for individual venue spaces.• Enhanced SPACE Package
Includes deployment of the proprietary SCOPE Box (TM) and optional custom patron or audience surveys.• Workshops & Staff Training
Tailored education to support implementation and long-term improvement. Email us or book a call to get a quote.Not a large venue? We offer bite-sized audits and consultations too, designed for community organizations and smaller event spaces.
TESTIMONIALS
Lacey (she/they) is a versatile multi-passionate creative producer, speaker, coach, advocate, and more. She was late-diagnosed neurodivergent, and has blossomed into a dynamic and engaging voice at any event.Lacey discovered her passion for public speaking in 2013 when she started her first podcast, but it took a few years for her to build up the confidence to pursue speaking professionally.Lacey has been producing media in one form or another since high school. She is a graphic designer, music composer, published author, and filmmaker among other things.Lacey has the unique distinction of being an accountant turned performer, thanks in part to improv classes at Second City, and standup comedy and puppetry classes at Bad Dog Theatre.Lacey is also a member of the LGBTQ2IA+ community.