September 1 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Are you interested in the programs and services The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) has to offer?
Are you or your child Autistic or neurodivergent and age 15 or older?
This presentation is for you! Join us for a 60-minute virtual information session and Q & A and get to know all about us!
In our hour together, we share who Sinneave is and how we can support Autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults with the major life transitions they are facing. Things like:
- Graduating high school and attending post-secondary
- Getting a job
- Moving out and living independently
- And more!
This presentation is ideal for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, their support networks, such as parents, caregivers and guardians, as well as local service providers and professionals who may be seeking more information about our programs and services in the Calgary area and beyond.
About the Presenter
Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where she has the pleasure to meet with Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and/or community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and has a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
September 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace. This includes employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this workshop, participants will discuss and learn:
- The difference between a job and a career
- Choosing a career that is practical
- Why you need a career-planning outline
- Things you can do to advance your career
Some additional time will be spent discussing the job market and specific challenges a person might encounter during a job search.
Wednesday, September 23
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.
Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
To Register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to register. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the Log-in page.
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.
Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline industry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
Related Events
September 1 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
September 9 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace. This includes employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
Having the ability to understand and control your personal income, expenses, and budget are some of the most important tools people need in their financial toolkit. In this particular session, participants will learn how to read a pay stub, how to make a basic budget, and how to avoid job scams.
With this in mind, participants will:
- Learn why it is important to distinguish between needs and wants when it comes to personal finances
- Identify gross income from all sources and learn about paycheque deductions
- Adjust a personal budget to allow you to achieve a simple goal.
Wednesday, September 9
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.
Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
To Register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to register. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the Log-in page.
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.
Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline indjustry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
Related Events
August 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
As young adults are transitioning towards independence and into employment, caregivers are transitioning from the role of Manager to that of Consultant for their young adult.
This transition can be challenging for all parties, and can create tension and feelings of stress and anxiety.
In this strengths-based workshop, we will discuss tools and strategies that can help make space for shared learning and growth within the family and natural support network during this transition.
In addition to connecting with other caregivers and natural supports who may be having similar experiences, attendees will learn about available community resources for caregivers and Autistic and other neurodivergent folks.
In this session, caregivers will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Identify different pathways to employment
- Recognize the different options that are available to their young adult
- Use strengths-based tools and strategies to help their young adult to identify appropriate employment opportunities
- Identify resources in the community that support caregivers and young adults through this transition.
Please note: Caregivers do not need to be parents in order to attend this workshop. Caregivers can be legal guardians, supportive roommates, natural supports, or family members.
Wednesday, August 12
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person At The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Space in this session is limited, and registration is required through Sinneave Connects. If there are no spots available, you will be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if one opens up.
Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” and sign in to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that to access the online link. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions on the sign-in page.
About this Workshop:
The Building your Toolkit workshops introduce you to The Sinneave Family Foundation’s Family Work Readiness Toolkit (FWRT), a practical, strengths-based resource designed to help youth explore their interests, skills, values, and preferred work environments. Attendees will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success. Participants will gain a stronger understanding of how to support your young adult’s transition into the workforce with practical tools, shared insight, and a clear starting point.
About the Presenter:
Stéphanie Chapman is a Bilingual Online Program Facilitator for the EmploymentWorks program. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan, and personally as a caregiver. Stéphanie is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for families of all shapes and sizes to learn and grow together.
If you have any questions about these sessions, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
August 20 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Our Women’s Group is designed specifically for Autistic and other neurodivergent adults (18+) who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood.*
In this session, we will learn about and explore different experiences with masking. Some topics may include:
- What masking is
- How to recognize masking, including discussing examples
- Some reasons people may mask
- The different impacts of masking.
Participants are welcome to share lived experiences and discuss strategies that have been helpful for them as they relate to our discussion topics.
Please note, this is not a therapy group, but rather, a supportive, non-clinical space to discuss and share ideas, lived experiences, and connect meaningfully with others. The content and resources shared in this group are informed by both lived Autistic experience and research as they intersect with gendered experiences in society.
*This group is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent folks who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood, inclusive of non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ identities and expressions. This boundary ensures that participants can share openly without explanation, justification or judgement.
Thursday, August 20
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where they have the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information and navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources. Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
*During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Some information provided may not be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable for everyone. Attendees are also encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement, and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
August 20 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Our August theme event is all about puzzles! Participants are welcome to drop in, enjoy the space, and engage with a variety of puzzles in the way that works best for them.
The event will feature multiple puzzle stations, offering different types of puzzles and levels of challenge:
- Visual puzzles: spot the difference, pattern recognition
- Word puzzles: word searches, crosswords, word wheels, rebus puzzles
- Number puzzles: Sudoku
- Construction puzzles: jigsaw puzzles
Participants are welcome to complete puzzles individually or alongside others, choosing whether to work independently or collaborate at their own pace. There are no time limits, and taking breaks or switching stations is always encouraged.
Thursday, August 20
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Our doors are open to members of our community every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. Your Time, Your Way hours provide a safe, sensory-friendly space where participants can spend time without the obligation of spending money on food or beverages. It is a time and space where participants may express themselves without judgement and choose to connect with others (if desired).
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
August 26 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Communication can feel effortless one moment and confusing or frustrating the next. Many different factors can make conversations run smoothly (or lead to misunderstandings).
In this workshop, participants will learn why miscommunication happens and build skills to feel more confident navigating it.
Together, we’ll discuss:
- What is really happening when we communicate
- Common reasons for miscommunication
- How to anticipate and prevent misunderstandings
- How to address and repair miscommunication when it happens
Wednesday, August 26
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply common day-to-day social situations.
Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course. If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that. Just follow the instructions on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic Self-Advocate, currently working as a Program Associate at the Sinneave Family Foundation.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
August 4 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
August 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This 3-part workshop series is designed specifically with neurodivergence in mind and explores how to turn your interests and vision into a viable business idea.
Part 3, Speak, delves into communicating and pitching your business ideas with confidence using clarity, structure, and storytelling.
Speak teaches you how to combine your lived experience, business model, and authentic voice. Through our PIVOTS Framework – Problem, Impact, Value, Outcome, Trajectory, Story – we’ll help you draft a pitch you actually want to deliver. Expect guided prompts, scripts, visual tone cues, and lots of feedback. Leave with a pitch you believe in!
Tuesday, August 25
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Space in this workshop is limited and registration is required.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
Other upcoming Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship workshops include:
Think – Tuesday, August 11
Participants will explore how executive functioning drives planning, prioritizing and problem-solving, and have the opportunity to learn how to turn their vision into a business idea.
Prove – Tuesday, August 18
Learn how turn your vision into an actionable business plan.
About the Presenter:
Raiyana Shams is the developer and facilitator of the Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship Workshop Series. Raiyana is in her third year in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation program at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Minor in Management and Society and an Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking. She has designed and led neuroinclusive entrepreneurship programming on campus and collaborates with community partners to make business education more accessible. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, exploring the mountains, discovering new restaurants, ideating architectural and urban planning concepts, or connecting with small business owners across Alberta.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.