April 30 @ 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all three to most benefit from the content.
In Session 3, we will discuss:
- Noticing bullying behaviour in yourself
- What to do if you witness bullying
- How to help someone who is being bullied
- Ways to prevent future bullying
- Additional supports and anti-bullying resources
Tuesday, April 30
6:15 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
There is no cost to attend this workshop
Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. 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 prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for over 4 years and has had a career in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan, and gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 16 @ 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all three to most benefit from the content.
In Session 1, we will discuss:
- The different types and places bullying happens
- Why bullying happens
- Autism and bullying
- Bullying vs. conflict, harassment and discrimination
- How bullying affects people
Thursday, April 16
6:15 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
There is no cost to attend this workshop
Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. 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 prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for over 4 years and has had a career in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan, and gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 23 @ 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all three to most benefit from the content.
In Session 2, we will discuss:
- Things that contribute to and prevent bullying
- What to do if you’re being bullied
- Ways to deal with a bully
- Ways to cope with bullying
Tuesday, April 23
6:15 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
There is no cost to attend this workshop
Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. 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 prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for over 4 years and has had a career in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan, and gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Do you know communication can vastly differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people? Without some understanding of these different communication styles, some interactions can be confusing and misunderstandings can occur. But, a little knowledge can go a long way.
In this social communication workshop, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Describe how communication can differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people
- Recognize how communication across neurotypes is a form of cross-cultural communication
- Identify their own authentic communication preferences and needs
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using authentic communication in different settings
- Practice expressing or requesting their communication preferences and needs
Thursday, April 16
6:00 – 7:30 pm
In-person @ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend
Our Social Communication workshops are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals 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 in common day-to-day social situations.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. 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 prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 8 years. He strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro affirming framework and provides an inclusive space for all individuals.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Women often face unique experiences as Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, including how we socialize, societal expectations, and how Autism is understood and expressed.
We’re thrilled to offer a group designed specifically for Autistic and neurodivergent adults (18+) who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood.* 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.
In this session, we’ll talk about different aspects of being Autistic and what that means and looks like in daily life. Participants are welcome to share lived experiences and discuss strategies that have been helpful for them.
Topics may include:
- Strategies for regulation
- Communication strategies
- Lifestyle changes
- Sensory-friendly accommodations
- Leaning into interests
- Finding neurodivergent community and support
*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.
Please also note: 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.
Tuesday, April 14
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend.
Registration is appreciated, but not required. If you sign up in advance, our facilitators are able to contact you in the event of a last-minute change in plans. Drop-ins are also welcome.
To register, log in to Sinneave Connects. If you don’t have a Sinneave Connects account yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Pick a username
- Pick a password
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Women’s Group: Peer Support for 18+ workshop and click on the enroll button
About the Presenters:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for more than 4 years and in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. Her experiences have been working with individuals across the lifespan, and she has gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach, and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
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.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 13 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you live independently or it is one of your future goals, being able to confidently navigate your way around a kitchen and cook healthy meals are important life skills.
Preparing your own meals helps you to save money, control portion sizes, and make choices that match your nutritional needs. Most importantly, being able to cook for and feed yourself (and others!) builds self-sufficiency, confidence and can even be a creative outlet or social activity.
If learning to cook interests you, join us for the Joy of Cooking:
Monday, April 13
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
While cooking dinner together, participants will learn:
- The importance of good hygiene
- Cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- The proper use of utensils
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and
- How to work well with others in a team environment
As there is only light support provided by staff, participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided. Participants are expected to help with clean up after the session.
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects.” If you don’t have a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to create one. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Nathaniel Anderson is a 26-year-old cook from Calgary, where he has lived his entire life. He is a former participant of the Launch + Skills program, which he found extremely valuable. As a way of giving back, he hopes to use his skills and experiences to support others who may also need help.
Nathaniel began cooking at the age of 14 and has been working professionally for three years. During this time, he has gained experience in nearly every aspect of the job, including prepping ingredients, making cold salads, grilling, sautéing pastas and other dishes, and plating meals for both events and regular service. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games and has a strong interest in history and music.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 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 feel more confident navigating it.
Together, we’ll discuss:
- What is really happening when we communicate
- Common reasons for miscommunication
- Recognize how autism, non-spoken “language”, and unwritten social rules affect our communication
- How to anticipate and prevent misunderstandings
- How to address and repair miscommunication when it happens
Tuesday, April 7
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend this drop-in workshop.
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and 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.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. 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 prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for more than 8 years. He offers skill-building strategies using a neuro-affirming framework and provides an inclusive space for all individuals.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 2 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
There’s no better day to celebrate the Autistic individuals we know and have the privilege of working with than World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day. You’re invited to join us virtually as we celebrate the positives of being Autistic & Awesome!
Thursday, April 2
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
In this session, we intend to shift the narrative around autism, beginning with celebrating the many positive traits and characteristics common among Autistics and empowering those individuals to embrace who they are and what they have to offer.
We will also highlight the vibrancy of Autistic culture and learn ways we can support inclusion in our communities.
Participants will create a self-portrait that shows their uniqueness and celebrates who they are as individuals.
To reserve your spot and access the virtual link, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects.” You will need to log in with a Sinneave Connects account, which is free and easy to set up. Follow the instruction on the sign-in page.
About the presenter:
Sherry Taylor has more than 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She is currently the Program Coordinator for EmploymentWorks at Sinneave. She is passionate about developing engaging curriculum and content for Autistic youth and adults through a strengths-based lens, focusing on the strengths, characteristics and positive traits that Autistics bring to their communities.
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April 9 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
13.4 million Canadians (42% of the population over the age of 15) are unpaid caregivers. Over 5.2 million people in the workforce balance a job with caregiving duties. Women (52%) are more likely to be caregivers than men (42%), particularly in roles requiring regular, time-intensive personal care. Nearly 1 in 5 caregivers are over the age of 65.
In this session, we’ll deep dive into the world of burnout, as it applies to caregivers. Learn to recognize the signs and causes of caregiver burnout—which is described as a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion often triggered by juggling multiple responsibilities.
We’ll explore common stressors such as job demands, caregiver fatigue, and interpersonal conflicts, and discuss practical strategies to prevent or manage burnout in the workplace.
This session is presented by Autism Edmonton in partnership with Caregivers Alberta and support from The Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, April 9
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter
Christina Henderson is a highly motivated and professional trainer in workshop facilitation, administration, and program development. As the founder of Peerspective Consulting and Facilitation in Calgary, Alberta, and the Coordinator for Caregivers Alberta Work & Care program, Christina has collaborated with organizations across Canada to integrate positive and supportive programming into staff, client, and partner interactions.
Christina is the mom of twin sons who both have special needs. Her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of the importance of fostering supportive environments and empowering individuals through peer connections.
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March 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation is part of the Azrieli Accelerator Engaged Research Discussion Series. During this online discussion we will explore how the language used in research shapes public understanding, policy conversations, and community trust.
Using neurodiversity-affirming language as a case example, we will examine how people with lived experience wish to be represented in scientific literature and the responsibilities researchers hold as their work circulates beyond academic journals.
Participants will reflect on precision, accuracy, and intentional language choices in research communication.
Tuesday, March 17
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Azrieli Accelerator
Registration for this event is via the Azrieli Accelerator. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Azrieli Accelerator Engaged Research Discussion Series
This series helps researchers build capacity to meaningfully engage people with lived experience as participants and partners in research. Open to researchers and trainees across all disciplines, we introduce core principles of engaged research and explore how inclusive, community-partnered approaches can strengthen research design, practice, and knowledge sharing in neurodevelopment research.