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 – 7:30p.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.
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March 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Much of our everyday communication involves the use of non-spoken cues and unwritten social rules. Non-spoken cues can include things like facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone of voice.
These are often used to emphasize a particular point that the communicator is trying to make. They may also be used to change the meaning of the words being spoken. For example, using sarcasm.
Not everyone uses or understand these cues or rules, yet it is often assumed that everyone knows what they are and what they mean. Thankfully, they can be explored, practiced, and adapted in ways that support everyone’s understanding.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop greater understanding of non-spoken cues and how they impact shared communication.
- Discuss strategies for noticing, interpreting, and responding to non-spoken cues.
- Receive tips to support effective non-spoken communication across different social situations.
Thursday, March 26
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
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:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for more than 4 years and has had a career in the Human Services field for over 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.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
March 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 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. We’ll explore topics like:
- 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
Tuesday, March 17
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend this drop-in workshop.
Our Social Communication workshops are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies intended to help in 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 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
March 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this workshop, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways whether in a one-on-one conversation or a group.
In this workshop, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Discuss strategies for exiting conversations
- Recognize disinterest in communication
- Manage rejection and move forward
- Set the stage for future engagements
Tuesday, March 10
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 opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
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 aspires to provide 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
March 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this workshop, we will learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
In this workshop, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Feel more comfortable and confident in your communication skills
- Explain what is required for good conversation
- Identify ways to find a good conversation partner and show you’re interested in talking
- Practice strategies for starting and continuing conversations
- Prepare a list of future conversation topics
- Practice troubleshooting communication experiences
Tuesday, March 3
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 opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
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 aspires to provide 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
February 10 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Much of our everyday communication involves the use of non-verbal cues. Non-verbal cues can include things like facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand gestures, as well as tone of voice. These cues are often used to emphasize a particular point that the communicator is trying to make. They may also be used to change the meaning of the words being spoken (e.g., sarcasm).
It is often assumed that everyone knows what non-verbal cues are and what they mean, but not everyone uses or understands them. Thankfully, they can be explored, practiced, and adapted in ways that support everyone’s understanding.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop greater understanding of non-verbal cues and how they impact shared communication.
- Discuss strategies for noticing, interpreting, and responding to non-verbal cues.
- Receive tips to support effective non-verbal communication across different social situations.
Tuesday, February 10
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend
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 to common day-to-day social situations.
If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule.
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Social Communication Workshop: Understanding Communication Beyond Words – February 10, 2026 course to access the virtual link.
- Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.
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
February 5 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 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).
Participants will have an opportunity to understand why miscommunication happens and feel more confident navigating it. We’ll explore topics like:
- 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
Thursday, February 5
5:30 – 7:00 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 opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
About the Presenter:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation, with more than 10 years working in the Human Services field. 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.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
October 28, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about understanding the different forms of electronic communication that people use to connect with each other. We will also discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication, understanding safety protocols, and boundaries when communicating electronically.
This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations. You can attend the session(s) that interest you the most or we recommend attending them all!
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend this workshop. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in.
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Social Communication Workshop: Strategies for Using Electronic Communication – October 28, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
- Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.
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 any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning hub, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
October 21, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share pro-tips and strategies you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend this workshop. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Social Communication Workshop: Pro-tips for Social Communication – October 21, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
- Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.
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 any questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
October 15, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this workshop, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
In this workshop, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Discuss strategies for exiting conversations
- Recognizing disinterest in communication
- Managing rejection & moving forward
- Setting the stage for future engagements
This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic or neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend this workshop. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Social Communication Workshop: Strategies for Exiting Conversations – October 15, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
- Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation where he is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement. He is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field.
If you have any questions about these workshops, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.