May 26 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation will include an overview of research on the impacts of trauma and stigma on Autistic people. Together, we will explore how autism-related stigma in society, research, and interpersonal interactions translates into a greater risk of experiencing trauma, including exclusion and discrimination, for many Autistic people.
The presenter will discuss Autistic peoples’ experiences with stigmatization and trauma in a variety of contexts (including interpersonal relationships, school, work, clinical, and community spaces), and address the self-reported coping methods Autistic people use.
They will also explore intersectional, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting Autistic people in their day-to-day lives.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Tuesday, May 26
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:
Tamara Garfield is a doctoral student at Drexel University in the Community Health and Prevention program of the Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia, PA. Tamara identifies as Autistic and uses she/her and they/them pronouns. Their work includes a focus on meaningfully including Autistic people in research to improve quality of life and health-related outcomes for Autistic people. Tamara discovered a passion for this work as a peer mentor in high school and pursued a BA in psychology and a MA in community counseling with a focus on neurodivergence, stigma, and trauma.
In her current work, Tamara is studying how contextual factors, including stigma and trauma, shape Autistic peoples’ experiences in employment and education and, in turn, how these experiences impact their health and wellbeing. In their free time, Tamara loves spending time with her cats, gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, and watching movies or TV shows.
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May 28 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In this session, attendees will learn how to identify their values and what’s important to them and how they can use that knowledge to live more authentically. Living authentically means valuing yourself and learning to live according to your values instead to the expectations of others.
While this session is for everyone, its focus will particularly benefit women and aging adults.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and YMCA with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, May 28
1:00 – 2:30 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 YMCA:
At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
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May 19 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
As caregivers, feeling disconnected and lonely can impact physical wellness. In this session, learn how these things impact you, while gaining important strategies to help you enjoy the world outside the house.
This session is intended for everyone, however, its focus will particularly benefit women and aging adults.
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and YMCA with support from The Sinneave Family Foundation.
Tuesday, May 19
3:30 – 5:00 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 YMCA:
At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
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May 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Join us for an engaging workshop where, together with Caregivers Alberta, we’ll navigate the art of meaningful conversations and connections.
This session focuses on how to initiate and lead meaningful, compassionate conversations with employed caregivers. It covers the importance of clear communication, appropriate tone, and body language, and creating a safe, private setting for discussion.
Attendees will learn practical steps to apply to conversations, such as explaining the purpose of the meeting, practicing active listening, expressing empathy, and using supportive language.
The goal is to build trust, reduce stress, and connect caregivers with resources while fostering an inclusive and understanding workplace.
This session is presented by Autism Edmonton in partnership with Caregivers Alberta and support from The Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, May 14
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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May 6 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This presentation explores oral health through a woman’s lens, focusing on the natural changes that occur throughout each stage of life.
From puberty and menstruation to pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact oral health. Attendees will learn how these shifts can contribute to concerns such as increased gum sensitivity, inflammation, bleeding, dry mouth, and a higher risk of cavities, as well as how oral health is closely connected to overall health during these transitions.
With a supportive and practical approach, this session will provide education on how to care for oral health during each life stage in a way that feels realistic and manageable. It will also touch on common challenges women face, including time constraints, caregiving roles, and access to care.
The goal is to empower women with knowledge and confidence, helping them better understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and maintain strong, healthy smiles through every phase of life.
This learning session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and Home Comfort Hygienist with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Wednesday, May 6
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
Kyria Elliott is a Registered Dental Hygienist and the founder of Home Comfort Hygienist, a mobile dental hygiene service dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care in the comfort of clients’ homes. Her work is rooted in accessibility, compassion, and meeting individuals where they are–especially those who may find traditional dental settings overwhelming or difficult to access.
Kyria has a special interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals and families, creating a calm, flexible, and sensory-aware approach to oral health care. She is passionate about empowering women and caregivers with knowledge, tools, and support to make oral health feel achievable and stress-free. Through her work, she strives to build trust, reduce barriers, and create positive, lasting experiences around dental care.
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May 5 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Talk 2 Me is a free workshop focused on stress and stress management.
While facilitators foster open conversations about mental health and well-being, attendees will have an opportunity discuss the signs, symptoms, and impacts of stress, as well as strategies for coping in healthy ways.
This session is presented by Autism Edmonton in partnership with the YMCA and brought to you with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Tuesday, May 5
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. When you click the button that says “Register” you will be redirected to their site.
About the YMCA:
At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
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May 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
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.*
In this session, we will continue to discuss various aspects of different types of relationships, such as:
- Relationships with family
- Workplace relationships
- Romantic relationships
- Other casual relationships, and
- Making friends.
Participants are welcome to share lived experiences and discuss strategies that have been helpful for them as they relate to making friends, building and maintaining relationships, and learning about relationship dynamics.
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.
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, May 19
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 the prompts on the log-in page.
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.
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May 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
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.*
In this session, we will discuss various aspects of different types of relationships, such as:
- Relationships with family
- Workplace relationships
- Romantic relationships
- Other casual relationships, and
- Making friends.
Participants are welcome to share lived experiences and discuss strategies that have been helpful for them as they relate to making friends, building and maintaining relationships, and learning about relationship dynamics.
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.
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.
Thursday, May 7
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 the prompts on the log-in page.
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.
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May 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?
Our Employment Classroom series of workshops cover many topics related to finding a job and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this particular session, participants will learn:
- How to prepare for an interview
- What skills you need to practice for the interview
- How to answer questions confidently
- How to perform well in an interview
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn what is expected in professional settings, how to navigate specific questions, and receive and provide feedback, if desired.
Wednesday, May 20
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 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 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!
Related Events
Related Events
May 6 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?
Our Employment Classroom series of workshops cover many topics related to finding a job and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this particular session, participants will learn:
- The purpose of a resume and cover letter in a job search
- What to include in each of these documents
- How to write a resume and cover letter, and
- How to format them so they look great
Wednesday, May 6
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 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 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!