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 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
- Recognize disinterest in communication
- Manage rejection & moving 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.
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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 whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
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.
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February 24 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Do you know communication can vastly differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people?
In this session, 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
Tuesday, February 24
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend
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.
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 Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Create a user name
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Communication – February 24, 2026” course and enroll.
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.
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February 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, we will talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you are in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Discuss the impact that disagreements can have on communication
- Discuss how arguments may affect how others perceive you (e.g., your reputation)
- Identify strategies to assist in resolving disagreements
- Practice what you have learned through roleplay
Tuesday, February 17
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend
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.
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 Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Create a user name
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements – February 17, 2026” course and enroll.
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.
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February 10 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Much of our everyday communication involves non-verbal body language and unwritten social rules. Many Autistic or neurodivergent people find it challenging to navigate social situations because they have a hard time interpreting various forms of non-verbal communication.
Some forms of non-verbal communication can include facial expressions, posture, eye contact, or hand gestures. The good news is these skills can be learned!
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop a strong foundation in understanding non-verbal cues in shared communication
- Discuss strategies for understanding non-verbal cues
- Receive tips to improve your non-verbal communication skills
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 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.
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: The Art of Non-verbal Communication – 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.
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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.
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February 5 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to practice everything you have learned to date. When you have an understanding of what’s important to you, you can communicate clearly, set boundaries, and confidently make decisions that align with your beliefs and goals.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
6:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This free, virtual workshop is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register an account to use it.
If you already have a 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 portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Self-advocacy Workshop: Finding Your Voice – Feb. 5 course to access the virtual link.
This session is one of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each workshop covers different aspects of self-advocating and provides information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help!
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January 29 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, our facilitator will provide tips and strategies for:
- Practicing communicating your needs to others
- Effectively starting conversations about your needs
- Building confidence in communicating your needs
Thursday, January 29
6:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This free, virtual workshop is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register an account to use it.
If you already have a 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 portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Self-advocacy Workshop: Starting the Conversation – Jan. 29 course to access the virtual link.
This session is one of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each workshop covers different aspects of self-advocating and provides information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
Part Three – Finding Your Voice – Thursday, February 5
This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help!
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January 22 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how can it benefit you. It will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face, which will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
6:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This free, virtual workshop is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register an account to use it.
If you already have a 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 portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Self-advocacy Workshop: Knowing Yourself – January 22 course to access the virtual link.
This session is one of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each workshop covers different aspects of self-advocating and provides information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
Part Two – Starting the Conversation – Thursday, January 29
Building on what we learned in Workshop 1, this session will provide tips and strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others, as well as how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
Part Three – Finding Your Voice – Thursday, February 5
Concluding what we learned in Workshops 1 and 2, this session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help!
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November 13, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
If interpreting non-verbal social cues and body language is challenging for you, we can help! In this fun and engaging workshop, participants will use “Body Language Decoder Cards” to help learn, understand, and interpret basic body language and social cues.
For context, it’s thought that up to 90% of communication is non-verbal in nature. Body language, facial expressions, and unwritten social rules can be difficult to interpret for many Autistic and neurodivergent people, leaving them feeling disconnected in social settings.
You’re invited to start building a foundation for better communication with this workshop.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
As this workshop is interactive and involves practicing the strategies learned, participation is in-person only at this time. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required as space is limited.
To register:
Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” you will be directed to the login page. If you already have an account, just log in as usual.
If you don’t have an account, it’s free and easy to set up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose Tips & Strategies for interpreting non-verbal cues – Registration and follow the instructions.
About the Presenter:
Sherry Taylor has over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She currently is the Program Coordinator with the EmploymentWorks (EW) program at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She started working with the EW virtual program and made the transition to the in-person program continuously developing curriculum and content for Autistic youth, adults, and persons with disabilities, and professionals.
If you have any questions, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.