Open Minds Core Services Centre

03/19/2026

Celebrating and Supporting ‘Minds of All Kinds’ this week, and every day!

https://www.neurodiversityweek.com

03/16/2026

Still time to register!

⏰ Reminder: Caregiver Education Session – After an ASD Diagnosis 💙

This Wednesday, March 18 from 7:30–9:30 PM, join us for a supportive session on understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder, the caregiver–child relationship, and what comes after a diagnosis.

💻 Virtual or in person
🎤 Presented by Lisa Runco, SLP & RDI Certified Consultant
📞 Register: (705) 759‑1131 ext. 0

02/26/2026

Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth on her well-deserved acceptance to the Master of Public Policy and Administration Program at Carleton University for September 2026! We are so excited for you as you soar into this next chapter. Oh the Places You’ll Go 🎓🎉

02/23/2026

Does your child struggle with school attendance? You are not alone. This parent-led support group meets monthly, starting March 12th. All are welcome.

02/20/2026

📣📣📣

💙 What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? After the Diagnosis 💙

Receiving an ASD diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and many caregivers are left wondering what comes next. You’re not alone.

Join us for a Caregiver Education Session that explores:
• What autism is and how it is diagnosed
• Understanding autism as a different way of thinking and experiencing the world, not a list of behaviors
• How autism can impact the caregiver–child relationship
• Practical tips to help caregivers regain confidence in their role

🗓 Wednesday, March 18, 2026
⏰ 7:30 – 9:30 PM
💻 Virtual or in person options available
🎤 Presenter: Lisa Runco, Speech Language Pathologist & RDI Certified Consultant
📞 To register: Contact THRIVE reception at (705) 759 1131 ext. 0

02/19/2026

02/17/2026

Connections Parent Group: Parents Empowering Parents

Saturday, Feb 28, 10:30 am - 12 noon:
Trips / travel with my child and family
My child’s special interests

Join us for a parent-to-parent conversation about these two important topics. Find more information and link to RSVP here: https://ssmopenminds.org/connections-parent-group

Curious about upcoming topics or have a topic to suggest? DM us!

02/12/2026

Please join us in welcoming Blair Armstrong, BSc., Ph.D. (ABD), Infant Mental Health and Early Childhood Developmental Disorders. We are thrilled to have Blair joining us as a consultant and professional mentor!

In his mentorship role, Blair will be assisting our team through professional development, case consultations, and overall capacity building.

Blair has been working with neurodivergent children, youth, and adults, and their families for 30 years. As an RDI® and DIR Floortime® Consultant, Blair is accepting new families. Services are provided virtually, with occasional in-person sessions available. For inquiries and referrals, please contact the centre at 705-253-1157 or email info@ssmopenminds.org.

Learn more about Blair https://ssmopenminds.org/meet-the-team, and his services https://ssmopenminds.org/rdi®

02/11/2026

Mora Martin, an Occupational Therapist with Open Minds, collaborates with children, teens, and their caregivers to support meaningful participation in everyday life. Grounded in a relational, developmental approach, she understands that growth happens through connection, safety, and supportive relationships.

Her work focuses on supporting regulation, engagement, and skill development within the context of real-life activities and relationships, including:
- nervous system regulation and co-regulation
- sensory processing, integration, and modulation as it relates to participation and connection
- executive functioning skills (e.g., working memory, planning, organization, and time management)
- visual perceptual and visual-motor skills to support learning and play
- fine motor skills (e.g., strength, handwriting, cutting)
- daily living skills (e.g., dressing, toileting, sleeping, cooking) within family routines
- collaboration and support within school and community environments

To learn more about Mora, visit our website https://ssmopenminds.org/occupational-therapy

For a referral for Occupational Therapy Services with Mora, contact the centre at 705-253-1157 or email info@ssmopenminds.org

02/10/2026

From Pages to Practice book study: Connections Over Compliance by Dr. Lori Desautels

Two of our educators will be busy with ADSB’s Theatre Month productions, so session 2 has been rescheduled from February 12th to February 19th. Check out one or all of these wonderful productions! https://soo.spaces.ca/arts-entertainment/adsb-celebrates-theatre-month-with-three-collaborative-february-productions-february-is-theatre-month-and-the-algoma-district-school-board-is-46468

February 19th, 7:00 pm: We will be chatting about Chapter 2: Student Behaviors Start with You.

Couldn’t make it to session 1? Haven’t read the book? Curious about the conversation or hoping to connect with other educators? We’d love to have you join us!

RSVP here and we will send you the link: https://ssmopenminds.org/book-clubs

01/29/2026

Looking for something to do for tomorrow's PA Day? Check out this article!

Enjoy open turf time in the morning and sensitive turf time in the afternoon

01/29/2026

Looking for something to do for tomorrows PA Day? Check out this article! https://www.sootoday.com/local-sports/tomorrows-a-pa-day-looking-for-something-to-do-with-the-kids-11806756