Open Minds Core Services Centre

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

01/26/2026

Happy Family Literacy Day! Great night to snuggle up and read together.

Happy Family Literacy Day! We hope you take some time to share a favourite book with your child today! Visit our Early Literacy Hub page for practical tips to make the most of book reading to prepare your child for literacy success.

https://bit.ly/4qBuzfJ

01/26/2026

Help the AAF design an Autism Acceptance Flag for our community of Sault Ste. Marie!

Please share!!!!!

Autism Acceptance Flag Design Contest for SAULT STE MARIE.

*****Deadline date will be added to this so please keep that in mind.

We invite children, students, schools, families, artists and community members of all ages to help design an Autism Acceptance Flag for our community of Sault Ste. Marie.

The flag will represent acceptance, inclusion, and belonging for autistic individuals and their families who live, learn and grow in our The City of Sault Ste. Marie. Autism Acceptance means celebrating neurodiversity, respecting, differences, and creating environments where autistic people feel valued, supported, and free to be themselves.

By involving kids and schools, this contest encourages learning, creativity, and kindness, helping young people understand that differences make our community stronger. The winning design will become a meaningful symbol of who we are and the inclusive community we continue to build.

01/26/2026

Signed out before it hit the shelf! Newest addition to the Community Library by Eli Harwood, The Attachment Nerd - Raising Securely Attached Kids Using Connection-Focused Parenting to Create Confidence, Empathy, and Resilience

If you are interested in perusing our collection or signing something out, please visit our website https://ssmopenminds.org/community-library