Open Minds Core Services Centre

08/22/2026

📣 We are excited to add one more event to our Connections Conference 2026!

Please join us for this 2-hour evening session: UNDERSTANDING & SUPPORTING NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUALS IN YOUR SETTING with Linda Murphy

This introductory-level workshop is for all who serve the public. Learn how you can create a safe-feeling, positive, and productive experience for your customers, clients, and patients.

🔗 Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/supporting-neurodivergent-individuals-in-your-space-tickets-1986911520845?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/14/2026

“How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
- AA Milne (adapted)

Elizabeth, we wish you all the best!

08/10/2026

We are excited to share that the Not Okay at School parent support group is now hosted by Youth Mental Health Canada! Find more information and join the group here: https://sites.google.com/ymhc.ngo/noas/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTfZ-JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1bm9vQzBkV0pPQzhYRjNuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqGqfDb262z2TVDUfxfV-j5ok5LeMw0dPsU2SrXbb_mKvL84_q_ghbS8hXsf_aem_S9eY7_qQU4ZYf3ShVn12cA

08/06/2026

A great first day 😄 Please join us in welcoming Mark to the team!

https://ssmopenminds.org/our-team

08/04/2026

Linda is a speech language pathologist and Relationship Development Intervention® (RDI®) Consultant. She co-founded Peer Projects Therapy From the Heart, a clinic in Beverly, MA dedicated to helping kids and families by using a positive, thoughtful communication style that emphasizes understanding, patience, respect, and kindness. Linda has been working with individuals with social learning differences for over 30 years. She leads trainings on the topic of social learning, and has authored Declarative Language Handbook and Co-Regulation Handbook. She is a Certified Early Intervention Specialist, trained in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)/Gestalt Language Processing, and holds Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Training from PDA North America. She also sits on the Board of Directors of PDA North America. Linda lives north of Boston with her husband and their two busy, lovable boys.

To register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/regulation-connection-and-social-learning-with-your-child-tickets-1986912430566

07/06/2026

Do you have your ticket yet?

Link to Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/regulation-connection-and-social-learning-with-your-child-tickets-1986912430566

06/24/2026

This.

Ah, the real world.

'Can we accommodate this child?
'No. They won't be accommodated in the real world. They have to get used to this now.'

'Can we be flexible with this expectation?'
'No. The real world will not be flexible with expectations. This kid needs to learn how to meet them now.'

'We need to be more curious and empathetic with this kid.'
'No. The real world won't be curious or empathetic. We need to be even stricter.'

'This kid seems to really be struggling. Can't we meet them with kindness?'
'No. Real world.'

Honestly.

Any talk of this 'real world' sounds to me like 'hey, the real world is horrible and judgemental and overwhelming. So let's get these kids used to that now. We don't want them thinking that kindness and empathy are the norm. That's not the direction that we are steering the world towards.'

Essentially, this is how adults rationalise doing nothing to support neurodivergent kids.

I don't accept that 'real world'.
I don't think anyone should.

I'm tired and pi**ed off.
You?

Em

06/22/2026

And the winner is… Andrea Marshall!

She won a copy of the Co-Regulation Handbook and the Declarative Language Handbook by Linda Murphy!

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway and shared our post.

Earlybird Registration is still open!

Link to register or for more information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/regulation-connection-and-social-learning-with-your-child-tickets-1986912430566

06/16/2026

🔔🔔Great news! The early bird registration deadline has been extended to July 13th!

For more information or to register, https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/regulation-connection-and-social-learning-with-your-child-tickets-1986912430566

06/15/2026

Still time to register!

⏳ Reminder: Join us next week for our Caregiver Education Session ⏳

🌟 How to Talk to Our Kids 🌟

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to support your child’s communication through connection, not demands 💬

📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
⏰ 7:30–9:30 PM
📍 Virtual or in-person options available

Led by Lisa Runco, Speech-Language Pathologist, this session will explore how to build meaningful, authentic interactions that help children feel confident and understood.

📞 Call (705) 759-1131 ext. 0 to register

Spots are limited—secure yours today! 💛