All About WE BELONG
NURTURING BELONGING OUR MISSION
We Belong is a sensory-friendly, inclusive after school program designed to meet the individual needs of Neurodiverse youth. We are excited to announce, we are now enrolling for our Jan 5th opening! We serve elementary-age students, offering individualized support, during after school hours, summer day camp and Parent's Night Out Program. We also offer a Counselor In Training program for kiddos who are interested in having a leadership role. Our experienced staff are trained in the TEACCH Method, as well as the Nurtured Heart Approach, led by OT, Jabbarah Andrea Jacobson, and RN and ASDCS, Kara Nash. Both Jabbarah and Kara have assisted in program development and are contracted behavioral support staff for We Belong. At We Belong we realize the importance of a low staff-to-student ratio. Our program director, Taylor Wootten is a former EC teacher, and understands diverse sensory needs, how to foster an accepting environment, and value kiddos just as they are! Our Executive Director, Krista Shalda is a mother of two amazing boys who happen to be on the autism spectrum. Krista's vision for We Belong developed through her family's painful journey in searching for inclusive programming. We feel all kids should have a place to go after school where they can truly feel Empowered, Included and deep Belonging. This is our Mission at we Belong!
At We Belong, we are committed to cultivating belonging. Our team is comprised of a carefully selected group of dedicated professionals who have a passion for nurturing and supporting neurodivergent children.
Why Us?
We believe every child deserves a place where they can go after school and truly be themselves and belong. We Belong is not your average after-school program. Founded by a parent of neurodivergent children who were dismissed from after school programs, we understand the need for a program that accepts children just as they are, rather than attempting to change or mask pieces of who they are.
We utilize principles of the TEACCH method and the Nurtured Heart Approach which align with our core values of belonging, empowerment, authenticity and companionship to honor the uniqueness of our students so they can thrive within the program and beyond. We use Individual After School Plans, crafted in collaboration with the student's support system to respect their unique culture, aspirations, social preferences and passions. Our small student-to-staff ratio supports our value of individualized support, enabling each student to participate in program activities safely, based on their comfort level and ability.
Our customized curriculum and environment offer students tailored support such as visual, physical, and schedule aids. These resources are designed to enhance students' strengths and minimize sensory overload. It's all about boosting strengths and dialing down the sensory stimuation for a smooth learning ride!