INSIDE THE DAY PROGRAM AT THE MINDSHIFT ACADEMY

At The MindShift Academy, we offer a warm, structured, and empowering day program designed specifically for neurodiverse young adults (ages 16+) with developmental disabilities and/or dual diagnoses.

The I & Beyond Skill Steps Program blends real-life skill development with community experiences and emotional support — helping participants build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

At The MindShift Academy, participants don’t just learn what to do — they discover why it matters, and that they are capable of doing it. With individualized support, each person has the opportunity to:

• Create a personalized program plan

• Engage in small group learning and peer connection

• Participate in real-world community outings

• Practice essential life skills through hands-on, meaningful tasks

• Every day is an opportunity for growth, connection, and self-discovery.

PROGRAM FOCUS AREAS

• • Life & Executive Functioning Skills

  Following routines, using visual schedules, time management, and developing personal responsibility.

• • Cooking & Everyday Living

  Preparing meals using visual recipes, grocery shopping, comparing prices, understanding payment methods, and participating in group meal routines.

• • Communication & Social Skills

  Guided conversations, role-playing social situations, building personal boundaries, and developing meaningful peer relationships.

• • Emotional Wellness & Regulation

  Daily emotional check-ins, sensory strategies, calming tools, structured reflection, and positive staff support.

• • Community Integration

  Weekly TTC outings to libraries, parks, and community spaces. Practicing safety, travel planning, and building comfort in new environments.

• • Creative Expression & Fun

  Engaging in art, music, storytelling, interactive games, theme days, and seasonal celebrations.

  Weekend Fun

  We also offer exciting weekend outings for participants looking to explore beyond the weekday program (additional fees apply). These may include:

  • Movie nights (theatres or drive-ins)

  • Local city adventures and day trips

  • Seasonal events and community festivals

  These experiences offer extra opportunities for socializing, confidence-building, and pure joy.

  Let’s Create & Conquer Your Practical Skills for Life

  Are you ready to take the next step?

  Let’s work together to build the tools, confidence, and independence needed for a fulfilling life.

  Contact us today to learn how the I & Beyond Skill Steps Program can support you or your loved one.

• 🔗 Apply Now | Book a Tour | Contact Us

🍴 Culinary Lab Creations with a Twist🍴

Where Sweet Meets Savory, and Flavor Knows No Bounds

Welcome to Sugar & Spice, the ultimate culinary adventure at The MindShift Academy! This 3-hour program is designed for neurodiverse young adults who love getting creative in the kitchen — whether you're a dessert dreamer, a savory superstar, or somewhere in between.

From fluffy cupcakes to sizzling stir-fries, Sugar & Spice is all about exploring flavor, building confidence, and having fun with every bite.

Program Highlights

Sweet & Savory Cooking Challenges

Each week, dive into a mix of baking and cooking — from mouthwatering desserts like cookies and cakes to savory favorites like homemade pizza, pasta, and stir-fries. This isn’t just about following recipes — it’s about igniting creativity and exploring flavor in every form.

Hands-On Experience

This is a fully interactive experience. Participants will mix, knead, chop, sauté, bake, and frost — learning practical skills through real culinary techniques in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Bake It Like You Mean It

Learn how to create both indulgent and balanced baked goods, such as banana bread, granola bars, cupcakes, and pastries — all while discovering how to balance sweetness and texture

Savory Creations

From savory pies and soups to casseroles and fresh-baked focaccia, this portion focuses on rich, satisfying meals made with everyday ingredients and simple, repeatable techniques.

Flavor Play & Fusion

Explore bold spices, aromatic herbs, and flavor mashups like chili-chocolate cookies or maple-bacon cornbread. Participants learn to experiment, take risks, and develop their own flavor preferences.

Fun Foodie Community

Cooking is more rewarding when shared. Participants work in small groups, collaborate, taste-test each other’s creations, and celebrate each dish with pride and encouragement.

What You’ll Learn

• Baking Basics & Techniques

From mixing dough to decorating desserts, participants learn the fundamentals of great baking.

• Savory Cooking Skills

How to build flavor in everyday dishes like stews, stir-fries, soups, and casseroles.

• Creative Flavor Pairings

Discover unexpected sweet-and-savory combinations (think caramelized onion tart or bacon-wrapped dates).

• Presentation Skills

Make dishes look as good as they taste — learning plating, finishing touches, and simple food styling tips.

Program Info

Program Name: Culinary Lab Duration: 3 hours per session Location: The MindShift Academy Culinary Lab Add-Ons Available: Recipe cards, take-home creations, themed culinary challenges

★★★★★

The Mindshift Academy has transformed my life, helping me gain confidence and independence. Their support for neurodiverse individuals is truly empowering and life-changing. Vera B

Welcome to the I & Beyond Skill Steps Program (“I” stands for Independence, Identity & Inclusion)

More Culinary Adventures to come soon!

Our full Cooking Class Series is heating up — including seasonal menus, family nights, holiday baking, and surprise guest chefs! Whether you're just starting your culinary journey or ready to level up your kitchen skills, there's something delicious in the works just for you.

🍂 Fall Into Flavor: Seasonal Cooking Specials at The MindShift Academy. As the leaves start to change, so do the flavors in our kitchen! This fall, we're launching a series of special culinary events and workshops designed to celebrate the season, spark creativity, and—of course—taste amazing.

🎒 Back-to-School Snack Hacks

🎃 Halloween Cookies Highlights

🍪 10 Days of Fall Cookies - From warm cinnamon snickerdoodles to pumpkin spice everything, join us for a daily cookie-baking experience filled with fun flavors, decorating skills, and cozy vibes.

👻 Halloween Treat Lab - Spooky and sweet! Make monster marshmallow pops, creepy cupcakes, ghost-shaped cookies, and more. Costume-friendly and full of frightful fun.

🦃 Thanksgiving Creations

Learn how to make festive fall dishes like mini stuffing muffins, cranberry apple crisps, and savory pumpkin bites — perfect for family celebrations or Friendsgiving! Quick, fun, and healthy snack recipes that participants can make at home — great for after-school bites, lunchbox surprises, or shared snack breaks.

Dates: Seasonal events run September through November Time: Typically 2–3 hour session Location: The MindShift Academy Culinary Lab Open to: Program participants and guests (some events may have limited spots and a small materials fee)

Join our mailing list or check back soon to be the first to know when new classes launch!