Sherwood Autism Center

Meet Natalie Hawkins, Sherwood’s Music Therapist! ?? #TeamSherwood Natalie is a board-certified music therapist with experience in special education, early childhood, and family consultation. Owner of Meaning Through Music, a private practice?music therapy company, Natalie has empowered our students and individuals through music since November 2023.? + Day in the life:?Natalie serves as music therapist to all students and individuals at Sherwood. "I encourage groups to work on a wide range of skills through music interventions, including instrument playing/improvisation, drum circles, singing, and songwriting." + Joy outside of work: Natalie loves to?travel, spend time outdoors, and eat good food! "I love hanging at home with my fiancé, Jacob, and our sweet dog, Angel. We are getting married in November, so we are very busy wedding planning. I also enjoy playing music just for fun!"? + Sherwood in one word:?Natalie points to the collaboration found at Sherwood. “Since the moment I began providing music therapy groups at Sherwood, I have felt a deep sense of belonging and a willingness to collaborate from the staff and students. The teachers and classroom staff are so engaged with music therapy sessions and always willing to collaborate!" Thank you, Natalie, for being a source of joy and making a lasting impact at Sherwood! ?#SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker ?? Enjoy the magic of the ballet on December 5 for a special sensory-friendly performance of the Nutcracker. This Kansas City Ballet performance will be adapted to make it a safe, welcoming space for all in attendance. Get your tickets today! >> https://loom.ly/Gwop5gE Photo: KCBallet.org

I am excited to share the details of a panel discussion that I'll be facilitating at the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKC Nonprofit Leadership Conference on November 25! ?? Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Challenges: Practical Solutions for Today’s Leaders This session will provide actionable insights for nonprofit leaders facing the unique challenges of today’s landscape. You won't want to miss this chance to hear real world stories and insights from these experts: ?Aaron Martin, CEO of Job One ?Erica Kratofil, LMSW, Co-Executive Director at The Giving Grove ?Jamee Rodgers, PhD, CEO at Urban Neighborhood Initiative ?Kathleen Boyle Dalen, Founder & Principal, KBD Consulting ?Kia Walsh, CEO of Sherwood Autism Center ?? Date: November 25, 2024 ?? Location: UMKC Bloch Executive Hall & Student Union ?? Conference Theme: Leading with Resilience Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit executive or an emerging leader, this discussion promises valuable takeaways to support your journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with fellow leaders - register today! ?? https://lnkd.in/gTvFDNRQ #NonprofitLeadership #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitConference

Kansas City Fall Fun with our Adult Day Services clients! ?? ?? We've been out and about soaking up the season with trips to the pumpkin patch and nature trails. Field trips are beneficial for our clients, providing a supportive environment to practice social skills and connect with peers. Our outings provide a peaceful settings that reduce sensory overwhelm, give space for physical activity, and help clients connect to the world and themselves. It's a joy to make memories and experience nature together! #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

Sherwood Autism Center is celebrating Health Equity Week alongside our friends at Health Forward Foundation! ?? ALL deserve a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. #HealthEquityWeek #HealthForwardKC

Looking for fun, friends, and holiday cheer all supporting a more inclusive Kansas City? Join us at Sherwood Autism Center's Ugly Sweater Bowling Tournament!! We're ONE MONTH away and now is the time to sign up your bowling team. You won't want to miss one of our favorite events of the year! Sign up >> https://loom.ly/hq4xQuk

Did you know? November is National Family Caregivers Month! This month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. As we know at Sherwood Autism Center, caring for someone with autism can be a deeply rewarding journey; and it often comes with unique challenges. Behind every individual with autism is a caregiver — frequently a family member — who dedicates energy, patience, and endless love to ensuring their loved one’s well-being and growth. However, these caregivers can often put their own needs last, facing burnout, isolation, and fatigue. Here’s how we all can help make a difference >> ???Lend a Listening Ear: Sometimes, caregivers just need someone to talk to who truly listens without judgment. Your support, empathy, and understanding can go a long way. ? Offer Respite Time: A few hours off can mean the world! Offer to watch their loved one or help with daily chores. Even short breaks make a big difference. ?? Advocate for Inclusivity: Support inclusive workplaces, schools, and community programs that welcome autistic individuals and recognize the role of their caregivers. Let's support caregivers together. By uplifting them, we create a stronger community where both caregivers — and their loved ones — can thrive. #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth #NFCMonth #familycaregivers #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

?? October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! ?? Sherwood is proud to celebrate and honor the diverse talents and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. Join us in continuing to promote inclusive workplaces, break down barriers, and create opportunities for everyone! For more information, and additional resources, visit https://loom.ly/tI3PBH0 #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

?? Celebrating 50 Years of Impact! ?? On Saturday, Sherwood celebrated half a century of support, growth, and empowerment! The celebration was a beautiful reminder of the incredible community we've built together, and included live music, a silent auction, tasty food and drinks, and amazing people. Here’s to 50 more years of making a difference, creating opportunities, and supporting individuals with autism and their families. ?? Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey—our staff, volunteers, families, and supporters. We couldn’t have done it without you! #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

?? Exciting News! ?? We’re thrilled to unveil the new Sherwood Autism Center brand and website! Our refreshed look symbolizes our commitment to growth and inclusion, with every detail thoughtfully designed to reflect our mission. The new leaf logo embodies the letters "S-A-C," representing not just our initials, but our entire community—students, adults, and families—united in our shared purpose. ?? In our design process, we prioritized accessibility, using a high-contrast, low-stimulation color palette, accessible typefaces, and clear layouts to make information easy to understand and navigate. This new brand reflects Sherwood’s leadership in autism services, with inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Visit our new website to explore more! SherwoodCenter.org #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity