Parent Connections Group
A place to connect with other parents in your community through guided and supported meetings to cover common topics amongst informed, collaborative, and non-judgemental group discussions.
At Pathways, we understand the profound importance of supporting the entire family unit. We are proud to offer monthly Parent Connections groups to support the amazing parents within our client network. We aim to support the development of a parent-based community for connection, friendship, collaboration, and guided support. Our goal is to support and empower parents within our community!
Is this for me?
You are a parent who wants to create more connection, understanding, and cooperation within your home. You are also looking for like-minded parents with whom you can connect and who value neurodiversity-affirming parenting principles. You want to embrace these principles but may not know where to start and are looking for support as you build your understanding.
If you are looking for a non-judgmental space where you can share your wonders, worries, and everyday struggles with other parents who get it, while also learning more about foundational neurodiversity-affirming principles and positive parenting strategies, this group is for you!
*We ask that families who are not yet established clients at our clinic to please email ALLY@PATHWAYSLEARNING.CA to schedule an Initial Family Consultation before joining this group program. Thank you!
What exactly IS Parent Connections at Pathways?
The short answer?
Parent Connections is a monthly parent education and support group.
Here’s what that REALLY means…
By participating in this group you will gain a strong foundation in your knowledge of neurodiversity-affirming parenting principles and learn strategies to implement them within your home. While learning about, and exploring the topics of positive parenting, sleeping & feeding concerns, sensory & emotional regulation, self-care & family wellness, navigating the educational system, and advocacy skills, you will also benefit from the group aspect of building community with other parents.
Our Parent Connections Group is facilitated by Ally Boschman, our Program & Advocacy Director and Parent Coach. Ally has been a part of the Pathways Team for many years and brings passion, enthusiasm, and compassion to everything she does at our clinic. Ally’s mission is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for parents to express themselves and any struggles they may be navigating. She believes in the power of connection, and aims to build genuine connection with every parent she works with as they grow their confidence, work through their wonders and worries, and walk the right path for their own unique and wonderful family.
More about Ally, our Parent Coach:
Ally has extensive experience supporting families in the areas of neurodiversity-affirming parenting, connection and repair dynamics, childhood development, advocacy within the school and health systems, and humanistic psychology principles. She aims to provide feedback and strategies to empower you in creating deeper and more fulfilling connections within your home and your community, and to provide effective advocacy skills and language to help you and your child thrive.
Ally has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Regina and has achieved many additional courses and certificates in the areas of parent coaching, childhood development, and family wellness. She has focused her work and continuing education on childhood and adolescent development, neurodiversity affirming care, mindfulness practices, and parenting support.
Important Details
Our Parent Connections group meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:45pm-8:15pm.
NOTE Parent Connections will change start time to 6:30pm and end time to 8:00pm starting in April 2024
Each group begins with brief introductions and includes a presentation on one of the above listed topics. Each meeting also includes a guided discussion and opportunities for parent-led supportive conversations.
A maximum of 12 parents can participate in each session.
Parents are welcome to attend a single Parent Connections session, or multiple sessions; there is no requirement to attend regularly.
Please note: This is a paid, registered program and is not a drop-in or free group. The purpose of this group is to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for parents to connect with each other under the guidance and support of a Group Facilitator.
*We ask that families who are not yet established clients at our clinic to please email ALLY@PATHWAYSLEARNING.CA to schedule an Initial Family Consultation before joining this group program. Thank you!
The investment for each group date is $35.00 per person / $50 per couple.
This service is eligible for ASDIF - Autism Spectrum Disorder Individualized Funding.
Fall 2023 Parent Connections Dates:
October 3rd 2023 at 6:45pm
November 7th 2023 at 6:45pm
December 5th 2023 at 6:45pm
Winter/Spring 2024 Parent Connections Dates:
January 9th 2024 at 6:45pm *note that this is the second week of the month due to the holiday season.
February 6th 2024 at 6:45pm
March 5th 2024 at 6:45pm
April 9th 2024 at 6:30pm *note that this is the second week of the month due to Easter Holidays.
May 7th 2024 at 6:30pm
June 4th 2024 at 6:30pm
To Register:
Click the button below to visit our Online Booking Site on the Jane app.
Click on the Parent Support Services section under Our Team, click on “Parent Connections GROUP PROGRAM” and select a date(s) for which you wish to register.
Complete the booking and ensure you provide your credit card when setting up your account/booking.
The program fee of $35-individual /$50-couple will be charged to your credit card UPON ATTENDANCE. We respectfully require a minimum of 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend the program. Cancellations made within 24-hours will be charged the full fee as though you attended. Cancellations made 24 hours in advance, or greater, will not be charged.