Sharon Leon

Sharon Leon

 Parent Group VR 600 x 150 1 002

 

NFAR PARENT GROUP

Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025
6:30 - 7:30 PM

 

** This meeting is on ZOOM**


The group meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month, either by Zoom or in-person meetings. It's an opportunity to learn from guest speakers, share resources, and enjoy connecting with other parents raising a neurodiverse child. All parents welcome!

 

February Topic: Coordination in Movement and Neuroplasticity, Perception and Action

We will be discussing and outlining the development of coordination in movement and how this process reflects changes in the neural pathways, and how coordination enhances the reciprocal nature of perception and action through movement.

 

Guest Speaker: Alek Cunningham, PhD, NFAR

Alek Rothenberg-Cunningham, PhD has over 24 years of experience in the field of Kinesiology and specializes in the coordination of movement and the reciprocal nature of perception and action.  Prior to completing his BS in 2004, Alek began working with neurodivergent adolescents in San Diego to develop and enhance motor skills and increase opportunities for interaction and building networks of support.

In 2007 Alek attended Pennsylvania State University where he taught courses and was involved in research while earning his graduate degrees.  After returning to San Diego, he taught at Miramar College and worked at a non-medical, movement based brain development and health center.

Alek Cunningham is the Program Instructor for the NFAR Factory and Distribution Center where he helps foster confidence, independence and self-efficacy that prepare Participants with job-ready work experience and ethic.

 

HOW TO JOIN THE VIRTUAL MEETING:

  • Please RSVP by no later than Feb 19 by 4:00 pm on Eventbrite
  • On meeting day, we will send those that have RSVP'd an email with a link to join the meeting on Zoom. (Email sent by 10:00 am for early RSVPs and another at 5:00 pm.)
  • Join the meeting on Zoom at 6:30 pm. The guest speaker will start shortly.
  • All interested family members welcome!

 

 

RSVP 2

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NFAR PARENT GROUP
Wednesday, January 15
6:15 - 7:30 pm

 

NFAR would like to invite you to join us at our NFAR Parent Group  as we kick off 2025!

** This meeting is IN PERSON**

Schedule for Wed., Jan 15: 

6:15 – 6:30 PM: visit and eat pizza - complimentary
6:30 – 7:30 PM: Guest Speaker presentation

Location: 9825 Businesspark Ave, San Diego, CA 92131.


January Topic: Improving Social Skills Through Improv

Did you know that your child can strengthen their social skills while having fun? Come learn how Improv is helping to do this for those with autism, and related conditions.

Guest Speaker: Richie Ploesch, Program Director, Connections, Unscripted Learning

Richie Ploesch, M.A., BCBA has been working in the field of special education for over 15 years. His specialty is educating students and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He earned his teaching credential in 2006, a Master’s Degree in 2008, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2009.

Since then, he has not only taught special education classes but also has taught as an adjunct professor, consulted with family members internationally, and provided in home behavioral therapy to improve social skills and increase independence.  In 2022 he co-authored and published Improvised Theatre and the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Guide to Teaching Social Connection and Communication Skills.   

Richie Ploesch is Sr. Director of Partnerships at Learn Behavioral and the Program Director for Connections at Unscripted Learning.  He continues to perform at the National Comedy Theatre on their mainstage cast. To learn more about Unscripted Learning.

 

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 Project Grants
 
2025 NFAR Community Project Grants
 
Each year, funds raised by the Race for Autism help to support autism programs and new initiatives in our community. Together, we have supported over 124 major initiatives, increasing the learning, social, training options for those with autism in San Diego. NFAR is dedicated to building a more inclusive San Diego, and partners with organizations that are helping to include those with autism in a positive and meaningful way.

 

For 2025, we are asking applicants to submit proposals that increase the educational, enrichment, vocational training or employment opportunities for autistic individuals in the San Diego area.

To see 2024 Community Project grant recipients.

 

APPLICATION DETAILS AND TIMELINE:

  • Grant Applications Open: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 
  • Grant Applications Due: Friday, March 21, 2025 
  • Grant Awards to be Announced: June 2025
  • Awards range between $2,500 - $10,000.
  • Proposed project should be a 3 – 12 months effort and start in 2025.
  • Applications must be completed in full to be considered for funding.
  • Awards are must upon merit, impact, reach and relevancy.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES AND RESTRICTIONS

  • Funds are to be used in the greater San Diego region.
  • Open to institutions and non profit organizations that provide direct service.
  • Funds are to be used for programs and/or projects that benefit those with autism
  • Funds are not to be used for general operating/OH costs
  • Length of proposal should be from three to no more than 10 pages long (not including CVs)
  • CVs should be condensed to no more than 3 pages long.

 

PAST AWARDS

2020 NFAR Community Projects

2019 NFAR Community Projects

to see additional years

 

CONTACT INFORMATION: Questions?  Please email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

ApplyHere

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