Community Resources We Are Happy to Share
These organizations are offered as optional resources. We do not provide medical or therapeutic services but value connecting our clients with trusted local support.
Beyond the Label Napa
Beyond the Label Napa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Napa County. The organization provides inclusive programs, education, advocacy, and community-based events designed to foster connection, independence, and empowerment. Through collaboration with local partners and families, Beyond the Label Napa works to build awareness, reduce stigma, and create meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to thrive.
Website: www.beyondthelabelnapa.com
North Bay Word Play
North Bay Word Play is a pediatric speech-language therapy practice in Napa founded by Eleni Wilske, M.S., CCC-SLP. With over 11 years of experience, Eleni provides individualized, play-based, evidence-based therapy supporting a wide range of speech and communication needs, including autism. Services also include support for AAC users and a whole-child, family-collaborative approach.
Website: www.northbaywordplay.com
Skill Mill Family Support Group
A supportive monthly gathering for families of developmentally disabled adults to share, learn, and collaborate. Topics include SSI/SSDI, special needs trusts, conservatorship, housing, employment, independent living skills, and future planning. Meets first Saturday of each month in Napa.
Contact: Sacia Novak, LCSW • [email protected] • (707) 815-3249
Website: www.theskillmill.net
Open Mind Learning
Founded and directed by Caitlin Knowles, M.Ed., Open Mind Learning offers small, intentionally matched social skills groups for autistic learners. With over 20 years of experience and a highly collaborative parent-practitioner model, programs focus on communication, flexibility, and connection through purposeful play. Early intervention offerings launch January 2026.
Website: www.openmindlearningnapa.org
ParentsCAN
ParentsCAN is a Napa County nonprofit established in 2005 to support families of children with special needs. Services are provided in both English and Spanish and are led by parents and family members with lived experience.
Website: www.parentscan.org
Kidisthenics Fitness Company
A sensory-informed fitness program serving individuals with developmental disabilities ages 3+. Kidisthenics focuses on emotional regulation, confidence, coordination, and independence through tailored movement training, group sessions, and social outings.
Hearts and Minds of Napa
Led by Gena Gear, Hearts and Minds of Napa provides assessments and counseling for children with learning differences, autism, ADHD, and related challenges. Services also support parents seeking guidance and resources across the North Bay.
Website: www.heartsandmindsofnapa.com
Links Throughout (Be sure to click for additional information and resources)
NORTH BAY REGIONAL CENTER
North Bay Regional Center is one of 21 Regional Centers for persons
with developmental disabilities in California. Regional Centers were established in 1965 under The Lanterman Act and assist people with developmental disabilities in obtaining the services and supports needed to live as others do in the community. NBRC serves Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties. If you live in California, but outside of NBRC’s service area, we highly recommend reaching out to your Regional Center.
MEANINGFUL SPEECH
If your child is Autistic, they are more than likely also a Gestalt Language Processor!
Meaningful Speech is the headquarters for GLP, and such a great resource for everyone involved in supporting kids on their language development journey. They have online classes, SLP trainings, and FREE resources. Their Instagram is also a GREAT resource!
SABRINA L. AXT OF AXT LEGAL, SPECIAL EDUCATION LAWYER & ADVOCATE
Sabrina Axt is the attorney both Natalie and Raquel use to help them navigate their children’s special education journeys. Sabrina offers parent coaching, IEP/504 advocacy, assistance with due process, and she has FREE RESOURCES on her website. And if you are looking for a special education attorney in the Bay Area – we give Sabrina our HIGHEST recommendation
A DAY IN OUR SHOES
Don’t IEP Alone!!! Lisa Lightner has a phenomal website that is full of useful information. She provides guidance, tools, and support to help you navigate your child’s IEP or 504 plan with confidence. Raquel spends a significant amount of time on this website, reviewing her Free Resources and Goal Banks before all of her son’s IEP meetings!
BOHO SPEECHIE
BohoSpeechie is a “local” (Sacramento) neurodiversity-affirming SLP. She is working to provide resources, tools, and education to provide the best care, support, and therapy for autistic and neurodivergent children. Her website and her Instagram are great resources.
LILLY’S VOICE, INC.
Lilly’s Voice Inc is a nonprofit company that helps provide AAC devices to those in need. Also, if you want to be a friend of Lilly, give her a follow on Instagram!
PLAYTIME WITH TOR
Tor is a SLP who is passionate about Gestalt Language development. She makes wonderful videos with GLPs in mind, that are rich in usable language, and are great resources for all children. We highly recommend you check her videos out on YouTube!
THE COLLABORATIVE IEP
Ashley Barlow was a teacher, she is a special needs mom, and now she’s an attorney who specializes in Special Education. The Ashley Barlow Co.’s “mission is to empower, inspire, and build confidence in IEP members.” Her website and podcast are chock full of free (and paid) resources that can help you in your IEP journey. We highly recommend tuning in to her podcasts (The Collaborative IEP) during a walk or a long drive, and checking out the resources on her website.
CHANNING’S JOY
Channing’s Joy is a HUGE inspiration for us! Channing’s Joy is a nonprofit company, started by Channing’s Mom, that is inclusion focused! ALL of their proceeds go to help those families receive services, therapy and access to helpful resources.
PEACE LOVE AUTISM
The products at Peace Love Autism “were made to spread the message of acceptance, awareness, understanding, inclusion, advocacy and love all year long,” and are items we wear in heavy rotation!
COURAGEOUS BELONGING
Our dear friend and fellow Autism Mom, Paula, started Courageous Belonging, a non- profit, in the East Bay (California) to help build a community not only for her family, but for other families out there having similar experiences. Courageous Belonging hosts inclusive events, community gatherings, and support groups.