Neurodiverse Family Group
The WHPS Neurodiversity Affinity Group is a vibrant, family-focused community celebrating children who “think differently.” Our mission is to create an environment where diverse ways of thinking are seen as unique strengths to be embraced and nurtured. We warmly welcome and celebrate all forms of neurodiversity, including giftedness, ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, Down syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, epilepsy, chronic mental health conditions, language disorders, and more.
Learn More About the Group
Contact us at: N-Diversity@WHPSchool.com
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Neurodiversity Affinity Group
Join our Neurodiversity Affinity Group, a supportive community designed specifically for parents and guardians of neurodivergent children. This group offers a wealth of resources and a network of fellow parents navigating similar journeys.
What We Offer:
Access to expert speakers covering relevant topics in parenting neurodivergent children.
Practical tools, guides, and strategies to help your child build resilience and thrive through middle school and beyond.
A space to share experiences, connect with others who understand your challenges, and gain insights tailored to your family's needs.
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Kickoff: The first session will be on September 17th, followed meetings on the following dates:
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 PM, after school hours to accommodate families (and can use extended care free of charge during this time).
Format: Educational, informative, and supportive workshops—not a therapy group.
Duration: 60-minute sessions with time for Q&A at the end.
September 17, 2024
October 1, 2024
October 22, 2024
November 19, 2024
January 14, 2025
February 11, 2025
March 11, 2025
April 8, 2025
May 13, 2025
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September 17, 2024 - Kick Off Meeting: Open to anyone interested in learning about the group or hoping to join. Below are some potential topics that may be discussed at subsequent meetings. However, these are subject to change based on the needs of the group.
Stress and Burnout Prevention - Managing overload and caregiver fatigue. Finding resources and support: How to start, research, and seek help. School support: What to ask for, how to approach, and planning.
Labeling and Testing - Addressing stigma concerns and issues. Differences between IEP and mental health diagnoses. Monica will discuss IEP vs. 504, the assessment process, SSPT, and criteria for eligibility. Understanding private vs. public options and appropriate accommodations.
Handling Difficult Times - Managing tantrums, anxiety, and meltdowns. Communicating diagnoses to your child and dealing with denial in the family.
Social Issues - Navigating difficulties in making friends, fears of ostracism, and sibling conflicts. Understanding social anxiety and the impact of COVID on relationships.
Emotional Regulation - Understanding the window of tolerance and how to manage dysregulation (fight or flight responses).
Thinking Ahead - Supporting your child’s development into adulthood.
Deepening Topics - Exploring new issues or delving deeper into existing ones.
Finding Community - Building connections and knowing you’re not alone.
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To bring two highly sought-after professional facilitators to our campus for these enriching meetings, a small fee is involved to cover their preparation, time, support, materials, and Q&A sessions. The school and our parent organization, PAWS, are generously contributing to this cost, and we’re asking participating families to help cover the remaining portion. The estimated cost is around $150-200 per family for the full year, but we’ll finalize this amount based on the number of participants.
We want everyone to feel welcome and included, so if the fee presents a challenge, please contribute what you can, and we’ll cover the rest. Additionally, if any families are inspired to offer extra support through sponsorship, it would be greatly appreciated. Our goal is to build a strong, supportive community, and we encourage you to join us regardless of your ability to contribute financially.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Seth Pozzi, Head of School. We look forward to having you as part of this wonderful group!
Professional Facilitators
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Monica Origer is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in therapy and assessment, specializing in learning disabilities, ADHD, and high-functioning ASD. With advanced training in psychological, educational, and neuropsychological testing,
Her practice focuses on understanding the diverse cognitive, personality, and emotional profiles of her clients, offering tailored support to help them thrive. Dr. Origer is dedicated to seeing beyond labels and emphasizes each person’s unique qualities, striving to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen and heard.
Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities, creative pursuits, spiritual growth, and spending time with family and friends.
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Johanna Johnston is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a credential for educational settings, currently serving as a Psychiatric Social Worker and Practicum Education Instructor for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She has previously provided intensive school-based mental health services for Ventura County Behavioral Health and William S. Hart Unified School District. Johanna is also a certified Triple P (Positive Parenting) provider.
In addition to her role with LAUSD, she maintains a private practice in Agoura Hills, focusing on children, adolescents, and families using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Practices, and stress reduction techniques.
With a background in finance and business management, Johanna transitioned to social work by earning a graduate degree from California State University, Northridge and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from UCLA. Her passion lies in helping students overcome mental health challenges affecting their academic performance, employing evidence-based practices and mindfulness. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and practicing mindfulness at the beach.