Fall/Winter Classes 2023

New Students, once you have signed up, you will receive an email to fill out our new student application as well.

Options:

1.) RSVP now, pay later to secure your spot (payments due/scholarship approval by August 25th).

2.) Pay now with your registration to secure your spot!

3.) Scholarship students: You will receive a promo code to be used by August 25th to secure your spot.

Any late payments will put you at risk of losing your spot. If slots are full, we will reach out to you and offer you a spot on our waitlist.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS: For kids (ages 4-12), teens (ages 13-17), and adults (ages 18+) with disabilities, unless otherwise noted. Questions? email sarah.stepvainc@gmail.com

Young Artists Class: Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2

• Mondays from 4:30-5:15 PM. For ages 6-8. Students will practice social skills and communication through the creative arts in this 4 week class! Led by Michelle Fernandez (special education preschool teacher) and Katie (occupational therapist). Max class size is 8 to provide a more individualized group.

Early Arts Playgroup: 2nd Th of the month

• 2nd Thursday of the month starting September 14-December 14 from 5:30-6:30 PM. For ages 4-7. Learn about the creative arts through different themes each month. This group will require parents/guardians/attendants to join each class and stay on-site for support. Led by Michelle Fernandez (special education teacher) and Katie Brown (occupational therapist).

Musical Theater Skills: Oct 12, 19, 26, Nov 2

• Thursdays 6-7 PM. For ages 8-12. This class is great for students who want to prepare their audition for the spring musical and/or for those who want to build their musical theater skills in dance, theater, and acting. This class will include an optional show and tell for family and friends the final week! Taught by Sarah Garner (music therapist and educator) & guest artists!

Musical Theater Masterclass: Nov 9, 16, 30, Dec 7

• Thursdays 6-7 PM (teens) and 7-8 PM (adults). The goal of this class is to encourage students to build their musical theater skills in a 4-week masterclass. For example: when a student is learning choreography for the musical, they can put a name to the steps they are learning, like a "jazz square," "pivot turn," and "grapevine" (yes! That's a real dance term). Taught by Sarah Garner (music therapist and program coordinator at STEP VA) & guest artists!

Drumming4Every1: Sept. 7, 14, 21, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2

• Overall: Drumming 4 Every 1 is an inclusive and safe drumming experience where students learn the basics of rhythm, hand drum technique, simple rhythms, and percussion skills. They will be introduced to a variety of drum and percussion instruments as well as beginning musical concepts. After 8 weeks of rehearsal, we will have a small recital for family and friends! Taught by Ray Nelson (certified drum facilitator and owner of Nelson Advocacy).
  • Beginner: For ages 13+. This class teaches the very start of percussion and rhythm as well as drum circle communication and active listening skills. Required before attending the advanced class. Maximum class size is 12.
  • Advanced: For ages 13+ who have previously taken the beginner class. This class teaches additional drum and rhythm skills with forays into tone and melody. The maximum class size is 20.
    • Questions? Email ray@nelsonadvocacy.com

Daytime Yoga 1 : Sept. 5, 12, 19, Oct. 3, 10, 17

• Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 AM. For teens and adults. This class teaches yoga, mindfulness, and pranayama (breathing exercises) in a small group setting. This class will meet students where they are with adapted instruction and physical modifications as needed. Taught by Megan Colon (E-RYT 500).

Daytime Yoga 2: Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 14, 28, Dec 5, 12

• See above

SASS Class (Self Advocacy and Social Skills): Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

• Mondays 6-8 PM. For ages 13-21 (geared to those still in school/homeschooled). Goals of this class include: Continuing awareness, development, and application of community and personal social skills, and the development of self-determination. This unit will continue to address coordination of social outings, beginning to consider professional pursuits, as well as developing the vital skills needed for emergency response and interactions with community responders. Classes will rotate between an in-class portion and outings where students can practice the skills focused from their in-class lesson. There is a required parent portion, so please plan accordingly to have a parent/guardian attend each class with your student. Taught by Jan Monroe (SLP and founder of STEP VA) & Michelle Fernandez (special education teacher)
• You will receive more information on location details and topics as we approach our class dates. Questions? Email stepvainc@gmail.com

Find Your Voice: Oct. 15, Nov 12, Dec 10, Dec 14 (concert). (Additional optional rehearsals/performances may be added)

• Sundays once a month! A community choir for singers with disabilities and their caregivers and family (all ages). Our vision is to create a community where music connects singers together. Our focus with this chorus is to introduce the beauty of neurodiversity and creative expression through song. No prior music experience is required! This session will focus on a holiday/Christmas theme and finish with a performance on Dec 14th at our STEP VA party!

Connect Groups (teens & adults): weekly held virtually

• Tuesdays 5 PM (adults 18+) and Wednesdays 5 PM (teens 13-17). This group is held weekly and a relaxed social group facilitated by a STEP VA staff member/intern. Each week students spend time chatting, playing games, and building friendships. They will occasionally plan outings in the community! Returning students do not need to RSVP. New students, please RSVP to recieve zoom link. Questions? email stepvainc@gmail.com