Dandelion Cafe is an inclusive co-study space and achievement center for Ottawa youth.
08/05/2026
Why Nicaragua for our upcoming Parent and Teen retreat?
Because sometimes the best place to reconnect is somewhere completely different.
Imagine:
🌴 Beautiful beaches
🌋 Volcanoes
🌅 Incredible sunsets
🐢 Wildlife
🏄 Adventure
☀️ Warm weather
A new environment creates space to slow down, be present, and experience each other in new ways.
08/04/2026
I love this creator so much! I have been following his content for years. When I saw his post today, it broke my heart to find out that he went through some really tough years.
But ultimately his story is about hope, and I hope that my students can meet and talk to adults who have BEEN THROUGH IT and have come out the other side and are thriving and happy 🥰🤩
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D1ZqwEBkK/
This is one of the biggest issues with grouping students and moving them through the education system by age.
Our school system moves students along until 9th grade whether they have mastered skills or not, so teachers end up with such a vast range of ability levels in one class.
Consider your workplace, your family; where else in society are people grouped this way?
If school normalized mixing age groups, and students took the time they needed to master skills before advancing, stress, anxiety, and social stigma would be greatly reduced and teacher stress and workload would be diminished. Creating a better classroom environment and culture for everyone ♥️
That’s one of the reasons that we are able to differentiate so successfully at our school. Students follow their own path, not a path predetermined by the year they were born.
One of the reasons we created our Parent & Teen Nicaragua Retreat is because we believe most parents and teens aren't on opposite sides—they're simply struggling to understand each other's experiences. Teens often want more independence, while parents want reassurance that they're ready for it. Through shared challenges, meaningful conversations, and experiences that build confidence and responsibility, our retreat creates opportunities for both parents and teens to see each other in a new light. We hope you'll enjoy this perspective from a teen therapist, and if it resonates with you, message us and I'll send you the information package to learn more!
more.https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1E6nQ6ZVNz/
06/26/2026
🌿 It's Here! Our Parent & Teen Nicaragua Retreat Information Package is Now Available! 🇳🇮
What if one week could strengthen your relationship with your teen while experiencing the beauty, adventure, and culture of Nicaragua together?
We're so excited to officially share the information package for our Parent & Teen Nicaragua Retreat: a unique experience designed for families who want to reconnect, grow, and create unforgettable memories together.
Inside the package you'll find:
✨ Retreat details and itinerary
🌊 Activities and excursions
🏡 Accommodation information
💛 What's included
❓Frequently asked questions
If you've been looking for a meaningful adventure that goes beyond a typical vacation, we'd love for you to take a look.
📩 Comment "INFO" below or send us a message, and we'll send you the information package!
I’m thinking of running a “Learn to Fail” workshop this summer. What do you think?
I love this explanation of PDA. If you see your teen in this video, and you are feeling alone or at a loss, come join our community 🥰
05/21/2026
Imagine an opportunity for parents and adolescents to step outside of their everyday roles, experience one another differently, and grow side by side in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich places in the world.
More details coming soon 🌿
I think the biggest reason why ASD and ADHD students thrive in our school is in large part because we give them so much "downtime". Our students don't spend 6 hours restraining themselves from their passions and what they really want to do with their time.
If a student is overstimulated, they walk out and take a break, no questions asked. If a student wants to spend half the day working on their current hyper-fixation project, they are allowed. And, there is almost always someone around who is happy to sit and listen while a student info dumps about their favourite topic.
This video gives an excellent explanation of "Restraint collapse" and how it negatively affects the mental health of ASD and ADHDers: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18o5hdpamA/
05/05/2026
What’s your teen doing this summer?
If you’re looking for something more meaningful than a typical camp, this might be exactly what they need.
🌿 The Dandelion Cafe Summer Drop-In Program
📅 July 6 – August 28
🕙 Monday–Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Your teen is invited to spend the summer in a supportive, welcoming community of kind and creative peers—where they can truly be themselves.
This isn’t your average summer camp.
At Dandelion, teens can:
✨ Build real friendships with like-minded peers
✨ Explore their interests through hands-on workshops
✨ Spend their days in a calm, inclusive, judgment-free space
Our program is led by high school educators specializing in:
🔬 Science & Technology
📐 Math & Physics
🎭 Drama, Film, Writing & Visual Arts
Whether your teen wants to dive into creative projects, join group activities, or simply have a safe place to connect, there’s space for all of it here!
💛 Flexible by design:
Drop in for the full day, a few hours, or just a few days a week. Perfect for teens balancing jobs or other commitments.
⚠️ Spots are limited to keep our community small and intentional.
| Monday | 9am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4:15pm |
| Friday | 9am - 4pm |