Alex Raven

With a natural ability to connect through creativity, humour, and shared interests, I bring fresh energy and relatability to my work — especially in my role as Pokémon & Gaming Lead.

My peer-like presence supports a sense of safety and belonging, particularly for young people navigating identity, connection, and communication. I create spaces where neurodivergent individuals can explore who they are, build social confidence, and experience genuine joy in shared adventures.

With a passion for neurodivergent-affirming practice, I am committed to fostering environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to be their authentic self.

The Pokèmon character that best describes me is Rockruff...

This is because:

This Pokémon has lived with people since times long ago. It can sense when its Trainer is in the dumps and will stick close by its Trainer’s side.

Things I am currently passionate about / current interests

Volleyball

Music: both playing and listening to

Video Games

Why I am about passionate about the work I do for Neurodivergent Empowered:

I am passionate about my work because I love seeing the healthy social environment I provide for participants turn into an environment they provide for others. I also love being able to allow people to grow, through the knowledge that they are fully and wholeheartedly supported by us and what we do.

Current Sessions I am one of the Facilitator's for:

TECH

Video Game Creation

Mondays: 9:30am to 11:30am

Video Game Creation becomes the platform for developing real-world skills through design and creativity:

Communication & sharing ideas in a team
Problem-solving & flexible thinking
Digital literacy & creative expression
Planning, focus & completing projects
Confidence, identity & self-advocacy through design

MOVEMENT

Little Phoenix

Thursdays: 9:00am to Noon

Our Active Little Phoenix sessions (ages 9 and under) become the platform for developing real-world skills through movement and play:

Gross motor skills & body awareness
Emotional regulation through active play
Social connection & turn-taking
Confidence, independence & trying new things
Following routines & transitioning between activities

ALL

Autistic Teens

Wednesdays: 2pm to 5pm

Saturdays: 2:15pm to 5:15pm

Autistic Teen Sessions become the platform for developing real-world skills through full access to everything The Nest has to offer:

Authentic social connection & shared experiences
Emotional regulation & nervous system support
Communication, identity & self-advocacy
Flexible thinking & navigating group dynamics
Confidence, independence & trying new things

TECH

Minecraft

Mondays: 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Our own private Minecraft realm becomes the platform for developing real-world skills through play:

Communication & emotional regulation
Social connection & friendship building
Flexible thinking & problem-solving
Turn-taking, collaboration & perspective-taking
Identity, confidence & self-advocacy

RPG

Learn To Be A DM

Thursdays: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Learn to Be a Dungeon Master becomes the platform for developing real-world skills through leadership in storytelling and game design:

Communication, planning & narrative building
Flexible thinking & creative problem-solving
Confidence, leadership & public speaking
Emotional regulation & managing group dynamics
Identity, responsibility & self-advocacy through roleplay

CREATIVE

Pokemon Takeover

Tuesdays: 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Pokémon, anime, card battles, Switch tournaments, and digital gameplay become the platform for developing real-world skills through shared interests:

Communication, turn-taking & sportsmanship
Emotional regulation in competitive and social play
Social connection & friendship through common interests
Flexible thinking & strategic problem-solving
Confidence, identity & expressive play

RPG

Dungeons and Dragons **PLUS

Thursdays: 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Our Dungeons & Dragons adventures — along with other engaging games like Everdell, Dungeon Mayhem, and more — become the platform for developing real-world skills through play:

Communication & perspective-taking
Emotional awareness & regulation
Social connection & group collaboration
Flexible thinking & problem-solving
Identity, confidence & leadership skills