Welcome to a new way of training
EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY
Advocacy, Belonging, Learning & Equity
A program by HAPPIMESS, designed to reframe how we see, teach, and support neurodivergent individuals — through art, conversation, and lived experience.
Training through
painting
•A hands-on, art-based training experience designed for educators, employers, and organizations.
•Learn directly from neurodivergent facilitators who bring both professional and lived expertise.
•Replace outdated awareness models with acceptance and inclusion through creativity and empathy.
•Foster understanding of autism, ADHD, and hidden disabilities in a safe, engaging, and supportive space.
•Leave with both a work of art and a deeper appreciation of neurodiverse ways of thinking, feeling, and learning.
Inclusion isn’t a checkbox — it’s a mindset.
ENABLE builds that mindset through connection, creativity, and compassion.
ENABLE workshops are for you if you are...
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A teacher, EA, or administrator who wants to better support neurodivergent students in your school or classroom.
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An educator, instructor, or program leader running afterschool, camp, or summer programs who wants to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
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A manager, HR professional, or corporate leader aiming to build a more inclusive and psychologically safe workplace.
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Part of a public service organization — such as a library, recreation facility, museum, or tourism destination — and want to create welcoming, accessible experiences for all visitors.
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A community service provider, healthcare worker, or nonprofit team engaging daily with diverse populations and seeking practical, compassionate strategies for inclusion.
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A parent, advocate, or community leader who believes in learning directly from lived experience and amplifying neurodivergent voices.
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Someone ready to make meaningful change through art, empathy, and knowledge.
Available Workshops
Understanding Autism
• Paint a field of flowers while learning
how to see autism through a
neuroaffirming, strengths-based lens.
• Gain insight into sensory needs,
communication styles, and authentic
inclusion from lived experience.
The Brain Beneath the
Waves
• Paint your own underwater “brain” and explore how co-regulation, emotional safety, and self-awareness truly work for all brains.
COMING SOON
Adapting to ADHD
• Paint a vibrant abstract piece that reflects movement, attention, and creativity. Learn strategies for supporting ADHD learners and employees — while celebrating the beauty of divergent thinking.
More workshops are on the way!
We can also create a custom, neuroaffirming workshop just for your group.
In-person workshops start at $60 per participant. Virtual and onsite formats available.
Tell us what your community needs, and we’ll build it together.
Powered by HappiMESS.
We are Marcus Monopoli (he/him) and Dalia Shehata (she/her), the couple behind Happimess, founded in 2016. As artists, parents, and advocates, Happimess began as a family project inspired by our two kids and our own neurodivergent experiences. We saw a clear need for accessible sensory play and art opportunities outside of therapy settings — a space where creativity and inclusion could truly coexist.
With backgrounds in fine arts and communication, and over a decade of experience teaching art to children and adults, we’ve seen firsthand how creativity can connect, heal, and empower.
ENABLE continues that mission by combining lived experience, art, and advocacy to help schools, workplaces, and organizations better understand and embrace neurodiversity.
Available across British Columbia and beyond...
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A guided painting session led by neurodivergent facilitators
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Insightful discussions and storytelling from lived experience
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In-person or virtual delivery options
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All materials provided (or shipped supply kits for online groups)
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Group bookings and custom themes available
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Certificates of participation for professional development
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Posters and visual aids to reinforce learning
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Beautifully designed summary notes of key takeaways
