Sedona Lago Gardens offers a pioneering approach for self-directed neurodiverse young adults diagnosed with autism, cognitive challenges, or other neurodiverse capabilities. Our highly focused, one-on-one coaching is individually customized based on the aspirations of each resident and is integrated with small group workshops and supported immersion in campus and community life.
Our Life Coaches and theraputic providers are professionally trained to understand the nuances of each resident and will design a tailored program that not only teaches skills but measures achievement. Daily check-ins coupled with peer-to-peer group sessions and one-to-one support assure faster progress in targeted areas. These include, but are not limited to: how to approach dating and peer relationships, handling on-the-job stress, the role of diet and exercise in mental well-being, time management and goal setting skills, boundary setting, mitigating interpersonal conflict, and more.
Resident goals are as fluid and as diverse as those we serve. Sedona Lago Gardens will custom tailor a unique program for each individual that will help guide you along the path to success. For instance, if you wish to focus on an artistic pursuit, such as music, painting, design, sculpture, etc., our coaches can help arrange meetings with local craftspeople to help you explore or elevate your skills. Others may want help completing their education, starting a business, pursuing in-demand careers or getting their first entry-level job. Whatever your goal or interest, our coaches will help you to stay on track and overcome obstacles.
Positive peer influence can lead to happier, more productive lives. Our Life Coaches will help Sedona Lago residents build connections and foster meaningful interactions to help develop their new peer relationships from the start. We know these bonds will provide a great support system to each individual as they face challenges, try out new skills, and explore new opportunities together. Building skill sets and relationships hand in hand is one of the cornerstones Sedona Lago Gardens is built on.
If you live in the greater Sedona area and wish to benefit from the coaching and peer group activities at Sedona Lago Gardens, but would feel more comfortable living at home, Sedona Lago also offers the Pathways to Independence program to community members living in Verde Valley. Individuals will receive one-on-one coaching as well as participate in peer group activities, skills development, emotional support, and mentoring.
Much like the four directions of the compass in our logo, Sedona Lago Garden’s Pathways to Independence curriculum targets four domains: Independent Living, Social Awareness and Achievement, Vocational Skills and Management, and Personal Health and Wellness. Each domain is a key component to individual success. Our program focuses on executive functioning skills: task initiation, attention, working memory, time management, processing, emotional/self regulation and impulse control to target deficits and increase individual productivity. These skills are embedded in our fully customizable curriculum. Pathways to Independence utilizes both an evidence-based curriculum, as well as individually customized programming. An intergal component in the success of Pathways to Independence includes our wellness coaching. Comprised of fitness and nuritrional coaching, theraputic coaching (which include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectial behavioral therapy), and somatic wellness practices.
Research shows that neurodiversity is extensively linked to deficits in executive functioning skills. Sedona Lago Gardens selects 11 executive functioning domains (task initiation, attention, working memory, time management, organization, planning, flexibility, perseverance, processing, emotional regulation and impulse control) to target deficits and increase individual productivity. These skills are embedded in our fully customizable curriculum.
Pathways to Independence utilizes both an evidence-based curriculum, as well as individually customized programming developed by their professionals as part of the psychological and educational assessment process.
Blake finished his undergraduate at the University of Houston, majoring in sociology. While working on his undergrad, Blake was introduced to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, which he has trained in for the past seven years. Blake specializes in assisting individuals to gain independence, increasing cooperation, and expanding communication skills.
For continuing education, Blake is working towards his Masters in Psychology, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, and will graduate in December 2023. As a Life Coach at Sedona Lago, Blake will help set attainable goals, increase independence in functional living skills, and nurture healthy relationships. In his free time, Blake enjoys gardening, hiking, and hanging out with his dog, Chloe.
Raman Kaur holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. There she gained experience working in school-based mental health clinics and global mental health humanitarian missions that incorporated trauma therapy & other healing modalities. Her experience working in school-based mental health included providing counseling services, equipping clients with evidence-based healing tools, and providing complementary wellness therapies.
Raman is a certified wellness facilitator in multiple healing practices. Her passion and inspiration come through weaving different realms of ecological, physical, mental, spiritual and psychological. Through this model, she creates a healing space for her clients to explore and find their best selves, and bring them into the world.
Raman relies on using DBT, CBT, and mindfulness-based somatic healing practices in her sessions with students. Her approach emphasizes balancing the nervous system through mindfulness techniques and evidence-based practices.
In her free time, Raman enjoys yoga, teaching mindfulness, music festivals, and loves spending time with her family!