Heart in H.O.M.E. SpecialTIES was founded with a deep commitment to enriching the lives of neurodivergent children and their families. In 2021, our Founder became the adoptive mother of a neurodivergent son, which ignited a personal journey to discover creative and unique ways to enhance his educational skills and social opportunities beyond the confines of traditional school and therapy settings.
As both an educator and administrator, our Founder recognized the transformative power of non-traditional learning experiences. She became passionate about finding ways for neurodivergent children to thrive in environments where they could grow, learn, and engage meaningfully with their peers and communities. She believes that early development is key to a child’s lifelong success both academically and socially.
At Heart in H.O.M.E. SpecialTIES, we bring together families, educators, and community members to create innovative learning opportunities that foster the development of neurodivergent children in a holistic, supportive, and inclusive way. Our goal is to provide children with the resources they need to feel empowered, engaged, and connected because every child deserves the chance to fully participate in their community and reach their fullest potential.
Join us in creating a world where every neurodivergent child can thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.
The mission of Heart in H.O.M.E. SpecialTIES is to provide an integrated approach to adaptive skills and social development for neurodivergent children and foster youth, fostering successful transitions to their communities through early, holistic education that bridges home, school, and community.
We envision a world where every child engages in meaningful, life-long learning within a nurturing community.
Dr. Vernita Adkins
Dr. Vernita Adkins is a seasoned educator, program leader, and advocate for inclusive learning with more than 25 years of experience supporting children with diverse cognitive, developmental, and behavioral needs. She holds an Ed.D. in Education and Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University and multiple teaching and administrative credentials in California. Throughout her career, Dr. Adkins has served as a classroom teacher, mentor, school administrator, and university instructor, guiding both K-12 students and emerging educators. She has also served as a part-time faculty member at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she spent five years preparing future special education teachers with research-based best practices. Dr. Adkins is UCLA PEERS® Certified and trained in Developmental Dance/Autism Movement Therapy and Orff-Schulwerk music education, approaches that emphasize rhythm, movement, and creative expression as powerful tools for learning and connection. As the founder and CEO of Heart in Home SpecialTIES, Dr. Adkins leads the STEAMMEd program (Storytelling-Enriched Art, Music, and Movement Education). Her work reflects a lifelong mission to create inclusive, joyful environments where children feel seen, heard, and celebrated while developing social, cognitive, and creative skills through embodied learning..
As an adoptive parent to a son on the Autism Spectrum, I understand the vital importance of providing my child with opportunities to develop these critical skills. It is not only about education but about equipping him with the social and adaptive tools he will need to be a lifelong learner and a contributing member of society, long after formal schooling ends.
I believe that the development of adaptive life skills is essential at every stage from preschool through adulthood. Yet, there are significant discrepancies in how these skills are nurtured, often leaving children without the preparation they need for successful transitions into adulthood. This understanding is what inspired me to create Heart in H.O.M.E. SpecialTIES to bridge this gap and provide children with the opportunities they deserve to thrive.
Some children are never asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Every child deserves to be asked, “Who do you want to be and what do you want to do when you grow up?” They should be given the opportunities to explore and determine their path.
This is the core of our mission to help every individual discover their purpose and empower them to become contributing members of their communities, in whatever way they can.
THE NEED:
There is a critical need for neurodivergent individuals at all educational levels to engage in creative arts afterschool and weekend programs that not only enhance their experiences in visual and performing arts but also foster the development of social skills. Unfortunately, such opportunities are often lacking in supportive learning environments compared to their neurotypical peers.
OUR SOLUTION: We provide research-based educational enrichment opportunities for neurodivergent students, focusing on participation in the visual and performing arts while prioritizing social skills development from an early age into adulthood.
The development of adaptive and social skills for neurodivergent children must begin as early as preschool. Our comprehensive programs are designed to empower and prepare children for successful transitions at every stage—starting from preschool, moving through Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School, and ultimately into community living.
Our student-centered programming offers a sequential, systematic, and experiential approach to social-emotional learning, social skills, and life skills development. Beginning at the preschool level, our programs continue through young adulthood, helping students build critical transition skills for college, careers, and independent living.
Skills development will focus on key areas, including:
Our programs integrate creative and engaging approaches to skill development. Through S.T.E.A.M.Ed., we encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math in hands-on, interactive ways. Musicality and Movement for Mental Health uses music and movement to promote emotional well-being, while Game On provides indoor social skills development through fun, interactive activities. Playscape offers outdoor social skills development, encouraging students to build relationships and communication skills in a natural, active setting. Additionally, we offer American Sign Language Development through Literature, where students learn ASL through storytelling, fostering both language skills and cultural awareness.
Our programs also focus on fostering self-determination through initiatives like “Me in My Community,” which helps students understand their role and potential within their community. We also offer Toastmasters training to develop interpersonal communication and interviewing skills, empowering students to confidently engage in social and professional settings. Additionally, our P.A.E.S. (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Lab provides future employment exploration, giving students hands-on experience and insight into career possibilities to support their transition into the workforce.
We provide support through direct participation and advocacy in preparing for IEP meetings, ensuring families have the resources and guidance they need to navigate the educational process. Additionally, we assist in obtaining school-related resources and services through the Regional Center. To further empower families, we offer opportunities to receive current information on relevant topics through in-person workshops and online trainings, keeping them informed and equipped to advocate for their child’s needs.
As parents of children with exceptional learning abilities, it’s natural to want the best for your child, especially when it comes to preparing them for independent living. While school programs…
Your support makes a difference! Volunteer with us, participate in an event, or make a donation today. Together, we can build a foundation of love, learning, and lasting impact.
STEAMMEd