Illustration of a teal-colored submarine with a periscope, stern, and a small window, set against a black background.

Room to breathe

Monday Room is a small, self-directed studio space in Stratford, Ontario for neurodivergent teens who thrive in calm, low-pressure environments.

Participants can work on personal projects, use studio materials, do independent or online schoolwork, or simply spend time alongside others — as much or as little as feels right on any given day.

The space is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 1–5 PM, with an after-school option available for those attending traditional school.

Maximum 8 members. Monthly membership. No performance required.

What Happens Here?


Creative Projects

Art, crafts, sewing, building, studying, writing and other personal interests.

A Calm Environment

A low-demand space where participants can engage at their own pace.

Connection

Be in the same room with people who understand flexible ways of being together.


Who is the Monday Room For?

Monday Room is designed for teens ages 13–17 who feel more comfortable outside conventional group settings. This might include teens who are:

•       Autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent

•       Experiencing anxiety or school avoidance

•       Doing homeschool, online school, or independent learning

•       Simply more at home in quieter, lower-demand environments

A diagnosis is not required. What matters most is whether the space feels like a good fit.

Monday Room welcomes teens of all genders.

A self-directed, democratic approach

Monday Room is shaped by self-directed learning principles — the belief that young people learn best when they follow their own curiosity, at their own pace, in environments where they feel safe.

In practice this means:

•       Participation is always optional

•       Personal interests are taken seriously

•       Members help shape the space over time

•       Rules and agreements are developed by the group, not handed down

•       There is room for different energies, communication styles, and ways of being


Membership and Schedule

  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-5 PM

  • After-school option available 3-5 PM

  • Maximum 8 participants

  • Location: Knox Church in Stratford, Ontario

  • Facilitated by Sara Wilken, RSW, MSW, PhD

  • Monthly membership: full rate-$220, supported rate-$110

  • Cancel anytime with 30 days notice


How to Join

  1. Start with a conversation

    Email or book a short call so you can ask questions and get a sense of whether the space feels like a good fit. No commitment required.

  2. Try a session

    If it seems right, your teen is welcome to join a session and see how it feels in person. No pressure to continue.

  3. Monthly membership

    Membership is monthly and renewable. Cancel anytime with 30 days notice.

    email sara@mondayroom.ca