Logo featuring a mountain silhouette above a cloud shape with the word "elevated" inside and "minds" below.

(Ages 4-12)

Welcome to PIE's Elevated Minds program! This program is for kids with neurodivergences ages 4-12. In our Elevated Minds program, clients will learn social skills and build meaningful relationships. Clients will learn effective communication, how to ask for help when needed, and how to engage meaningfully with their peers. We inspire and challenge our clients to embrace new experiences, explore diverse concepts, and make new friends. Through this approach we empower each client to unlock their true potential and become the best version of themselves.

About Our Program

  • Hours and Schedule

    The program operates 9-12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    This condensed schedule is intentional, recognizing that our unique educational theory requires clients to maintain high levels of focus and cognitive engagement. We understand that extended periods of vigorous thinking can be challenging, particularly for younger clients. This approach ensures that each session is optimized for effective learning while considering the cognitive demands on our clients. 

  • Tuition

    Tuition will be $500/month. The Neuro-semantic Language Learning Theory methods are not yet recognized so our program cannot be covered by insurance. For more information please contact us at info@piempowered.org

  • Client-to-Teacher Ratio

    The proposed client-to-teacher ratio for this program is 2:1.

Apply Now
Person wearing a black and white abstract patterned jacket standing against a light-colored wall.

Hunter Honkanen

Program Coordinator & Lead Teacher

B.A. Special Education, Mild to Moderate
- Western Governor's University

Hunter Honkanen has been working with PIE since it first began back in 2018. He has been involved in special education for over 8 years and has been working with PIE's founder Pauline Lee for just as long. He works hard to ensure an effective and safe learning environment for all clients and looks to meet clients where they are and support them in their unique learning styles.

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email: hunter@piempowered.org

Delaney Nigma

Teacher

B.S. Kinesiology
- Pacific University

I graduated from Pacific University in 2024 with a B.S. in Kinesiology. During college, I lead a program called Unified for people with and without disabilities to play a variety of sports and take dance classes together. I also have experience working with children with cerebral palsy in a clinical physical therapy setting. I began working at PIE last year in a substitute position but fell in love with the program and methodology, and am thrilled to return this year. I am so excited to continue to learn along side our students each and every day. 

Cassandra Dolezsar

Teacher

B.S. Psychology
- Valdosta State University

M.S.  Psychology, Specializing in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Purdue Global University

Cassandra Dolezsar is an assistant teacher at PIE with a foundation in psychology and a passion for supporting neurodivergent learners. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Valdosta State University in 2022 and a Masters of Science in Psychology from Purdue Global University in 2024.

With a multicultural background and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, Cassandra brings a culturally responsive approach to education. She has extensive experience working with children of all ages and backgrounds. 

Beyond the classroom, Cassandra enjoys learning new languages—currently studying French—and has a love for animals and teaching art. She is dedicated to creating supportive, engaging learning environments where every student can thrive.

What We Work On

  • Flyer for the "Young Learners Program" by PIE featuring a cartoon boy with a backpack against a colorful background. Contains contact info and a QR code.
  • Flyer for "The Young Learners Program" organized by PIE, featuring skills developed such as conceptual development, social skills, communication, applied mathematics, reading, life skills, and routines. Includes a cartoon boy with books, mentions Dr. Ellyn Arwood’s neuroeducational model, and has a QR code linking to a Google Form for more information.
  • Illustration for a young learners program with sections on language, reading, and social skills development. Features diverse children engaging in learning activities. Includes a call-to-action to apply.

The NSLLT methods (read more below) will be utilized within our program to help clients attach language to their mental pictures. Providing clients with language allows for the development of effective communication skills. We will also work on establishing routines and expectations with the clients by building conceptual developments through writing and drawing. Clients learn and apply functional math and reading for information. Clients will also learn various life skills that will be built upon concepts taught through language development.

At PIE, we fundamentally believe that all behavior is a form of communication. What are often labeled as "problem behaviors" or unwanted actions are, in essence, alternative modes of expression. To address and diminish these behaviors, we focus on teaching clients how to articulate their needs or emotions in a manner that is both effective and socially appropriate. 

Contact us to apply and put your child on a lifelong path of personal growth, success, and social development. If you are interested please fill out our interest form by clicking the button below.