Programs

The Program for Intellectual Empowerment (PIE) is a community-centered organization that aims to enrich neurodivergent clients with holistic, neuroscience-centered support.

  • Line art logo of a mountain above a cloud with the words "elevated minds" inside the cloud outline.

    Elevated Minds (4-12)

    Supplemental academic program for ages 4-12. Curriculum focused on communication, appropriate behaviors and elementary level academics.

    Tuesday-Thursday 9am-12pm

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    RISE (12-17*)

    Full time academic program for ages 12-17*.

    *Can be flexible to accommodate clients with teacher discretion

    Monday-Friday 9am-3:30pm

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    SOAR (18+)

    Life skill and employment-focused program for adults 18 and older.

    Support through career search and continuing education at local universities.

A person wearing a teal and light green jacket, sitting and smiling in an office or classroom setting. The background includes a table with a cup holding pens and pencils, and a set of transparent drawers filled with art supplies.

PIE provides intellectual stimulation of the mind through Dr. Ellyn Arwood’s Neuroeducation Model, the Neuro-semantic Language Learning Theory (NsLLT). Internally, the neurobiological process for conceptual learning is layered and starts at the sensory level that overlaps into patterns. Then those patterns create concepts. Research confirms that conceptual learning through language occurs in neural networks with multiple access points running along circuits of nerves in the brain (Olson, 2001). 

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Our program is based on how language and the brain function together. Language is the mediation between a child’s literacy and behavior. Language names a child’s thinking. The program focuses on helping children express themselves by enriching their language and providing a rich and respectful socio-cognitive environment. We will help them develop creative problem-solving skills, and communicate their thoughts and ideas in a variety of ways.