The Nest
Perfectly Imperfect Brilliant Brains
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Did you know?
1in 50
Children and youth are diagnosed with Autism in Canada
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Highlights from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth. (2022).
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46.8%
Of Canadian caregivers of people with developmental disabilities reported having unmet support needs for themselves.
Source: A study published in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada in 2025, based on Canada's 2018 General Social Survey.
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78.2%
Canadian families reporting unmet needs for their autistic child's social activities.
Study: 2012, Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities.
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A Place to Belong. A Space to Grow.
Breaking the Stigma
We are breaking the stigma around neurodivergence. Disabilities are not things to be “fixed” or “cured.” We believe in a world where “normal” isn’t limited to one narrow, stereotypical definition—because normal looks different for everyone.
Our Approach
At The Nest, we empower neurodivergent individuals and their families through holistic, non-clinical supports and meaningful education. We help families understand how to support their children and themselves, because while this journey can be beautiful, it can also be heavy—and no one should have to carry it alone.
Seeing the Individual
We see you for who you are, not your circumstances or diagnoses. We celebrate the imperfections of our perfectly unique brains.
Our Vision for Community
We invite you to join us in building a community where every family and individual can access the support, love, and care they deserve—so they can define a “normal” that truly works for them.
Here at The Nest, we are a family, a village, and a safe space where we come together as one, celebrating each other as individuals.
What Makes The Nest Different
Unlike many agencies that focus primarily on services, The Nest Center for Families creates a welcoming space where children, parents, and caregivers are supported together—with practical tools, emotional safety, meaningful connection, and community.
Services Offered
Parent Support
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING FAMILIES!!!
We offer a FREE weekly parent support workshop TWICE a month; designed to help caregivers build routines, practical tools, and sustainable lifestyles that actually work for their families. These workshops are hands on, practical and support focused, ensuring more than just information to take home.
These workshops are a safe, judgment-free space where parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children can share, connect, and learn together. We focus on building a supportive community rooted in love, care, resilience, and real-life understanding—because no one should have to do this alone.
Child and Youth Activity Afternoon
Launching in 2027
We offer a free afternoon program held twice a month for children and youth, featuring hands-on, play-based activities that can be easily adapted and replicated at home, in schools, and other everyday settings. Through fun, engaging, and pressure-free experiences, participants have opportunities to explore and develop skills in executive functioning, motor coordination, social interaction, and communication, all at their own pace.
Our program runs concurrently with Building Your Nest, our Parent & Caregiver Workshop, in a separate space. This allows parents and caregivers to participate in their own learning and support sessions while their children engage in meaningful activities nearby, making the most of each family's time with us.
We strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where children and youth can connect with peers, explore their interests, and feel accepted for who they are. At the same time, parents and caregivers can build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and grow their support networks.
Why the Nest?
The Nest was created because we saw a major gap in support for neurodivergent children and their families. So many spaces focus on behaviour management, deficits, or “fixing” children to better fit neurotypical standards rather than truly seeing, understanding, and celebrating them for who they are.
We wanted to create something different.
A nest is a place where people can land safely. A place to rest, grow, feel supported, and simply be. That is exactly what we want The Nest to be for children, youth, parents, siblings, caregivers, and loved ones.
Too often, families are overwhelmed with clinical approaches, unrealistic expectations, and constant messaging about what needs to change. Parents are taught to survive each day rather than enjoy it. Siblings and loved ones are often left out of the conversation entirely. Children grow up feeling like there is something wrong with the way they exist.
At The Nest, we reject that.
We believe neurodivergent children do not need to be “fixed.” They need spaces where they are nurtured, understood, accommodated, and celebrated. We believe families deserve support that feels human, practical, compassionate, and connected — not judgmental or focused solely on challenges.
The Nest is more than a service. It is a community space where families can feel heard, supported, empowered, and accepted exactly as they are. A place where joy, connection, and growth matter just as much as support. Because children should grow up knowing they are not broken — and families should never have to walk this journey alone.
Core Values
Individuality
We celebrate every child, youth, and family exactly as they are, honouring unique strengths, needs, and ways of being.
Love
Love means holding space, nurturing growth, and celebrating individuality. It’s the force behind connection, patience, and support—beyond judgment or expectation.
Community
Fostering a supportive village where families, staff, and peers connect, share, and thrive together.
Meet the Team
Founder
Saron Kahsay BCYC
Saron is passionate about supporting children and youth and empowering the families who care for them. Her experience spans clinical mental health, child psychiatry, trauma and attachment, child and youth development, behaviour therapy, school-based counselling, crisis de-escalation and early childhood education.
Throughout her work, Saron has supported children and youth with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, complex mental health challenges, and complex life experiences. She also has experience in parent coaching and family group facilitation, helping caregivers build practical strategies, strengthen relationships, and better understand their children's needs. Her approach is grounded in strength-based, relationship-centred, and trauma-informed practices.
Through her experience in clinical mental health and child psychiatry, Saron recognized a significant gap in accessible, family-centred support beyond clinical settings. This realization inspired her to create The Nest Center for Families
Saron loves working with children and their networks, embracing all the curiosity, energy, and silliness.
Outside of work, she enjoys making jewelry and spending quality time with friends. A fun fact about her? You'll never see Saron without earrings!
Connect with Saron: saronk@thenestcenter.org
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Operations Director
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Family Support Specialist (FSS)
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Cultural Connector
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Child & Youth Engagement Liason (CYEL)
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Marketing Coordinator
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