MISSION STATEMENT
Dragonfly Academy (DFA) is a non-profit therapeutic learning center, serving neurodivergent learners alongside their neurotypical peers. DFA serves all students through fostering and empowering neurodiversity with an evidence-based, integrative program in an environment cultivated to meet all learners' needs. DFA offers academic programs fully integrated with therapeutic services, educating and supporting the whole child through strengths based and neurodiversity affirming practices.
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WHO DO WE SERVE?
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DFA is currently offering academic enrichment and therapeutic programming for neurodivergent and neurotypical learners ages 10-14. All learners must be registered as homeschoolers with the state of Nevada.
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EMPOWERING NEURODIVERSITY
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We serve all types of learners, with an emphasis on advocating for individuals who identify as neurodivergent: having unique ways of thinking, doing, being and learning. All children deserve an empowering environment where they can feel safe to learn, develop and thrive with their peers.
We empower children to amplify their passions and practice learned skills with exploratory, evidence-based curriculum. Our safe and accepting environment naturally fosters social and communication skills as well as self-knowledge and awareness. In addition, on site we offer clinical therapeutic services using an integrated model of behavioral and mental health services, as well as occupational therapy. Additional therapy services are available as needed.
WHY THE DRAGONFLY?​
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In many parts of the world, the dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. We hope to be a safe place for our learners to transform, grow, and practice being their authentic selves.
Anita Williams MS, LCPC
Founder and Executive Director
Michael and Anita Williams, co-founded DragonFly Academy Therapeutic and Educational Services in 2019. Their journey to advocate for a therapeutic & educational learning environment started several years prior to the COVID19 pandemic. Two of their grandchildren were diagnosed with Asperger's (ASD) & ADHD. Anita wanted to advocate for change and better services not only for her grandchildren but for the neurodiverse community.
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Anita Williams is the CEO and Director of DragonFly Academy. She has a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her credentials include, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), and a Licensed Clinical Supervisor (LCADC-S). She is a trained EMDR Therapist and certified Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) provider. She is currently working towards certification as a Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS).
DragonFly Academy offers neuroaffirming practices that include play therapy, sandtray therapy, art, and music therapy. These therapeutic modalities can be utilized to engage learners in learning, meaningful play, socialization, and reciprocal communication.
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Anita collaborates with occupational and speech therapists, and other community providers to offer an integrated health and wellness program for all learners. Her focus for DFA is to offer neuroaffirming practices and to validate and affirm each learner to gain insight and knowledge into their self-worth and value.
Affiliations and Certifications
