Open Mind, Silicon Valley
Open Mind School (OMS) is a nonprofit 501 (C) (3) incorporated in 2010. OMS is the first truly inclusive school in California to serve children identified as gifted, children typically mainstreamed, and children with special needs regardless of impairment or diagnosis. OMS has small class sizes, adapted curriculum, sensory friendly environment, transdisiplinary team of specialists in the classroom, innovative technology, and a BIG emphasis on enrichment activities. OMS’s long term goal is to be a K-12 placement.OMS advocates a compelling call to action to move away from segregated special day classes or isolated schools to an inclusive school, community, and world.
Open Mind offers a school, classes, an afterschool program and camps.
Center for Brain & Behavior, Bay Area
Our Services
The Open Mind Center for Brain and Behavior is an organization committed to developing individualized intervention programs for diverse population throughout the Bay Area.
Home Services
Professionals provide homeschool and tutoring for educational services. Professionals are contracted to develop and implement behavior therapies and relationship-based approaches. We collaborate with families, schools, and other specialists to provide individuals with a comprehensive program in their home.
Classroom Support
Classroom support can be contracted through the district or privately by the family. Aides provide direct services for students in a public or private school placement. Classroom shadows help differentiate content, track progress, apply accommodations, and facilitate social opportunities.
Friendship Clubs
Groups are facilitated to help build a foundation of friendships. Socialization groups utilize researched principles and curriculums while incorporating individualized emotional regulation strategies. Dyads, playdates, small groups and large groups are planned with thematic units and enrichment-based activities at our site, homes, schools, or community locations.
Seasonal Day-Camps
Day camps incorporate therapeutic goals into community activities. Open Mind inclusive community camps are offered in the winter and summer. Open Mind partnership with other camps for staff trainings and placing one to one support for students.
S.I.B.S.
Supported Interactions for Bonding Siblings provides siblings an inclusive opportunity to connect with each other in semi-structured activities. Open Mind hosts monthly meetings for siblings of individuals with special needs to bond and support each other.
Family Outings in the Community
Enjoy a fun-filled day at Great America, Happy Hollow, grocery store, friend’s birthday parties, etc. Staff will provide prep materials and social stories, they will use visual aids during transitions and implement regulation strategies throughout the activities.
Overnight Camping
Camping can represent a positive growth experience for the whole family. Individuals can share the experiences in a supportive environment for physical, sensory, cognitive and social/communicative growth. You bring your gear and we’ll plan the activities!
The Leadership Program Inclusion Effort
This program provides opportunities for middle school and high school students to get involved with their local community by playing and teaching at a local nonprofit. Community service hours are counted and certifications are awarded to each volunteer.
Next Generation
A division of OMCBB focuses on finding or creating meaningful job opportunities for teenagers and adults in their communities.
Social Innovation Lab, Bay Area
The Social Innovation Lab is bridging the gap between neurodiverse populations and the development of products, services, and research.
Marina Vaserman has over ten years experience in the field of mental health and education. Marina has an Early Childhood Education teaching credential. Her undergrad degree is in Applied Psychological Studies from New York University with fieldplacement experience in special education. Marina’s graduate degree is in Educational Psychology from NYU with extensive experience in applications for learning and the brain in neuropsychology. Marina has completed all coursework for BCBA certification and is undergoing training for Board Certification. Marina is an Intermediate DIR® Floortime™ provider. Marina has additional training in PRT, RDI, Sonrise, and DTT therapies. Marina runs Open Mind Center for Brain & Behavior, a mental health outreach clinic that provides 1) school consulting and professional development training 2) in home therapy 3) community outreach including social clubs.
keywords: preschool, elementary, middle school, high school