The Skill Tree

10/17/2025

Happy National Pasta Day!

At The Skill Tree, we celebrate foods that feel safe and predictable—especially for our neurodivergent friends. “Safe foods” can help reduce anxiety around mealtimes because they’re consistent in texture, flavor, shape, and brand. Pasta often fits the bill—whether it’s plain buttered noodles, mac & cheese, or spaghetti with a simple sauce.

Quick tips for supportive mealtimes:
• Offer choices (shape, sauce on/off the side)
• Keep favorite brands/textures on hand
• Add new foods next to safe foods—no pressure, just exposure
• Respect preferences—comfort builds confidence

Let’s make meals about connection, not stress. What’s your favorite pasta?

10/16/2025

Hey Skill Tree Family, check this out!

NEW! Inclusive Nightclub for Adults with Special Needs (18+) 🎉🕺

Join them for the kickoff event on Saturday, Oct 18 • 5–9 PM at the Charles Carroll Community Center!

This alcohol- and tobacco/vape-free nightclub is designed for our special needs community (ages 18+). Come dance, connect, and have fun in a supportive, sensory-aware space.

What’s included with your cover:
✨ Dance floor
🎯 Recreation rooms
🧘‍♀️ Recharge room
🌳 Outdoor space
🥤 Mocktail lounge with free mocktails + snacks
👥 Admission for a 1-to-1 aide (if needed)

Cover: $15 pre-register • $20 at the door
👉 Pre-register to save $5! (link in bio or message us for details)

Hosted by: Carroll County Parks & Recreation
Co-hosts: Individuals from Westminster Parks & Recreation, several service providers (TBA), and SOMD – Carroll County

10/15/2025

Don't forget to clear your calendar!

We’re thrilled to welcome back Michael Muller and the beloved Mirabelle for another magical holiday storytime and puppet show! 🐾📚

If you missed this incredible author event last time — here’s your chance to join the fun! Michael will be reading from his brand new holiday adventure book, Mirabelle’s Big Holiday Adventure, followed by a lively puppet show that kids (and adults!) will love.

📍 Where: The Skill Tree — 1216 N Main St, Hampstead, MD
📅 When: Friday, November 7th @ 12:00 PM

Come celebrate our anniversary with stories, puppets, and holiday cheer. Don’t miss this heartwarming event for the whole family!

10/08/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome back Michael Muller and the beloved Mirabelle for another magical holiday storytime and puppet show! 🐾📚

If you missed this incredible author event last time — here’s your chance to join the fun! Michael will be reading from his brand new holiday adventure book, Mirabelle’s Big Holiday Adventure, followed by a lively puppet show that kids (and adults!) will love.

📍 Where: The Skill Tree — 1216 N Main St, Hampstead, MD
📅 When: Friday, November 7th @ 12:00 PM

Come celebrate our anniversary with stories, puppets, and holiday cheer. Don’t miss this heartwarming event for the whole family!

10/06/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1MwqxFx1yd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It is with the most profound sadness that we share this news.

Hailey is one of those people that if you are so lucky to meet someone like her, you have been given a privilege of a lifetime. Words like remarkable, amazing, and wonderful don’t even touch the surface. From the moment she and her family joined our Skill Tree family I just knew I was a better person for having known her. I just wish it could have been for a lot longer…

Please read her obituary, and please pray for her family and friends. Donate to her organization.

If any of our Skill Tree family or friends need a place to cry, talk or share some space remembering our sweet girl just reach out. Dr.Steve and I are at a loss right now. We don’t know how to fully process this ourselves but we know by coming together and being strong we will all be ok.
All the Love and Light,
Ms. Tasha

Hailey Alexis Miller, 23, of Hampstead, MD, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Born on July 22, 2002, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of Matthew Charles Miller and Brigitte Jenelle Hess Miller. Hailey was an amazing, smart and fun-loving youn...

10/04/2025

The Skill Tree will be CLOSED today. There will be be no morning session or Social Session from noon-3.

10/02/2025

The 1st and third Wednesday of every month from 3-5 is sensory friendly with turned down sound and lights, this is a great opportunity to enjoy some time to run around and enjoy the HUGE space without the overload of lights and sound.

10/02/2025

I didn’t even know this happened! In typical humble fashion! This family is so amazing! Taylor was already an inspiration to us and this is just further proof of how amazing our members are!! Thank you so much Taylor and Christy for doing this!!

Taylor Chaffin’s luminary bags will be on display.

10/01/2025

🎉🥳 Happy Birthday, Steve! 🥳🎉

This Friday, we’re celebrating our very own Steve’s birthday here at The Skill Tree—and you’re invited!

📅 Friday, October 4th
🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 The Skill Tree

We’ll have cake, snacks, games, and plenty of fun as we celebrate one of the people who makes The Skill Tree such a special place.

Come join us, hang out, and help us make Steve’s birthday extra memorable. The more, the merrier—our whole community is welcome!

10/01/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

At The Skill Tree, we believe growth happens when we support one another—through life’s challenges, victories, and everything in between. This month, we stand with the survivors, encourage those still in the fight, and remember the loved ones we’ve lost.

Let’s continue to spread awareness, nurture resilience, and build a community rooted in strength and hope.

09/25/2025

📚✨ A new school year brings new routines—and for many autistic kids, that can also mean big feelings.

Some children may show these feelings at school, but many will not. Instead, they may mask their struggles to fit in, gain teacher approval, or avoid getting into trouble. The result? Emotional exhaustion and after-school meltdowns that are tough on both kids and families.

It’s important to remember: even if a child seems “fine” during the day, they may still have unmet needs in the classroom. After-school collapse is often a sign that support is missing while they’re at school.

💡 Want to help teachers better understand and support neurodivergent students? Our Embracing Neurodiversity in Education program is designed for you! This resource empowers parents and caregivers to share simple, effective supports with teachers—focusing on:
✔ Shifting mindsets
✔ Supporting regulation
✔ Understanding the impacts of masking

Together, we can create classrooms where every child feels safe, understood, and supported. 💚

09/23/2025

For autistic teens and adults, social opportunities are more than just fun—they’re essential.
✔ They create a sense of belonging
✔ Help combat loneliness
✔ Reduce anxiety and depression
✔ Build confidence & life skills for independence

At The Skill Tree, we understand that social interaction can feel challenging. That’s why we provide supportive, respectful environments where individuals can connect, grow, and form meaningful relationships—always honoring their unique social needs and preferences.

Because everyone deserves community, confidence, and connection. 💚

Learn more about our programs and how we can support your family: admin@theskilltreemd.com