Mitchell College STAIRs Program

Confidence grows one step at a time. 🌱

At STAIRs, growth often begins just outside a comfort zone. Through hands-on experiences and supportive coaching, partners are learning to face challenges, try new things, and discover what they’re capable of.

💪 Conquering fears and building resilience
🌿 Learning practical gardening and home maintenance skills
🛠 Developing independence through real-world experiences
✨ Building self-confidence with every success
🤝 Growing in a supportive community that celebrates progress

Every new skill learned and every fear faced becomes another step toward greater independence and self-belief.

👉 Curious about the STAIRs experience? Learn more: mitchell.edu/stairs

Building confidence through connection 💜📚
At STAIRs, growth doesn’t just happen in the classroom — it happens out in the community, too.

From sharing stories with young learners to discovering the value of giving back, participants are building:
✨ Communication skills
✨ Leadership and responsibility
✨ Confidence in social settings
✨ Meaningful community connections
✨ Pride in making a difference

Every interaction is a chance to grow, connect, and realize you have something important to offer the world.

At STAIRs, participants don’t just practice independence — they practice belonging, purpose, and community engagement.
👉 Learn more: mitchell.edu/stairs

Serving confidence, one recipe at a time 💜🍳
At STAIRs, growth happens in the everyday moments — trying something new, building independence, and discovering “I can do this.”

From never cooking to creating courageous recipes, participants are gaining:
✨ Kitchen confidence
✨ Life skills for independence
✨ Problem-solving skills
✨ Pride in their accomplishments
✨ Confidence that carries beyond the kitchen

Every meal made is another step toward independence, self-advocacy, and believing in yourself.

At STAIRs, you’re not just learning life skills — you’re practicing them in real life, with support every step of the way.
👉 Learn more: mitchell.edu/stairs

All aboard for learning, connection, and discovery! ⚓️

STAIRs participants set sail on a trip to the Mystic Seaport Museum — where history, community, and hands-on experiences come together:
🧭 Exploring maritime history and exhibits
⚓️ Discovering new interests and perspectives
🤝 Building friendships through shared experiences
🗣 Practicing social and communication skills
🌊 Engaging with the world beyond the classroom

At STAIRs, growth happens everywhere — not just in the classroom, but out in the community.

This is learning that’s active, meaningful, and memorable.

👉 Learn more about STAIRs: mitchell.edu/stairs

Spring has sprung — and so has our impact. 🌱🌍

This Earth Day, STAIRs participants are getting their hands dirty (in the best way!) preparing the Mitchell Community Gardens:
🌿 Cleaning and restoring garden beds
🌼 Learning sustainable practices
💪 Building teamwork and responsibility
🧠 Growing life and vocational skills
🤝 Connecting with their community and environment

At STAIRs, learning goes beyond the classroom — it’s active, meaningful, and rooted in real-world experiences.

This is growth you can see — in the garden and in each participant. 🌷

👉 Learn more about STAIRs: mitchell.edu/stairs

Hired. Empowered. Thriving. 🎉

Please join us in celebrating fellow STAIRs participant Joelle Ware on her new role in Dietary Services at Yale New Haven Health! 💙

At STAIRs, success looks like real-world achievement:
💼 Gaining meaningful employment
🍽 Applying hands-on skills in the workplace
🧠 Building confidence and independence
🤝 Growing through support and experience
✨ Turning goals into reality

Joelle’s hard work, dedication, and growth have led to this exciting milestone — and we couldn’t be more proud!

This is what progress looks like — real, supported, and achievable.

👉 Learn more about STAIRs: mitchell.edu/stairs

Please join us in welcoming Dennis Rinaldi to STAIRs! 💜

Experience. Guidance. Growth.
At STAIRs, learning is powered by professionals who bring real-world insight:
💼 Building vocational skills that translate beyond the classroom
🏠 Supporting independence in daily living
🧭 Guiding participants toward career and life goals
🤝 Creating meaningful partnerships and support systems
✨ Turning preparation into confidence

Dennis brings expertise, energy, and a passion for helping participants take the next step toward independence — and we’re excited to have him working with our community!

This is growth that’s practical, personal, and empowering.

👉 Learn more about STAIRs: mitchell.edu/stairs

Please join us in welcoming our newest Health & Wellness Intern, Nickeita Kennedy! 💙

Passion. Purpose. Progress.
At STAIRs, our team is growing with individuals who are dedicated to making a difference:
🌱 Supporting emotional and mental well-being
💼 Guiding career exploration and growth
🧠 Leading psychoeducational groups
🤝 Building meaningful connections
✨ Empowering independence every step of the way

Nickeita brings knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to helping others thrive — and we’re so excited to have her on our team!

This is support that meets you where you are — and helps you move forward.

👉 Learn more about STAIRs: mitchell.edu/stairs

You belong here.
STAIRs is more than a program — it’s a learning community where you can:
💬 Be understood
🌱 Grow at your own pace
🧭 Explore what’s next
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Build real friendships
With multiple learning tracks, you can find your path forward.
👉 Take the first step: Check us out: mitchell.edu/stairs

There’s no one path to adulthood — but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
STAIRs helps neurodivergent young adults (22+) build:
✨ Career direction
✨ Life skills
✨ Confidence and identity
✨ Emotional and social growth
With coaching, structure, and real-world experiences, this becomes your launchpad.
👨‍👩‍👧 Parents: We partner with you in this transition.
👉 Learn more + explore options: mitchell.edu/stairs