Welcome

The Growth Collective is a nonprofit, developed to elevate the standard of child care for neurodiverse children and families by creating an inclusive, developmental, and neurodiveristy-affirming care model that will foster profound relationships for children, child care providers, parents and caregivers, and practitioners.

OUR STORY

The Growth Collective was constructed on the Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based (DIR) model, an essential framework for comprehending human learning and development. This model acknowledges the distinctive way in which each person perceives and interacts with the world and the critical role that social-emotional development plays in overall human growth. The DIR approach emphasizes the significance of fostering relationships and emotional connections to fuel personal development. By gaining a profound understanding of the developmental process and one’s individual differences, we can leverage relationships to promote healthy development and help individuals achieve their full potential. The DIR model is grounded in the science of human development, yet it is straightforward and promotes respectful growth through connections, understanding, love, communication, and engagement. 

Please Join our Village!

Our Founders, Jenny Kortuem and Brenna Hoisington, both Speech Language Pathologist, identify as neurodivergent and are acutely aware of the significant challenges faced by individuals sharing this experience. Unfortunately, adequate support services, opportunities for extracurricular activities, higher education, and employment are often limited. “The measuring standards employed by our systems (daycare, school, college, employment, etc) to assess academic performance tend to devalue human potential, resulting in low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, addiction, suicidal ideation, suicide, task avoidance, and aggression among individuals who are unable to meet the expectations set by ableist societal norms. It's crucial to acknowledge that each individual has unique strengths, and we should refrain from judging them based on their ability to conform to standardized expectations” comments Kortuem.

The Growth Collective (TGC) values a standard of care giving that is inclusive, developmental, and neurodiversity-affirming, prioritizing respect and joy to foster growth aligned with one’s authentic self. TGC was established to build a network of education and support opportunities for neurodiverse children, families, and care givers.

“Once TGC is at full programming capacity, we envision having three main areas of impact, along with being co-located with GO Therapy in a place that is vast and serene, providing a campus of services advantageous to inclusive and accessible model of care for children and families.” Hoisington says.

A neighborhood of care. Where love is shown daily.

Our Purpose

VISION
To create an unparalleled, inclusive, forward-thinking community with a focus on wellness, development, and collaboration that will offer neuro-affirming care and foster profound relationships for children, childcare providers, parents and caregivers, practitioners, higher education students, community partners, researchers, and other individuals interested in promoting these standards on a local, national, or global scale.

MISSION
The Growth Collective is dedicated to elevating the standard of child care for neurodivergent children, families and care providers through inclusive, developmental, and neurodiversity-affirming programs and initiatives.

VALUES

  • We disrupt the status quo.

  • We welcome all abilities.

  • We welcome all abilities.

  • We are never too young or too old to learn.

  • We think outside the box.

Impact Areas

  • Growing Orchids

    A virtual training for parents and care providers of autistic, ADHD, or other neurodivergent children ages 0-7. This training will offer caregiver mental health support woven throughout our inclusive, developmental, and neurodiversity-affirming care practices model. Growing Orchids will offer caregivers the tools and resources to better support children and handle difficult situations such as biting, hitting, and pinching with compassion and understanding. Our objective is to restore caregivers' sense of fulfillment, improve connections, and enhance the quality of care for both children and families, thereby elevating the overall quality of life.

  • Blossom

    A child development training for parents and caregivers for all children ages 0-21 with a focus on 6 key developmental areas: emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor movement & learning, communication, eating & digestion, and cognition. Caregiving is often a solitary journey, and it's our goal to change that narrative. By fostering deep and meaningful connections, we aim to create a space where both children and adults can thrive. We also advocate for loving methodologies that promote developmental best practices, so every individual has the opportunity to flourish. We plan to establish a supportive neighborhood where raising children is a collective effort.

  • Buddy Bags & Emergency Responder Training

    The Growth Collective is building Buddy Bags for Saint Peter Police Officers to keep in their vehicles. Buddy Bags will assist children and individuals who may face challenges with communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, particularly during stressful or emergency situations. Buddy Bags will be presented to officers in August at GO Therapy’s neighborhood Night to Unite community celebration.

  • Impact Areas At A Glance

    1. Caregiver Education and Wellness

    Trainings, courses, support groups, retreats and opportunities for connection through reflection, arts and recreation for all caregivers (parents, teachers, childcare providers, paras, etc.).

    2. Floortime Autism Clinic

    An inclusive early care and education program for children with Autism utilizing the EIDBI program founded in Floortime principals and skilled nursing staff to care for medically complex children.

    3. Inclusive Child Care

    An inclusive childcare facility, including spaces for children with Autism utilizing the MDH EIDBI program and skilled nursing staff to care for medically complex children.

Leadership Team

  • Jenny Kortuem

    Executive Director + Co-Founder

  • Brenna Hoisington

    Chief Operations Officer + Co-Founder

Get Involved

OUR FUNDRAISING GOALS & PRIORITIES 2025-2026

1. Growing Orchids: A Training for Parents and Care Providers of Neurodivergent Children Ages 0-7

TGC is committed to creating an inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming training called Growing Orchids, a virtual 12-hour training program explicitly designed for child care providers of neurodivergent children. This unique offering is a valuable resource for families, caregivers, community partners, medical providers, teachers, and paras, providing education on child development and neurodevelopmental differences for young children with autism and related neurodivergence.

2. Virtual Learning Opportunities

The Growing Orchids Training is optimally delivered in a face-to-face setting, however, in an effort to improve inclusivity and accessibility, we will make the training into a virtual option with three 4-hour modules.

3. Technology & Website Upgrades

Technology and website upgrades include audio and video recording devices, tech support, and development of a virtual platform for easy access to pre-recorded training modules.

GIVE