Grand Opening for Pivot Point Scheduled for End of the Month
Ryan Twiss has a passion for cooking, often preparing meals for his parents—burgers, hot dogs, and bacon are some of his favorites. Sometimes, he even cooks alongside his father, strengthening their bond through shared culinary experiences.

A key influence in this connection? Pivot Point, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities.

“I love it. Pivot Point is awesome for me,” Twiss said, praising both the program and its staff. Through the BC-based organization’s Life Program, which launched in Milton this past December, Twiss has been able to explore his love of cooking in a structured, supportive environment.

Now expanding beyond British Columbia, Pivot Point’s new location at Country Heritage Park marks its first presence in Ontario. The organization provides specialized support services for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, and other neurodivergent conditions.

Personalized Learning at the Life Program
The Milton Life Program helps participants develop a wide range of skills, from simple crafts to complex social interactions. The initiative is led by Kathleen Nesbitt Daly and Sarah Burgess, both registered behavioral analysts.

Using data-driven approaches, the team continuously adapts its methods to ensure the best outcomes for clients. Staff collect progress reports, and participants complete surveys to provide feedback on their experiences.

“We are obsessed with data,” Burgess joked. “We’re really focused on building quality of life while making sure everyone enjoys the process.”

Nesbitt Daly added that this method creates more accountability:

“Our clients rate how helpful they found different programs and staff interactions. This allows us to reflect and ask, ‘Did you actually like this? Was it useful for you?’”

During a recent visit to Pivot Point’s Tuesday session at Country Heritage Park (Feb. 18), the atmosphere was lively and engaging. While participants learned important life skills—such as how to confidently present themselves for job opportunities—there was also time for fun, including a dance party break.

A New Approach to Special-Needs Support
Pivot Point was founded by Crystal Thompson and Steve Cunningham, who were frustrated with the lack of meaningful programs available for individuals with disabilities.

“In the Lower Mainland [of BC], people were being warehoused,” Thompson explained. “They were given meaningless tasks, like repeatedly screwing bolts onto nuts—only for staff to remove them at the end of the day so they could do it all over again.”

To counteract this one-size-fits-all approach, Pivot Point’s founders developed personalized, client-focused services.

“We have a systematic approach, but our system is built around individualized service,” Cunningham emphasized.

Community Support and Grand Opening
Pivot Point’s arrival in Milton was made possible by the efforts of local advocates, including Mary Barnes and Elaine Cray—both mothers of neurodivergent adults.

Cray described Pivot Point’s method as a “refreshing agenda that nurtures life skills development while keeping the focus on individual needs.”

Barnes highlighted the enthusiasm the program has sparked in her daughter:

“Laura’s excitement speaks volumes. Every morning, she can’t get to the program fast enough, and at the end of the day, she’s always the last to leave because she doesn’t want to go home.”

The official grand opening will take place on Feb. 28 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Country Heritage Park.

Pivot Point is currently accepting new clients, and those interested can find more information on their website.