About Us

What do you get when you cross a Ph.D. candidate in literacy with a Child and Family Therapist, both of whom specialize in autism? You get the dynamic duo of Keena and Liz, whose combined superpowers of social-emotional learning, literacy, drama, art and science meld into a learning approach that is joyful, mind-expanding and honed to unique learning styles. Keena and Liz have worked together for years at The Helix School in Mill Valley and have cultivated their approach through countless hours of collaboration. They formed a symbiotic, cohesive style, and students have benefited from their spontaneity, humor and genuine connection. You also get their distance learning support animals Dandelion and Jeficita, who will be guides for learning.

Dandelion Clubhouse delivers ground-breaking virtual classes that are inspired by and tailored to children and teens with autism and other neurological differences. Our original, cutting edge, research-informed curriculum draws upon science, world cultures and drama to promote literacy and foster social-emotional growth. Multisensory practices, props, humor and experiential activities keep each student’s body and brain engaged. Neil deGrasse Tyson, advises us that we should have our minds blown at least once a day. Dandelion Clubhouse strives to bring our students mind-blowing classes to ignite a sense of shared wonder, boost self-esteem and fuel new friendships. Astronomy, brain science, global mystery adventures are just some of our online after-school offerings. 

Walt Whitman said, “For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you,” meaning we are interconnected. For students with autism, connection can be elusive. Many autistic children and teens spend much of their school day practicing rote “learning strategies” in order to access content that holds no meaning for them. Consequently, learning becomes a chore, leaving kids to feel disconnected from each other and the world around them. Dandelion Clubhouse is about connections - be they neural, emotional, cognitive or relational. We want our kids to have it all. By providing developmentally tailored, meaningful content in science, art and world cultures - we build bridges to promote academic, emotional and cultural literacy. Students not only gain a deeper understanding of the vast and wondrous universe, but experience themselves as a vital part of it.