About Us
Proudly supporting neurodivergent families since 2020
We Are Here For You Navigating This Unknown World
My name is Anastasia and I am the owner of Second Nature Family Health & Wellness Centre and Second Nature School. More importantly, though, I'm a mother of three little, neurospicy children.
I know the struggle of trying to positively parent in a world that doesn't always celebrate children and adolescents who operate outside of the box.
At Second Nature, we specialize in working with children, youth, and adults who would benefit from a space that understands neurodiversity and is accepting of multiple identities. Our space is home-like and offers safety for families who are looking for holistic care.
Our Mission, Vision & Core Values
Our Mission
To provide holistic, neuro-affirming mental health, educational, and wellness services in a safe, home-like environment where every neurodivergent child, youth, and family feels understood, supported, and celebrated exactly as they are.
Our Vision
A world where neurodivergent children and their families are welcomed, supported, and celebrated for who they are, not pressured to conform. A gentle haven built on acceptance, community, and lived experience.
Our Values
We lead with compassion, celebrate differences, honor lived experience, and practice radical acceptance. We believe every brain has worth, every family deserves belonging, and every child has brilliance worth nurturing.
What Makes Us Different
We are more than professionals. We are co-regulators, gentle guides, and lifelong learners walking alongside families with compassion, insight, and deep personal knowing. Because in this work, lived experience isn't extra; it's essential.
Lived Experience At Our Core
Our founder is a neurodivergent parent herself. Our team is made up of real people with real stories: parents, advocates, and lived-experience leaders who truly get it.
A Home-Like Environment
Our spaces are intentionally designed to be calming, welcoming, and sensory-considerate, nothing clinical or sterile. Just warmth, safety, and belonging.
Multidisciplinary Under One Roof
Therapy, education, wellness, and respite care, all from a connected team who collaborate on your behalf so nothing falls through the cracks.
Holistic, Whole-Family Care
We don't just support the child; we support the whole family system, including parents, siblings, and caregivers who are navigating this journey too.
Trauma-Informed Always
Every single service we offer is grounded in trauma-informed, strengths-based, attachment-led principles, not just in theory, but in daily practice.
In-Person & Virtual Across Ontario
Whether you are local to Ottawa or Kemptville, or anywhere across Ontario, we offer accessible in-person and virtual options to meet you where you are.
second nature school testimonials
Second Nature has been a place where my son is welcomed, just as he is. That alone changed everything for our family.
Dealing with our son's challenging behavior had become overwhelming for our family. It felt like every day was a battle. Second Nature helped us find a way forward. We feel supported by their community.
We finally found a space that feels safe, gentle, and deeply understanding. Our child feels seen here, and that has made all the difference.
The team truly understands neurodivergent families. We never feel judged, only supported and guided with compassion.
Your Family's Story Matters To Us. We'd Love To Hear From You.
Share Your Story
Professionals With Real Life Experience
Our compassionate therapists provide personalized psychotherapy and counselling to support your mental health and well-being at every age and stage.
Becca Palmer
Director of Human Resources
Qualified Professionals Recognized By:
Connections & Community
We believe in the power of community. Here's how you can connect with and contribute to the Second Nature family.
Careers
Join a team that leads with heart and lived experience. We're always looking for passionate, down-to-earth practitioners who share our vision for neuro-affirming care.
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Community Partners
We collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations who share our values. Together, we build stronger support networks for neurodivergent families.
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A Gentle Haven Where Every Family Is Celebrated.
We are here to listen, guide, and empower you with strategies that truly fit your life. Together, we will navigate your path to healing, balance, and lasting wellness right here in Ottawa and Kemptville.
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