Grand Junction, CO - 2026
The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo in Grand Junction brings together local and national organizations, services, and products that support neurodivergent individuals and their families, creating a welcoming space to connect, learn, and explore resources. Walk in registration is available on the day of the expo.

Plan to Attend - Walk in registration is now available for the expo.
(Online registration has closed.)
Mark your calendars for the Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at the Grand Junction Convention Center! From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, this comprehensive showcase brings together services and products for neurodivergent individuals and their families, offering direct access to organizations and resources that enhance daily life and well-being. Throughout the day, attend insightful presentations in English and Spanish by industry experts covering a variety of topics. The Convention Center provides an accessible space to discover the resources and connections you're seeking.
GRAND JUNCTION EVENT GUIDE LINK
WALK IN REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ON AUGUST 15TH.
Expo Presentations
10:20 AM to 11:00 AM - Presentation in English
Sindra S. Richards, MSOT | NeuroForte Strategies
The Energy Puzzle: Working With Your Brain, Not Against It
Description: Feeling overwhelmed doesn't always mean you're doing something wrong. Learn why energy, attention, and daily demands can feel so different for neurodivergent individuals, and discover practical strategies to improve focus, follow-through, and build routines that work with your brain instead of against it.
11:20 AM to 12:00 PM - Presentation in English
Nathalye C. Balistrire, MA, LPC | Mind-Ra Mental Health Cosmetics & MindSolutions, LLC
Why Is Hygiene So Hard? Practical Solutions for Everyday Self-Care
Description: Hygiene struggles are more common than many people realize, yet they're rarely talked about. Learn why everyday routines can become overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals and discover sensory-friendly strategies, along with practical tools and product demonstrations, that can make self-care easier and support greater independence.
Presentaciones de la Expo
12:20 PM to 1:00 PM - Presentación en Español
Sindra S. Richards, MSOT | NeuroForte Strategies
El enigma de la energía: Trabajando con tu cerebro, no en su contra
Descripción: Sentirse abrumado no siempre significa que estés haciendo algo mal. Descubre por qué trabajar más duro no siempre es la respuesta y conoce estrategias prácticas para mejorar el enfoque, la organización y crear rutinas que funcionen con tu cerebro, no en su contra.
1:20 PM to 2:00 PM - Presentación en Español
Nathalye C. Balistrire, MA, LPC | Mind-Ra Mental Health Cosmetics & MindSolutions, LLC
¿Por qué es tan difícil la higiene? Soluciones prácticas para el cuidado personal
Descripción: Las dificultades con la higiene son más comunes de lo que muchas personas imaginan, pero rara vez se habla de ellas. Descubre por qué las rutinas diarias pueden resultar abrumadoras para las personas neurodivergentes y conoce estrategias adaptadas a las necesidades sensoriales, además de herramientas prácticas y demostraciones de productos que pueden facilitar el cuidado personal y fomentar una mayor independencia.

Nathalye Balistrire is a bilingual, bicultural Licensed Professional Counselor and Founder and CEO of Mind-Ra Mental Health Cosmetics and MindSolutions, LLC. Specializing in child, family, and neurodivergent mental health, she integrates clinical practice with innovative approaches to daily living challenges. She is also the creator of RA Body Wash – Therapy-to-Go, a sensory-friendly hygiene solution for individuals who face barriers to traditional bathing routines. Through workshops and outreach, she advocates for making mental health-informed hygiene accessible to neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Sindra Richards is the founder of NeuroForte Strategies, a consulting and coaching practice helping individuals, leaders, and organizations build sustainable performance without burnout. With a background in occupational therapy, she specializes in neurodiversity, executive functioning, and capacity-informed strategies that help people work with their brains rather than against them. Drawing from professional expertise and lived experience, Sindra combines evidence-informed practices with practical tools through workshops, speaking, and coaching. She also serves as an Ambassador for the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce.
About the Event
The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo took place on August 15, 2026, at the Grand Junction Convention Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. This free community event brought together individuals, families, professionals, and advocates to learn about supports, connect with organizations, and celebrate neurodiversity across all ages.
Exhibitors filled the Convention Center with a wide range of services and resources, giving attendees direct access to organizations that enhance daily life and well-being for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Throughout the day, visitors connected with providers offering therapy services, educational programs, life coaching, job support services, sensory products, and community-based organizations. Attendees discovered new tools, met providers, and learned about supports that strengthen daily life for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Adding to the day, a Sensory Break Area gave attendees a calm, quiet space to recharge whenever needed, and giveaways kept the energy festive throughout.
Featured Presentations
The Expo featured expert-led presentations offered in both English and Spanish, giving a broader segment of the community access to practical, accessible education.
Sindra S. Richards, MSOT of NeuroForte Strategies presented The Energy Puzzle: Working With Your Brain, Not Against It, exploring why energy, attention, and daily demands can feel so different for neurodivergent individuals, and offering practical strategies to improve focus, follow-through, and build routines that work with the brain instead of against it.
Nathalye C. Balistrire, MA, LPC of Mind-Ra Mental Health Cosmetics and MindSolutions, LLC presented Why Is Hygiene So Hard? Practical Solutions for Everyday Self-Care, addressing a topic rarely discussed openly and offering sensory-friendly strategies, practical tools, and product demonstrations to support greater independence.
Both sessions were repeated later in the day in Spanish, reflecting the Expo's commitment to reaching the full breadth of the community it serves.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors
This event was made possible through the generous support of our Hero Sponsor, Alpaca Health, and our Featured Sponsor, The Sensory Store, along with National Medical Supply, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Next Steps Consulting LLC, Happy Strides ABA, and Oliver Behavioral Consultants. Their commitment ensured that attendees had access to high-quality resources and community-centered support in an accessible venue.
A diverse group of exhibitors participated, representing therapy providers, educational organizations, life coaches, job support services, sensory product companies, and community-based organizations. Attendees explored services that promote well-being, expand opportunities, and support individuals and families throughout their journeys.
A Lasting Impact
The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo in Grand Junction highlighted the importance of accessible information, meaningful learning, and community connection across the Western Slope. With engaging exhibitors, bilingual expert presentations, and a dedicated Sensory Break Area, participants left with practical tools, strengthened connections, and a deeper understanding of available supports.
We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, exhibitors, presenters, and attendees who helped make this event impactful. Together we created a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports neurodivergent individuals and families throughout the region.
Photo Gallery
Registration Forms
Exhibitor Registration for Grand Junction is now closed.
Experiences That Made an Impact
Connect. Explore. Celebrate. Empower.

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