Presented by MNprov

MNprov Live! brings to audiences quick thinking, big laughs, and unexpected moments — the kind of show you’ll be talking about long after the lights come up.

Behind the scenes, troupe members rehearse weekly, building confidence, creativity, and connection in a space where they are valued and supported. On stage and off, participants strengthen communication, teamwork, and resilience — skills that carry into work, relationships, and daily life.

As paid professional artists and ambassadors for the disability community, our performers are celebrated for their unique talents and for shaping a more inclusive, understanding world.

Presented by Emily Goldberg, AJ Hokland, and Daren Howard, with Jayanna Davis and Adriana Aldridge

In 2026, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) elected, for the first time in the organization’s history, a majority of openly autistic adults to its Board of Directors. One of the Board’s first actions was to approve AuSM’s acquisition of the Autism Mentorship Program (AMP), a unique program piloted in 2019, that pairs autistic youth with autistic adults for one-to-one mentorship. Adults with disabilities are rarely placed in positions of leadership in our society, but AMP demonstrates that autistic adults can and should share their wisdom with the next generation. Join AuSM for a panel discussion with the Founder of AMP, Emily Goldberg, an award-winning session facilitator, AJ Hokland, and two program participants for a look inside AuSM’s newest program.

Presented by Maeve McDevitt & Natalie Martell

This session will delve into how creative writing can support agency, identity, and connection for neurodivergent communities. We’ll share examples of published writing from Cow Tipping Press and hear from an author with Autism to discuss inclusion and representation. Participants with and without disabilities will take part in a guided writing activity to explore storytelling as a tool for self-expression and advocacy.

Presented by Courtney Sailer

Matrescence is understood as the convergence of physiological, psychological, and sociological shifts that are brought about through one’s transition into parenthood. Drawing on lived experience, clinical expertise, and existing research, this session will unpack the influence of autism–both diagnosed and undiagnosed–on parents’ experiences during this transformational time. This session will explore how differences in sensory
needs, executive functioning, and emotional regulation can impact autistic individuals’ earliest perceptions of parenthood, and how this can differ drastically from allistic expectations, norms, and perceptions.

Presented by Sam Stein

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID, is a highly stigmatized diagnosis that has only been in the DSM since 2013 and has only recently begun to gain some public recognition. Sam grew up believing they were picky, fussy, or at worst bratty, and yet knew on the inside that the way they ate was not a choice. Now an autism teacher and consultant, Sam has both personal and professional experiences with ARFID. This seminar will provide an overview of ARFID, break down how it intersects and connects with autism, and give practical recommendations for how you can best support people you love and/or care for of all ages and abilities with ARFID.

Presented by Kendrick Hogue, MA, LPCC

This presentation on Executive Functions covers topics including the impacts of brain structure differences, different coping techniques, and acceptance of neurodiversity and its positive and negative effects on lived experience. Kendrick Hogue is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and a neurodivergent nerd who loves helping folks across the gender and sexuality spectrums get to know themselves more, practice self-acceptance, and thrive. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology, Secondary Education, and Classics from St. Joseph’s College of Maine, and his Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University.