Special education students and teachers participating in inclusive school activities

Empowering children with learning differences through strength-based solutions.

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CVNL Excellence in Board Leadership Award

Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership CVNL Announces 31st Annual Heart of Marin Award Recipients

The Excellence in Board Leadership Award (sponsored by BioMarin) was presented to Dr. Colleen Arnold, Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center. Dr. Arnold began on the Board offering free training to parents and caretakers to empower families of children with disabilities. She created the Inclusive Santa event for children with disabilities featuring a calm, sensory-friendly environment, and an understanding Santa. She is an advocate for disability representation and has helped build strategic partnerships and alliances to increase and streamline resources and support for disabled children, individuals, and families.

CVNL Excellence in Board Leadership Award 2023

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Client Testimonial

“On Thursday, my daughter will begin her freshman year at our local High School.

Never thought I’d actually write that sentence. I’m writing it because of you. I am SO ETERNALLY GRATEFUL for the work you did on behalf of my daughter. You’ve given my beautiful and brilliant kid something to believe in, something to fight for, something to dream about. THANK YOU.”

–Parent of a student with disability

Donate to Create Marin County Inclusive Playground

Help Us Create an Inclusive Playground for All Ages & Abilities in Marin

The inclusive, access-for-all playground is planned for McInnis Park in San Rafael and will be a first-of-its-kind community space in Marin County.

Play For All

Learn. Climb. Swing. Grow.

Together in Marin. At McInnis Park.

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The County of Marin Board of Supervisors Meeting

Proposal of an inclusive playground

The County of Marin Board of Supervisors Meeting included the presentation of a proposal for an inclusive playground designed to serve children of all abilities.

2025 Inclusive Santa

Capture the magic of a sensory friendly Santa coming to the North Bay!

See Santa on a horse-pulled carriage, get professional photos, and receive a gift. Sign up for our delightful holiday parade!

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 12‑3 pm

View past event photo gallery

Transition Services

Guiding you through your child’s next journey

A part of the IEP that outlines a student’s goals and services to help them successfully move from high school to post-secondary life, including education and employment.

End-Of-Year Checklist

Your guide to finishing the school year motivated, successful, and ready for summer.

As the school year comes to a close, it’s critical to ensure your child’s needs remain front and center. Whether it’s reviewing IEP goal progress, requesting a final team meeting, or planning for summer support, now is the time to advocate with intention. Our End-Of-Year Checklist offers practical steps to help you stay informed, proactive, and empowered as you champion your child’s success—now and into the next school year.

Flipping the Script ZOOM Training

Learn how ‘scripting’ (delayed echolalia) is beneficial to autistic individuals.

Feel free to join in! All ages and abilities are welcome. Bring some normalcy back into the lives of our students and connect with other children in a safe format!

Create a Vision Statement for Your Child

Wouldn’t it be great to have a one-page personalized vision statement about your child to accompany IEP meetings or to have ready prior to school and/or teacher transitions? You can! We’ve developed a quick and convenient template to help you and your family keep all the pertinent information about your child’s educational profile, in one place. Fill out the template today and be prepared for your child’s next meeting!