Building confidence and engagement one dragon at a time!

Critical Core is a social development program that utilizes a role-playing game (similar to Dungeons and Dragons) to motivate participants to actively engage in social situations and to develop meaningful connections with others. This is a collaborative game in which players and the facilitator work together to create a story. It is a safe and supportive environment in which players are able to practice communicating, problem-solving, and regulation as their characters progress through a series of challenges that will ultimately lead to them becoming heroes.

The overall goal of Critical Core is generalizable learning from fully engaged play while respecting individuals and building relationships.

We encourage growth in the following areas:

• Increase regulation
• Increase collaboration
• Increase motor and cognitive planning
• Improve perspective taking
• Increase access to pretend play development for related skill-building

For more information about the Critical Core project please visit www.criticalcore.org

For Ages 8-11
January 13- February 17, 2026 | Tuesdays | 5:00pm - 6:30pm MT

For this winter term, we will be embarking on the adventure “The Great Garganoff’s Quests”.  The Great Garganoff recruits worthy heroes to find magical chaos – causing objects placed in the world of Toveris by his arch nemesis The Evil Wizard Melvex. Will the heroes be able to find the objects and end the chaos taking over the towns and reclaim peace each week? Will they be able to finally defeat the Evil Wizard Melvex once and for all in the final session?  Join the game, become a hero and help us find the answers.  

Ages 11-14 | Girls (identify as female) Group
January 15-February 19, 2026 | Thursdays | 5:00pm - 6:30pm MT

For this winter term we will be embarking on the adventure “ The Flight of the Birds”. If there is one thing that makes the long and arduous journey through the swamps worth the effort. It is the sight of Myren. Fantastic and exotic birds of every species flock to the town, and even from a distance the streets seem to shimmer with color and movement. The heroic deeds of the party have caused a minor sensation in the area, and Myren’s Mayor Separdus has invited them to be guests of honor at the annual Festival of the Birds, a lavish celebration held in the center of town. The party arrives in Myren the night before the festival and enjoys a feast of “Myren’s Finest” at the Duck’s Nest Inn. Their evening is cut short, however, when the town guard’s Captain Tenali arrives, covered in bug bites, and announces that the unthinkable has happened. The centerpiece of the celebration, Myren’s treasured bird statue, has been stolen! Will the heroes be able to find the statue and bring it back to Myren? Will they be able to uncover the secret powers of the statue? Join the game and help us discover the answers. 

Enrollment Process:

1. Fill out our Group Inquiry Form.
2. A $100 deposit (refundable up to 2 weeks before the program begins, deducted from the total cost) will be required to hold your child's spot. Your confirmation of being in the group will be provided after the next step - the intake.
3. Upon receiving your form and deposit, you will be scheduled for a 15-minute intake interview (phone or video conferencing) with our group therapist.
   • Current or recent STAR families (received STAR services in the past 12 months) may not require the intake appointment.
4. Your spot will be confirmed for the program only AFTER completion of the intake.

For additional information and questions, please contact us at groups@sensoryhealth.org or call us at 303-221-7827.