About Us

Mission

To bring research, dedication, professionalism, and fun to programs developed for neurodivergent minds.

Values

We recognize disability and celebrate different abilities. We use a mentor and buddy system that ensures community, comfort, and belonging during our classes

Meet The Team

Dr. Jim Tanaka

Executive Director

Jim Tanaka is a professor of psychology at the University of Victoria, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and director of the Different Minds Academy. Jim’s research focuses on the connections between the mind and brain and how experience shapes the way we see the world.

Maddie Topfer

Program Director

Maddie Topfer graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2019 at the University of Victoria. She started volunteering with DMA in Fall of 2020 and enjoyed her time volunteering. She is now Program Director for DMA and helps coordinate and facilitate the Zoom meetings. She loves animals and has 6 pets at her house (3 dogs and 3 cats), making it feel like a miniature zoo!

Dr. Su Shruthi

Communications Director + Robotics Director

Su Shruthi is a highly motivated individual with a keen passion for innovation and creativity. She is committed to making a positive impact in everything she does. With a diverse background in robotics, painting, effective communication, building robots, engaging in maker projects, and coding, Su brings a wide range of skills and a strong ability to solve problems. She offers a versatile skill set from robotics to web development, her enthusiasm and expertise shine through, bringing new energy to challenges. She looks forward to adding fresh perspectives and driving positive change in a dynamic team environment.

Kelvin Ng

Magician

Through intense devotion, passion and love for magic, Kel continues every day to spend his time honing and practicing his craft with surgical precision while entertaining all audiences around Vancouver since 2001. Here at DMA, he is able to share his skill with budding magicians, and loves connecting others to the world of magic.

Katherine Taylor-Hood

Social Media Director

Katherine Taylor-Hood is a third year undergraduate student studying Psychology at the University of Victoria. She joined DMA in December of 2023 as the Social Media Director. Katherine’s lived experience as an autistic person brings a unique perspective to the program, and she thrives doing behind-the-scenes work. Outside of DMA, you'll find Katherine doing research, drawing, and studying with her friends.

Our Support

We wish to thank our major sponsor for their amazing generosity and help in making Different Minds Academy such a remarkable community for children with different minds. The AMES Family Foundation is our shining light!

We thank the psychology department at UVic for hosting Different Minds Lab and our Different Minds Academy outreach program. Additionally, most of our volunteers are psychology students and we thank them for their service.