By Dr. Lisa Konick & Amanda McMillen | Inside the Teen Mind Podcast – Episode 4 Companion Article 

Parents often describe their teens as bright, creative, insightful, and completely overwhelmed by everyday expectations. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many families today are navigating what it means to raise a neurodivergent teen, sometimes without even realizing that neurodivergence may be part of the picture. 

Understanding how neurodivergent teens experience the world can shift parenting from frustration to connection and give families practical tools that truly support their child’s growth and confidence. 

What Does Neurodivergent Mean? 

The term neurodivergent has become increasingly common in schools, therapy settings, and even among teens themselves. Clinically, neurodivergence refers to differences in how the brain processes, interprets, or responds to information compared to what is considered neurotypical functioning. 

Importantly, neurodivergence is not a diagnosis. It is an umbrella term that can include: 

• Autism spectrum differences / ASD 
• ADHD 
• Dyslexia and other learning differences 
• Sensory processing differences Tourette’s syndrome 
• Giftedness paired with executive-function challenges 
• Anxiety-related processing differences 

At its core, neurodivergence simply means a teen experiences and interacts with the world differently, not better, not worse, just different. 

Early Signs Parents Often Notice 

Many parents first seek support when they notice patterns that feel confusing or inconsistent. 

Common concerns include: 

• “They’re so bright, but they can’t finish tasks.” 
• “They can hyperfocus on preferred activities but avoid responsibilities.” 
• “They’re not lazy… but they seem stuck.” 

These experiences often reflect differences in attention, motivation, or emotional regulation, not defiance or lack of effort. 

Common Clues of Neurodivergent Processing 

• Inconsistent attention 
• Difficulty starting or completing tasks 
• Emotional intensity or dysregulation 
• Becoming overwhelmed during transitions 
• Rigid routines or strong preferences 
• Sensory sensitivities 
• Difficulty reading social cues 
• Frustration with everyday tasks Interest-driven motivation 
• Deep focus on preferred topics 

These signs alone do not confirm a diagnosis but can help parents shift from frustration toward understanding. 

How Neurodivergence Shows Up Across Development 

Neurodivergence can look different as children grow, which is why many families feel uncertain about what is developmentally typical versus something requiring additional support. 

Early Childhood 

• Frequent meltdowns or tantrums 
• Sensory overload 
• Difficulty with transitions 

Elementary Years 

• Peer misunderstandings 
• Difficulty following multi-step directions 
• Homework frustration and meltdowns 

Middle School 

• Executive-function breakdowns 
• Increased social comparison 
• Emotional and cognitive burnout after school 

High School 

• Overwhelm from academic demands 
• Avoidance or shutdown behaviors 
• Difficulty balancing independence and expectations 

Many of these behaviors are mistaken for stubbornness or lack of motivation, when they often reflect genuine overwhelm. 

The Social World of Neurodivergent Teens

Most neurodivergent teens want friendships and connections just as deeply as their peers. However, social environments often require skills that may still be developing or require explicit teaching. 

Common Social Challenges 

• Understanding social nuance or group dynamics 
• Perspective taking 
• Reading facial expressions, tone, or body language 
• Conversations that become focused on preferred interests 
• Impulsivity or inattentiveness that may be misinterpreted by peers as disinterest 
• Masking or camouflaging behaviors to fit in, which can be emotionally exhausting 

How Parents Can Help 

Support begins with empathy and realistic expectations. Many teens benefit from: 

• Explicit teaching of social expectations 
• Coaching before social events 
• Practicing conversation and conflict-resolution skills 
• Opportunities to connect around shared interests 

Community environments, mentoring programs, and structured social skills therapy can provide safe spaces where neurodivergent teens can build confidence and authentic friendships. 

When supported in environments that reduce pressure and allow authentic participation, neurodivergent teens often build strong, meaningful friendships. 

Emotional Challenges in Neurodivergent Teens 

Emotional differences are common and stem from neurological variations in processing stress, sensory input, and uncertainty.  Many neurodivergent teens experience emotions more intensely or have difficulty regulating emotional responses. 

Emotional Patterns Parents May Notice 

• Rapid shifts from calm to overwhelmed 
• Increased anxiety during transitions or unclear expectations 
• Shutdowns, withdrawal, or emotional outbursts 
• Difficulty labeling or communicating emotions 

These responses are not intentional misbehavior. They often reflect nervous system dysregulation and skill-building needs. 

How Therapy Supports Emotional Growth 

Research-supported therapeutic approaches can help teens develop essential emotional and behavioral skills. Therapy can be highly effective when it focuses on concrete, skill-based strategies such as: 

• Emotional regulation and recognizing early signs of distress 
• Distress tolerance and grounding strategies 
• Coping with transitions and unexpected changes 
• Social skills training 
• Executive-function skill development 
• Understanding how their brain processes experiences, with a focus on neurological strengths and differences 

When teens understand how their brain works, they often experience relief, reduced shame, and increased willingness to engage in coping strategies. 

Supporting Emotional Regulation at Home 

Parents play a powerful role in helping neurodivergent teens build resilience. 

Helpful strategies include: 

• Using clear, direct, and concrete communication 
• Providing advanced notice of transitions or changes 
• Allow time for transitions 
• Breaking tasks into smaller, structured steps 
• Offering choices to increase autonomy 
• Validating emotions, even when their reactions seems disproportionate to the situation 
• Remaining calm and predictable during emotional moments 

When parents remain steady, teens feel safer and better able to regulate their emotions.  And when therapy strategies are reinforced at home, teens often generalize skills more successfully across environments. 

Academic Challenges and Executive Functioning 

Many neurodivergent teens are highly intelligent and creative but struggle with executive-function skills required in traditional school environments.  Common academic challenges include: 

• Procrastination 
• Disorganization 
• Difficulty planning or prioritizing 
• Trouble initiating tasks 
• Difficulty with time management 
• Challenges with sustained attention 

With appropriate support, neurodivergent teens can thrive academically.  Academic success often improves when support focuses on structure, skill-building, and reducing overwhelm rather than increasing pressure. 

Building Confidence and Self-Advocacy 

Confidence grows when teens feel understood and supported in developing independence. 

Confidence-Building Strategies 

• Emphasize strengths and interests 
• Praise effort rather than perfection 
• Encourage independence when appropriate 
• Support passion-based activities 

Helpful Parent Language 

• “What part feels hardest?” 
• “Let’s start this together.” 
• “Would a checklist or reminder help?” 
• “Would now or later work better?” 
• “How can I support you?” 

Support Resources for Families 

Families do not have to navigate neurodivergence alone. A combination of supports often produces the best outcomes. 

School Supports 

• 504 Plans 
• IEP evaluations 
• Occupational or speech therapy services 
• Executive-function coaching 

Therapeutic Supports 

• Individual therapy 
• Family therapy 
• Parent coaching 
• Neuropsychological evaluations 
• Group therapy or social skills groups 

Community Supports 

• Mentoring programs 
• Teen centers and peer programs 
• Clubs, camps, and interest-based activities 

Embracing Neurodivergent Strengths 

Neurodivergent teens often possess remarkable creativity, insight, problem-solving ability, and depth of thinking. When adults stop trying to fit teens into rigid molds and instead support how their brains work, teens are more likely to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. 

With understanding, practical tools, and steady support, neurodivergent teens can develop confidence in who they are and how they move through the world. 

🎧 Listen to Episode 4 of Inside the Teen Mind for a deeper conversation on supporting neurodivergent teens. 

Final Thoughts 

Neurodivergent teens are not “too emotional” or “overreacting.” They are navigating the world with nervous systems that process differently.  When adults shift from trying to change teens to understanding their wiring, teens feel safer, more capable, and more confident. 

At Konick & Associates, our therapy and assessment teams specialize in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and families through evidence-based therapy, parent coaching, and comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. 

For community connection, the Alive Center provides a teen-led, teen-driven space dedicated to supporting adolescents through mentoring, belonging, and empowerment. 

Alive offers neurodivergent teens a place to connect authentically, develop confidence, and build real-world skills in a low-pressure, inclusive environment. For many teens, pairing therapeutic support with a community-based program like Alive Center can be especially powerful, allowing skills learned in therapy to be practiced in real-life social settings. 

If you’re wondering whether additional support could help your teen, whether through therapy, assessment, or community connection, we’re here to help guide you toward the right support.

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Alive Teen Center Receives $25,000 Community Impact Grant in Support of Hanover Park Teens

Alive Teen Center, NFP received a $25,000 grant through DuPage Foundation’s Community Impact grant program to help support the Alive Teen Center Hanover Park Drop-In program. DuPage Foundation awarded nearly $750,000 to 57 DuPage County nonprofit organizations. Thanks to additional donations from DuPage Foundation’s donors and donor-advisors, the Foundation was able to grant $250,000 above its regular Fall cycle grant budget.

Alive Teen Center’s mission is to create Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ centers focused on empowering the youth of today to become confident, impassioned, resilient leaders of tomorrow. In 2025, Alive served 1,000 teens, with 8,250 served since its founding in 2015. 

“We are deeply honored to receive this grant from the DuPage Foundation to support teens and families in Hanover Park. As our Hanover Park location continues to grow, the need for accessible, preventative support has never been greater, particularly for families working hard to create brighter futures for their children,” said Kandice Henning, Alive CEO and Founder. “This funding will allow us to sustain and expand our after-school Drop-In programming, providing teens with safe, supportive, and teen-led spaces during the critical hours of 3–7 p.m., when young people are most vulnerable to isolation, risk-taking, and unmet needs. Through this investment, we can continue meeting teens where they are, building connection, resilience, and a sense of belonging when it matters most.”

“It was such a joy to award these grants to so many amazing local nonprofits this season,” said Betsy Goltermann, DuPage Foundation Trustee and Grant Committee Chair. She added, “These funds help them keep doing incredible work in our communities. Hearing about their plans and celebrating all the good happening in DuPage County is truly inspiring.”

During DuPage Foundation’s fall grant cycle each year, local nonprofits like us, serving DuPage County in the areas of youth education, workforce development, environment, or animal welfare, are awarded funding that supports programs and projects that improve and enrich the quality of life for DuPage County residents. Applications for the spring grant cycle in the area of health and human services will open in January 2026. See dupagefoundation.org/community-impact/ for more information.

For further information regarding [Name of your organization], please contact [executive director or president] at [contact’s phone number and/or email address].

About DuPage Foundation 

DuPage Foundation is DuPage County’s champion for philanthropy. We bring together people, knowledge, and resources to address our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities through collective impact. Our mission is simple, yet profound: to foster philanthropy, connect donors to area needs, and build community partnerships as we help people give efficiently and effectively to the causes they love and create lasting charitable endowments. Learn more at dupagefoundation.org. Doing a world of good in our own backyard.®

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We’re excited to share that Alive Teen Center is moving to a new system called Dash, a centralized platform we’ll be using for check-ins, registration, waivers, program updates, and communication, all in one place.

After months of behind-the-scenes planning and staff testing, we’re ready to roll Dash out community-wide. This transition is an important step as Alive continues to grow, and it reflects our commitment to creating a smoother, more connected experience for teens, families, and caregivers.

Dash will make daily check-ins faster and easier at the center, improve communication around programs and schedules, and ensure we always have the most accurate contact and emergency information on file, helping us keep teens safe, supported, and connected.

What we need from you

To help make this transition as smooth as possible, we’re asking all families to complete a quick, one-time re-registration in our new system. The process only takes a few minutes and will ensure everything runs seamlessly moving forward.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we take this next step together. We truly appreciate your help in keeping Alive a safe, welcoming, and well-connected space for teens.

Click here to register for DASH NAPERVILLE 

Click here to register for DASH AURORA

Click here to register for DASH HANOVER PARK

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On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Alive Center in Naperville was filled with donors, alumni, board members, interns, volunteers, staff, and community partners for our Donor & Alumni Appreciation Event. This event was a chance to reconnect and reflect on the people and programs that continue to shape Alive’s impact.

At its core, Alive has always been about people, teens finding belonging, adults showing up with care, and a community willing to invest in growth and possibility. Simply said, this event was a reminder that none of that happens alone.

Recognizing This Year’s Award Recipients

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was honoring three award recipients whose work stood out over the past year.

Intern of the Year: Addison Chou
Addison was recognized for her thoughtful and lasting contributions to Alive’s growth behind the scenes. During her internship, she worked closely with the Come Alive Institute to support the rollout of Alive’s franchising model, helping lay the foundation for future expansion into new communities. She also created the framework for Alive’s vCRM donor engagement workflow, strengthening how Alive builds and sustains relationships with our supporters. Addison’s work reflected both strategic thinking and a deep understanding of Alive’s mission.

Volunteer of the Year: Harsha Nandhakumar
Harsha’s connection to Alive spans several years, and his presence has become a steady constant at the Naperville Center. From leading clubs and programs like Dungeons & Dragons, to guiding teens during Drop-In, to welcoming prospective donors in through center tours, Harsha’s commitment shows up in many forms. His consistency, patience, and genuine care are a powerful example of how long-term volunteer engagement can shape a community.

Teen Initiative Program of the Year: Senior Simulators
This year’s Teen Initiative Program of the Year was awarded to Senior Simulators, a teen-led program created by Sidharth Brahmandam, Debabandya Dash, and Lukas Keane. The program uses virtual reality technology to bring immersive experiences, such as travel, art, and cultural exploration, to seniors living in assisted living facilities. Developed through Alive’s Teen Advisory Board, Senior Simulators reflects Alive’s teen-led, teen-driven model and the meaningful ways teens can create connection and impact across generations. Senior Simulators In Action

Voices That Brought Alive’s Impact to Life

In addition to award recognition, this event included reflections from speakers who shared what Alive has meant to them at different points in their lives. Executive Director Amanda McMillen and Founder and CEO Kandice Henning spoke to Alive’s mission, growth, and the importance of community support in sustaining this work.

Guests also heard from former Alive alum Aliza Akhter, who reflected on the lasting influence Alive continues to have beyond her teen years. Naperville Teen Advisory Board Vice President Debabandya Dash shared his perspective as a current teen leader, and Abby May, founder of Kits4Kids and a Teen Service Launchpad partner, spoke to the power of youth-led service and partnership. Together, their reflections highlighted the many ways Alive creates space for teens to feel seen, supported, and empowered.

With Gratitude

This event was made even more welcoming thanks to the generosity of Belgio’s Catering and DeEtta’s Bakery, who provided food and desserts for our guests to enjoy as they connected and celebrated together.

Most of all, the Donor & Alumni Appreciation Event served as a reminder that Alive’s impact is built collectively, through the dedication of interns, the consistency of volunteers, the creativity of teen leaders, and the generosity of our donors and partners. Needless to say, we are so grateful to everyone who continues to be part of the Alive community and the work ahead.

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As part of Teen Tech Tutors, Alive Naperville Teen Advisory Board members provide tutoring services to older adults in multiple senior living communities throughout our area

This unique program is supported by a grant through AT&T to fund the Teen Tech Tutors program, an intergenerational initiative where trained teen leaders provide one-on-one technology assistance to older adults throughout the community.

Powered by Alive’s signature Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ model, Teen Tech Tutors does more than teach technology. The program strengthens digital literacy and access for seniors while cultivating leadership, confidence, and purpose in teens, bridging generational divides through meaningful, human connection.

“Thanks to the generosity of AT&T, our teens will be able to reach even more seniors who are struggling to keep up in today’s digital world,” said Kandice Henning, Founder and CEO of the Alive Center. “This grant allows us to empower teens to take on meaningful leadership roles while providing a vital service that promotes connection, independence, and inclusion for older adults.”

About Teen Tech Tutors

Teen Tech Tutors empowers teens ages 15–18 to assist seniors with essential technology skills, including using smartphones and tablets, video calling, email, telehealth apps, and online safety best practices. Offered at no cost to participants, the program has already helped many older adults feel more confident, capable, and connected in an increasingly digital world.

With support from AT&T, the Alive Center will:

• Expand programming across its Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park locations

• Train additional teen leaders in digital literacy, customer service, and mentorship

• Increase access for underserved seniors in surrounding communities

• Enhance tutoring experiences by utilizing technology and learning tools through AT&T’s Connected Learning resources

Impact Beyond Technology

Teen Tech Tutors directly addresses social isolation, one of the greatest health risks facing older adults today while offering teens real-world leadership experience, professional skill-building, and a strong sense of purpose. In 2024, more than 78% of Alive teens reported increased confidence, and 71% reported improved leadership skills through programs like Teen Tech Tutors.

Through Teen Tech Tutors, Alive teens are not only closing the digital divide, they’re building relationships, strengthening communities, and proving that when teens are trusted to lead, everyone benefits.

During a recent Teen Tech Tutoring session to a local senior living center, teens spent the afternoon helping residents with everyday tech, showing them how to send text messages, navigate apps, and stay connected with family and friends.

What started as a simple tech lesson quickly became something much more meaningful. Through patience, kindness, and genuine connection, our teens are building bridges across generations and making a real difference in the lives of seniors in our community.

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We’re thrilled to kick off the new year with an exciting announcement for the Aurora community: Alive Aurora is now open five days a week! Starting January 2025, Alive Aurora will welcome teens Monday through Friday, from 3:00–7:00 pm, giving students more opportunities than ever to connect, unwind, and thrive in a safe, teen-led space after school.

But that’s not all.

Thanks to the generous support of Dunham Foundation, we’re excited to now offer direct after-school transportation from:

• Washington Middle School

• Jefferson Middle School

This new transportation option removes a major barrier for families and makes it even easier for teens to access Alive’s free, supportive programming right after the school day ends. At Alive Aurora, teens find more than just a place to hang out—they find belonging, leadership opportunities, academic support, and positive relationships with peers and trusted adults. Expanding our hours and adding transportation means more teens can participate, more consistently, in a space designed just for them.

Transportation spots are limited and expected to fill quickly.

If you have a student attending Washington Middle School or Jefferson Middle School, we encourage you to complete our interest form as soon as possible. Our team will follow up with next steps.

👉 Interest Form:
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfmX…/viewform…

We can’t wait to welcome more Aurora teens into our space and continue building a community where every young person feels seen, supported, and inspired to come alive. 

Alive Teen Center – Aurora 406 W Galena Boulevard
Aurora, IL 60506

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Alive Teen Center Announces 2026 Mardi Gras Fundraiser Leadership: Jen Mendoza Named Chair and Felipe Rocha Named Co-Chair for Mardi Gras – Teens Take the Lead

Naperville/Aurora/Hanover Park, IL — January 1, 2026 — Alive Teen Center, an evidence-based, award-winning nonprofit dedicated to strengthening teen mental health through connection, leadership, and belonging, is proud to announce Jen Mendoza as Chair of its signature fundraiser, Mardi Gras Marching Forward – Teens Take the Lead, with Felipe Rocha serving as Co-Chair.

Alive’s Mardi Gras fundraiser celebrates the organization’s trademarked Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ model, an approach that empowers teens to shape programs, lead with confidence, and build purpose in a safe, supportive community. Proceeds from the event directly support Alive Teen Center’s free programs and drop-in services for teens ages 11–18 across its teen centers in Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park.

“Jen and Felipe bring the kind of leadership and community spirit that perfectly matches the heart of this event,” said Amanda McMillen, Alive Teen Center Executive Director. “Their partnership will help expand awareness and support for the teens who rely on Alive as a place to belong, grow, and thrive.”

As Chair, Jen Mendoza will lead event strategy, sponsorship engagement, and community outreach, working closely with the planning committee to ensure the fundraiser reflects Alive’s mission and the energy of teen leadership. As Co-Chair, Felipe Rocha will support sponsor and community partner engagement, helping to broaden event reach and deepen impact across the region.

“Serving as Mardi Gras Chair alongside Felipe Rocha as Co-Chair is both an honor and a full-circle moment for me. I have supported Alive Teen Center since the opening of its Aurora location and have witnessed the powerful role it plays in creating safe, inclusive spaces for teens. As a mother of three whose children receive support and resources through Alive, I feel privileged to now sit on the Executive Board and contribute to advancing a mission that strengthens youth and families throughout our community,” said Jen Mendoza. 

Alive Teen Center provides preventative mental health support through free, teen-led programming, creating space for connection before challenges escalate into crisis. Through drop-in hours, leadership development, tutoring, mentorship, and enrichment opportunities, Alive helps teens feel seen, supported, and valued.

Mardi Gras Marching Forward – Teens Take the Lead will be held on April 24, 2026 at Naperville Marriot from 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Sponsorship opportunities are available and tickets will go on sale February 16. Community members and businesses interested in supporting Mardi Gras  Marching Forward- Teens Take the Lead can contact Alive Teen Center at maggie@alivecenter.org or visit alivecenter.org

About Alive Teen Center

Alive Teen Center is an evidence-based, award-winning nonprofit dedicated to strengthening teen mental health through connection, leadership, and belonging. Rooted in its trademarked Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ model, Alive provides free drop-in and enrichment programming for teens ages 11–18 at teen centers in Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Media Contact:
Maggie Weiterman
Director of Marketing & Development, Alive Teen Center
630.778.6093 maggie@alivecenter.org

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To make a donation in support of our annual fund, please click HERE. #EveryTeenDeservesAlive #BeTheSomeoneTheyNeed

Right now, all bequest and donor-advised fund (DAF) gifts are matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, doubling your impact for local teens. Click HERE to complete a Bequest Information Form. 

A legacy gift to Alive Teen Center helps ensure that future generations have access to free, preventative mental health support, mentorship, creative exploration, and meaningful connection, removing barriers for teens and families who need it most.

*If your name has been omitted in error, please contact Maggie Weiterman at maggie@alivecenter.org

Be Greater Than Legacy Society

We are deeply grateful to the members of Alive Teen Center’s Be Greater Than Society, businesses and individuals who have chosen to make a lasting investment in the future of teens through planned multi-year giving in support of the Come Alive Institute, and future Alive Teen Centers.

Their generosity reflects a powerful belief: that every teen deserves a safe place to belong, trusted mentors to guide them, and opportunities to discover their passion. By committing to the future of Alive, these donors ensure that free, preventative mental health support, leadership development, and connection will remain accessible to generations of teens to come.

Because of you, Alive’s impact extends beyond today, and into the lives of countless young people tomorrow. Thank you for choosing to be greater than, and for leaving a legacy that truly matters.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alive Center Launches Giving Tuesday Campaign to Raise $100,000,  Because Every Teen Deserves Alive

Naperville, IL November 11, 2025 – The Alive Center for Teens is proud to kick off its Every Teen Deserves Alive annual appeal with a bold Giving Tuesday goal: raise $100,000 in one day to expand free, prevention-focused mental health and leadership programs for teens across Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park.

Giving Tuesday, Tuesday, December 2, 2025 comes at a pivotal moment as today’s youth continue to face unprecedented mental health challenges, pressure to perform, and increasing social isolation because of social media and overuse of electronics. Alive is meeting that need by providing teens with something every young person deserves: a safe place to belong, be heard, build confidence, and become who they are meant to be.

“Think back to your teenage years,” said Kandice Henning, Alive Founder & CEO. “Who helped you find your voice? Where did you go when you needed to feel safe, seen, and understood? Today’s teens deserve that same support,  and Alive is here to provide it.”

Alive’s Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ model empowers youth to lead programs, mentor peers, and develop emotional resilience,  all at no cost to families. In 2024, Alive served more than 1,000 teens across its three centers, with measurable impact:

• 84% reported increased self-confidence.

• 71% improved their ability to cope with stress.

• 72% felt a greater sense of belonging.

• 73% experienced increased purpose, excitement, and personal growth

• 97% of Teen Advisory Board members gained leadership skills

“Every Teen Deserves Alive isn’t just a campaign, it’s our reality,” said Maggie Weiterman, Director of Development & Marketing. “We see teens come in unsure if they fit anywhere, and then watch friendships form, confidence bloom, and walls come down. We hear laughter where there used to be silence, and watch leaders emerge from those who once stood in the back of the room. That’s the power of belonging. Prevention matters. Connection saves lives,  and every gift helps one more teen know they matter. Right now, all bequest gifts are being matched up to $100,000, doubling your impact for teens in our community.”

How Donations Help Teens Thrive

Giving Tuesday gifts directly support:

• Free after-school Drop-In hours

• Peer mentoring & leadership opportunities

• Homework help & tutoring

• STEM and creative arts programs

• Mental wellness and life-skills workshops

• Social work intern supervision and youth support volunteers

Alive’s commitment is simple: if a teen needs a safe place to go, they will have one,  free of charge.

Ways to Support

• Make a match donation that doubles Giving Tuesday donations

• Give: AliveCenter.org/donate

• Make a bequest gift. All legacy and DAF gifts are being matched up to $100,000 , doubling your impact for teens in our community.

• Start a peer fundraising team

• Share on social media using hashtags #EveryTeenDeservesAlive #BeTheSomeoneTheyNeed

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About Alive

Alive Center is a nonprofit Teen-Led, Teen-Driven™ organization dedicated to empowering youth ages 11–18 through free after-school and summer programming. With locations in Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park, Alive helps teens discover who they are, build resilience, develop leadership skills, and thrive.

Media Contact:

Maggie Weiterman
Director of Development & Marketing
Alive Center for Teens
Maggie@alivecenter.org

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Last week, Alive Center founder Kandice Henning returned to her alma mater, Naperville North High School, to deliver the keynote address at the school’s National Honor Society induction ceremony. Speaking to hundreds of students, families, and educators, Kandice shared a heartfelt and powerful message about what it means to live, and lead, with character.

The National Honor Society is built on four pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Kandice focused her speech on the last, and perhaps most foundational of the four: character. “Character matters because it goes with you wherever you go,” she told the audience. “It shows up when you help others, when you take care of what’s been entrusted to you, and when you step up as a leader.”

With humor and humility, she admitted that even she turned to ChatGPT to ask, “What makes up good character?” The list she received, integrity, respect, courage, humility, and self-discipline, resonated deeply, especially when she added her personal favorite: authenticity.

Throughout her address, Kandice encouraged students to reflect on who they are and what they stand for, emphasizing that “character starts from the inside.” Drawing from her own experiences as a leader and founder, she spoke candidly about moments of personal growth, from learning to respond calmly in moments of anger to practicing accountability as both an individual and a leader.

At Alive, Kandice shared, accountability and integrity are more than values on paper, they are daily practices. “Our staff know I own my mistakes,” she said, “because it gives them permission to be human and to fail, too.”

Kandice also reminded students to balance ambition with intention. “Don’t try to do everything,” she advised. “Choose the things that truly matter to you, the things that make you come alive.”

Her closing words echoed a truth that resonates far beyond the high school auditorium:

“Your character is your superpower. Not your grades, not your résumé, not your follower count, your character. Be the one who shows up. Be the one whose actions match your words.”

For Kandice, character isn’t just a quality, it’s a lifelong compass that guides how we learn, lead, and live.

🎥 Watch Kandice’s full keynote speech below to be inspired by her wisdom and warmth.

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