About Us
It’s such a pleasure to be able to give these amazing young adults the opportunity to try new things, learn new skills and create lasting friendships and memories.
- Amy Foss
Amy Foss
Amy Foss is the founder and Program Director of Rise and Shine Adult Day Programs Inc., which she started in the Spring of 2018. She received her B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan where she majored in Native Studies and minored in Fine Arts. She also received her B.Ed from the University of Alberta. Amy has a keen interest in teaching Social Skills to Special Needs Adults and is certified to teach the PEERS program.
Amy taught at Calgary Quest School for 6 years, where she was able to learn from her peers and mentors while pursuing her passion for teaching Life Skills, Social Skills, and Employment Skills to her students.
After years of hearing parent’s concerns about “what comes next for my child after graduation?”, Amy decided to leave the teaching profession to start a small Day Program for two young women with Special Needs. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy decided to expand Rise and Shine and found a wonderful team and a commercial space to suit their needs.
What Parents Say
-Selma O'malley
My son Kyle has been with Rise and Shine since August 2020. He really enjoys going to his program daily and is so happy going out the door every morning to meet his friends and the wonderful staff.
Thank you Rise and Shine for all you do to help Kyle. He couldn’t be happier!
-Greg Perrault
Rise & Shine Day program has made our son’s transition to adulthood much easier for him. The staff are very professional and provide such a special bond and friendship that positively impacts my son and keeps him motivated. He looks forward to being there every day.
We have tried different programs and Rise and Shine is the perfect fit. You can see it in all of the students faces how happy & proud they are to be in that inclusive crew.
Many thanks to Ms Amy & the Rise and Shine crew.
- Candace Ford-Taperek
My son has been attending the day program at Rise & Shine for the past several years and he just loves it! Amy and her staff do such a great job of balancing familiar routine with fun and novelty. Every week participants go on exciting community outings that are appropriate for young adults.
I appreciate how they incorporate life skills seamlessly into all activities. A sense of social connection, belonging, and friendship is often the hardest won life skill for special needs young adults. It warms my heart every day and often brings happy tears to my eyes knowing that he is appreciated for who he is, and truly belongs.
Kudos to the entire Rise & Shine team for their kindness, skill, and commitment!
