What We Offer: Programs for Adults with Autism and other Differences

By Jacquelyn Mulkey, EMERGE Program Director

EMERGE: Building Skills for Life 

The EMERGE day program serves adults aged 18 and up with neurological differences, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and IDD. Our learners work through challenges in organization, planning, motivation, social and emotional development, and information processing. 

We follow a step-by-step process tailored to each individual’s needs: 

  • Assessment: We evaluate each learner’s interests, values, and current abilities. 

  • Personalized Plan: We design a roadmap to help them achieve their future goals. 

  • Implementation: Through our Four Core Goals, we focus on employment, independent living, relationship development, and self-advocacy. 

Enterprise Employment Opportunities 

At Monarch, we offer our Enterprise Employment Program that allows adults to explore an interest while earning above minimum wage. The enterprise areas include: 

  • Culinary Arts 

  • Horticulture (herbs, succulents, vegetables) 

  • Retail/Office  

  • Maker Space (Woodworking) 

  • Production (Mixes, Jewelry, and Apparel) 

These enterprises were created to provide a sense of belonging and purpose. While some individuals thrive in traditional competitive employment, others benefit from a more structured environment with on-site job coaching and inclusive workplaces. Our goal is to ensure every learner finds a path that works for them. 

 Real Lives Transformed – Danielle’s Story 

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing the impact of our programs on the learners. For example, Danielle (age 29), discovered a passion for culinary through our enterprise program. She regularly fills the school lunch orders, makes our biscotti and cheese straw dough, and bakes our faculty birthday cakes. Not only did she develop these valuable job skills, but she has also built confidence and formed lasting friendships within the Monarch community. This month, Danielle celebrates five years as the Senior Baking Assistant in the enterprise program at Monarch. 

Stories like these remind us why we do what we do—every step forward is a step toward independence, fulfillment, and a brighter future. 

 

Why It Matters: The Importance of Lifelong Learning 

For adults with autism and other neurological differences, the journey doesn’t end after high school. Continuous post-high school learning is essential for building skills, fostering independence, and creating meaningful connections. 

At Monarch, we’re committed to providing opportunities beyond traditional education. Whether through employment training, social events, or creative expression, we are here to support every step of the journey. 

 

 

See EMERGE in Action 

Want to learn more about the EMERGE program and the incredible work our learners are doing? Check out this video to see how we’re transforming lives every day: 

Ready to learn more about our programs or join our community? Follow us on social media for updates or apply today to take the first step toward a brighter future. Together, we can continue transforming lives. 

About the Author

Jacquelyn Mulkey Engelbert brings to The Monarch School over twenty years of experience in both public and private educational settings. Jacquelyn earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas before moving to Houston to attend the University of Houston - Clear Lake. While there, she obtained a Master’s degree in School Psychology and started her career as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Katy ISD.  As an LSSP, Jacquelyn created the Developmental Assessment Team for the Katy Independent School District and designed Social Understanding Summer Camps for several Houston area school districts.  

In 2009, with passion for helping individuals with High Functioning Autism (and lots of encouragement from a handful of persistent parents), Jacquelyn was inspired to start a small private school for “quirky kids” with diagnoses like ADHD, Anxiety, and Asperger’s. She spent 13 years leading program development for neurodiverse students in grade 5 through college at Houston Focus Academy. During this time, Jacquelyn furthered her education by completing the coursework towards a Doctorate in Business Administration (ABD) and she is now working towards a Doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Northcentral University with a focus on Neurodiversity and employment.  

Angela Hernandez