Mncan

MnCAN is a non-profit organization in Minnesota dedicated to helping people with aphasia and primary progressive aphasia improve their quality of life.

Aphasia is a language disorder most commonly caused by strokes. People with aphasia may have difficulties speaking and using words, understanding others' words, reading and writing words, using and understanding numbers. As a result, communications can be limited and challenging. Aphasia may lead to painful social isolation. It is often misunderstood to be an intellectual disorder, which it is NOT

. Other causes of aphasia include brain tumors, head injuries, infections, degenerative neurologic conditions and Primary Progressive Aphasia. Each MnCAN conversation group is facilitated by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). These groups include students and community volunteers who are trained to use conversation strategies to support effective communication by all members. Groups meet weekly for 90 minute classes. Fall and Winter sessions meet for 12 weeks, Summer sessions meet for 8 weeks. Space is limited for the conversation groups, so register for the next session today!

08/03/2026

MnCAN groups take a pause each August and resume in September. However, we do have an amazing virtual coffee club group open to all MnCAN participants that meets all year long - no breaks! The coffee club is a wonderful group of people that meet for a casual check-in to chat about life - they always have fun!

Interested in joining?

Message us here or email [email protected] for the Zoom link.

07/30/2026

🎁 MnCAN Needs Your Help!

Do you—or someone you know—have a special talent, unique experience, or item that could make a wonderful donation for the MnCAN 2026 Gala Silent or Live Auction?

We're looking for donations of all kinds, including:
🎨 Original artwork, photography, paintings, pottery, woodworking, or other handcrafted items
🏡 A weekend cabin or vacation getaway
🎟️ Sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets, or other memorable experiences
🍷 Wine, dining, spa, golf, or entertainment packages
🧺 Themed gift baskets (these are always among our highest-bidding auction items!)
Some popular basket ideas include:
• Family Fun Night
• Minnesota Favorites
• Coffee or Tea Lover
• Date Night
• Self-Care & Spa
• Gourmet Food & Cooking
• Outdoor Adventure
• Pet Lover
• Wine & Cheese
• Gardening
• Game Night
• Movie Night
• Holiday Entertaining
• Kids' Activity Basket

Every donated item helps us raise critical funds to provide communication groups, education, and support for individuals living with aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia, as well as their care partners.

Please think about your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, favorite businesses, and community connections. You never know who might be willing to make a meaningful donation that changes lives.

Thank you for helping make the 2026 MnCAN Gala our most successful fundraiser yet!

07/29/2026

We love celebrating our MnCAN community any way we can, and last night was a perfect reminder of why this community is so special.

You SHOWED UP for pizza, conversation, friendship, and connection. Nearly 80 people came together to support one another, learn from each other, and build meaningful relationships with others who truly understand the challenges of living with aphasia or primary progressive aphasia. Moments like these remind us that MnCAN is about so much more than programs—it's about belonging.

We want to say a heartfelt thank you for helping us exceed our fundraising goal during Aphasia Awareness Month in June! Your generosity makes our mission possible. But in return, you gave us something even more valuable: a room filled with laughter, encouragement, hope, and genuine connection.

That sense of community is truly priceless. ❤️

07/27/2026

What is the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA)?

At MnCAN, we believe aphasia is more than a communication disorder—it affects a person's ability to participate in everyday life. That is why our programs are built on the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA), an internationally recognized philosophy that focuses on helping people reconnect with the activities, relationships, and experiences that matter most to them.

Rather than asking, "How can we improve speech" LPAA asks, "What is important to this person, and how can we help them participate?" Whether it is enjoying time with family, volunteering, attending church, or meeting friends for coffee - communication is about connection and living a meaningful life.

How does MnCAN use LPAA?

Every week, our conversation groups provide a supportive environment where people with aphasia or PPA can:
-Practice real-life communication with others who understand aphasia
-Build confidence and independence by listening to conversation and talking about the week or life events
-Develop friendships and reduce isolation
-Learn strategies or ideas to make communication easier
-Support each other and celebrate strengths

We don't measure success by the number of words someone says—we measure it by the friendships formed, the confidence regained, and the meaningful moments shared.

Because life doesn't stop after aphasia—and neither should the opportunity to participate.

07/24/2026

🌟 Welcome to the MnCAN Team, Megan Schmoll! 🌟

We’re thrilled to introduce Megan Schmoll, our newest Speech‑Language Pathologist and Aphasia Conversation Group Facilitator supporting the Brooklyn Park Aphasia Conversation Group.

Megan brings a decade of experience and a deeply person‑centered approach to communication support. She earned her Master’s Degree in Speech‑Language Pathology from the University of Minnesota–Duluth in 2012 and began her career in K–12 public schools across the Twin Cities, later expanding her work to home‑based and preschool settings with pediatric learners.

Megan has previously participated in a MnCAN conversation group as a graduate intern, and she’s excited to return—this time as a facilitator—bringing her lived experience, empathy, and clinical expertise full circle.

Her blend of skill, compassion, and community‑focused energy makes her an incredible addition to MnCAN. We’re so grateful she’s here.

Help us give Megan a warm welcome! 💛

07/23/2026

Welcome to the MnCAN Board of Directors, Tim Lauth!

We are thrilled to welcome Tim Lauth to the Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) Board of Directors!

Tim survived an ischemic stroke on May 23, 2023. Just a few months later, in September 2023, he joined the MnCAN Roseville Aphasia Conversation Group and has since become an active member of our community. He also participates in our Talk To Me Drama Club, where he values the encouragement, friendships, and support he has found along the way.

Tim lives with both aphasia and apraxia of speech, making communication especially challenging. Despite these obstacles, he approaches each day with resilience, determination, and optimism. As Tim says, he has "never looked back and continues to look forward."

Tim earned a Bachelor of Science in Forest Biology and Silviculture from the University of Minnesota. Prior to his stroke, he served as a Senior Agriculture Operations Manager with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he developed extensive experience in leadership, public speaking, training, instruction, congressional relations, and nonprofit board governance, including serving as a board chair.

Today, Tim hopes to use his voice and professional experience to increase awareness of aphasia and apraxia while helping advance MnCAN's mission. His lived experience, leadership skills, and passion for advocacy make him an invaluable addition to our Board of Directors.

Tim and his wife, Jean, recently moved back to Minnesota from Wisconsin to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He is excited to give back to an organization that has made such a meaningful difference in his own journey.

Please join us in giving Tim a warm welcome to the MnCAN Board of Directors. We are grateful to have him as part of our leadership team and look forward to the impact he will make in helping people living with aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia connect, communicate, and thrive.

07/20/2026

Welcome to the MnCAN Board of Directors, Andrea Nelson!

We are delighted to welcome Andrea Nelson, M.S., CCC-SLP, to the Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) Board of Directors!

Andrea earned her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2001. Throughout her 25-year career as a speech-language pathologist, she has primarily served children and families in educational and outpatient medical settings. She currently works with Saint Paul Public Schools, supporting elementary-aged students in achieving their communication goals.

In addition to her clinical work, Andrea is deeply committed to educating the next generation of speech-language pathologists. She served as the Director of Clinical Education at Fontbonne University from 2023–2025 and currently teaches as an instructor in the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Andrea's passion for aphasia began early in her career as an undergraduate student when she volunteered with aphasia conversation groups. That experience helped shape her commitment to person- and family-centered care, meaningful communication, and affirming clinical practices. She is passionate about building collaborative partnerships, expanding community awareness of stroke and aphasia, and helping increase MnCAN's accessibility so that more individuals and families can benefit from our programs.

Andrea lives in South Minneapolis with her husband, Eric, and their beloved pup, Percy. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors and staying active. As a strength and fitness coach at Noko Strength, she enjoys helping people become stronger—both physically and mentally.

Andrea's extensive clinical expertise, dedication to education, collaborative spirit, and passion for serving people with communication disorders make her a wonderful addition to the MnCAN Board of Directors. We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team and look forward to the many ways she will help advance MnCAN's mission!

07/16/2026

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the June Coffee & Connections social gathering in Roseville. We hosted a gathering for over 35 people from our community - multiple people were new to MnCAN and/or new to Coffee & Connections.

They were welcomed with open arms and everyone enjoyed a wonderful gathering filled with coffee, connections and meaningful conversation.

Thank you to everyone who came, shared stories, made new connections, and helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We are grateful for each and every one of you and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Connection matters. Community matters. You matter.

07/13/2026

🎉 MnCAN's 2026 Gala Planning is Underway! 🎉

We are SO excited to host our biggest fundraising event yet, and we want YOU to be there!

📅 Save the Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
🕑 Time: 2:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Vadnais Heights Commons, Vadnais Heights, MN

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon featuring:
✨ Delicious food and beverages
✨ Exciting silent and live auctions
✨ Two inspiring keynote speakers
✨ Meaningful stories of hope, resilience, and connection

Together, we'll work toward our ambitious goal of raising $120,000 to ensure people living with aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia have access to life-changing communication groups, education, and support.

You won't want to miss MnCAN's biggest and most impactful fundraising event of the year. Mark your calendars—we can't wait to celebrate with you!
More details, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket information coming soon!

07/11/2026

Are you a Thrivent member? If so, you can help direct millions of dollars in grant funding to important causes like MnCAN through Thrivent Choice®.

MnCAN is a registered non-profit eligible to receive your Thrivent Choice dollars - we would be so grateful if you would consider directing your choice dollars to us.

For additional disclosures, see thrivent.com/social

Address

Mailing Address Only: 6417 Penn Avenue S Ste 7/1247
Minneapolis, MN
55423

Telephone

+16125248802

Website

http://www.mncan.org/

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