Course Catalog

Hidden Wings Core Curriculum

Hidden Wings is a full time program for adults with special needs based on a rigorous curriculum to develop life skills, individualized job skills, and community involvement. Our highly structured program reflects 10 years of experiences and studies of best practices from around the country.

With an intimate 3 to 1 ratio of staff to participant, our program is designed to accelerate each participant’s emotional, social, physical and career development.

Each day begins with posting the American flag before launching into a highly structured and individualized training that incorporates a variety of daily activities that include but not limited to public transportation, finances, cooking, resume building, internships, job shadows, retail skills, agriculture, micro businesses, music, yoga, hiking, and Tai Chi. The descent of the flag concludes our day.

Key values in all we do are kindness, acceptance of all, and working outside our comfort zone. The high expectations of participants to dress appropriately, refrain from vulgar language, maintain a clean and organized environment enhances the goal of purposeful job placement.

Hidden Wings is committed to coaching each participant to their highest level of performance for life skills, job skills, and community involvement, in order to have a more inclusive and purpose driven community.

Classes are currently in session, check the Events  page for schedule.

Please contact Rev. Jim Billington at (805) 705-3918 to register.

 Photography & Digital Art

A digital photography and design class in which students will explore their individual voice and vision through photography and digital media. The class will cover a variety of technical subjects and creative styles. Students will explore the basics of photography, creative editing options in Photoshop, traditional and alternative printing techniques as well as alternative photo capture methods. Students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera if they have one (DSLR, point-and-shoot, or cell phone camera) but we will provide DSLRs for class use as well.

Outward Bound Super Saturdays

Dig into Drumming

As you know, Hidden Wings has gained national prominence in “heart-based drumming” thanks to the 5 year “triad” of Hidden Wings, Remo drum-maker, and Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart. This fall, led by Jerry Zacarias and Jim Billington, there will be drumming on many Saturday “outward bounds” excursions as well as during the week. Drums will be enhanced by other instruments as well as singing. Weekly announcements will be posted.

  3-D Computer Art with Sketchup

Sketchup has become a powerful artistic and 3D modeling tool, as well as being the leading architectural software in the industry. Sketchup has gained the attention of the senior management of the software company, who call his work outstanding and original. His growing gallery is on display at the company’s headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. Students will be given a free license for the use of this very expensive program, to use at home as well as in class. In addition, your work will be sent to the senior designer at Sketchup, as the company will be following the class closely. This student-teacher is now on many people’s radar, and you will be as well.

Drama

Annie Torsiglieri is an internationally renowned actor and longtime friend of Hidden Wings. As a graduate of Julliard, and student of the legendary producer Hal Prince, she has toured the country with Broadway Hit “Les Miserables“, and played in numerous roles both on Broadway and film. She is now professor of drama at UCSB. She still shows up in popular shows like “Gossip Girl” and “ER”. But her passion is teaching. She will be leading 3 Saturday workshops, to be determined according to her schedule. She is magical!

Yearning for Yoga

Swim Team

Meet at Dunn School Pool, weather permitting, to rediscovery your love of swimming. Let Rob Kennedy, professional swimmer and coach, help you build greater confidence, new stills, and a fitter self in the water. Improve your stroke or learn a new one. Build endurance, strength and flexibility. All levels of swim ability are welcome. Goggles welcome but not required. Contact Rob Kennedy with any safety concerns. Our team is sponsored by the Santa Barbara Water Polo Foundation.

Exercise and Nutrition for Weight Loss

Guitar Groove

Learn the fundamentals of guitar.

Job Preparation

Let us guide you through the process of seeking the right job to fit your natural talents and personal gifts. We can help you to define your fits, find your niche, and focus on your job search. Also couch you on critical job skills such as appropriate workplace language, time management, stress management, and successful work habits.

 Horse Grooming

Learn the ways and mysteries of the equine species with PATH International-certified instructor. Discover what makes horses happy. Learn horse anatomy, horse care, and horse history. Experience one the world’s most graceful and sensitive creatures through touch, smell, and sound. Learn to whisper and nuzzle with these patient animal companions under the expert guidance of a leading therapeutic horsemanship professional.

Special Day Class Rocks

Pesticides and Organic Food Seminar

Co-Founder of Hidden Wings, Julia Billington, MD has been working in conjunction with a major university to study the neurotoxic effects of a near-universally used herbicide. She will be giving a status update on the research, and especially in its potential relationship to autism.  She will also be offering detailed analysis of which foods have the highest level of contaminants and will offer some practical advice on the transition to an all-organic diet.

Individualized Tutoring

Volunteers Needed from Students, Parents & Friends