UNT EPIC Logo

What is EPIC?

EPIC stands for Empowering Personal Interactions in the Community, and we aim to support neurotypical and neurodivergent young adults, 18 and up, in social, philanthropic, and learning opportunities through community-based events.

Social events consist of community outings for game nights, movie nights, sharing meals at restaurants or to take advantage of various community events in Denton and surrounding towns.

Philanthropic events are planned in accordance with community need and current participant interest.

Learning events include a teaching and application portion focused on general skills such as stress management, nutrition, or goal setting.

Who will enjoy EPIC events?

  • individuals who are 18 or older
  • those who have the desire to be with peers in a social setting
  • those with functional communication to socialize with their peers
  • individuals who require minimal assistance with activities of daily living
  • those who can self-regulate or recognize and communicate sensory or emotional dysregulation

EPIC Social Media

You can find UNT EPIC on our Instagram page - @unt_epic

You can also reach out to us via email - untepic@unt.edu

Through these, you can find more information about our events and what they look like!

People

Program Coordinator- Lauren Mathews, M.S., CCC-SLP
Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, and has been at UNT since 2005. She teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in speech-language pathology and supervises students in the UNT Speech and Hearing Center. She has supported neurodivergent students at UNT since 2016 as advisor to the student organization, Tuesday Night Flights, co-founded UNT ENGAGE (Embracing Neurodivergent Groups in Academics and Gainful Employment), implemented Eagle Chat (student peer support group), and is the program coordinator of UNT EPIC (Empowering Personal Interactions in the Community).
 
Graduate Student Assistant - Bethany Shaffer, B.S.
Graduate Student Assistant - Makayla Kubasiak, B.S. 
Graduate Services Assistants for EPIC (Empowering Personal Interaction in the Community) and graduate students in the Speech Language Program within the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

 

Fall 2025 Events List

  • Movie Night: Toy Story on 09/16 - Join us at the Denton Cinemark 14 to watch Toy Story for the 30th anniversary! click here to sign up
  • Denton Comic Art Exposition on 09/27 - This will be a weekend event full of comic and anime-related fun at the Denton Civic Center! click here to sign up
  • Blocktober Party & Pumpkin Drop on 10/01 - Join us as we celebrate the beginning of Denton's Halloween festivities at the Denton Civic Center! click here to sign up
  • Movie Night: E.T. on 10/22 - We will be watching this Halloween classic at Eastside by the Denton Square! click here to sign up
  • Life Skills Seminar on 11/3 - Join us at Wooten Hall as we have a guest speaker present about a life skills topic! click here to sign up
  • Community Garden on 11/18 - We will be volunteering at the UNT Community Garden by Crumley Hall to help weed, harvest, and plant! click here to sign up
  • Denton Holiday Lighting Festival on 12/6 - Join us at the Denton Square as we celebrate the beginning of Denton's holiday festivities! click here to sign up