Social Communication

Maureen, our SLP and Communication Specialist, often reminds children, “It Doesn’t Matter if You’re Two or Two Hundred,” strong social/emotional skills help us communicate effectively and efficiently and assist us in developing and maintaining good relationships. These skills are necessary to become a part of most social groups.

Communication skills are the foundation of all relationships and are strongly linked to our success and overall well-being. Social/Emotional Skills provide us an ability to understand how others feel, as well as their wants and needs. As too many hours are being spent in front of screens, many children now struggle with communication skills. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated these skills. As a result, we are seeing an increase in anxiety, depression, and struggling relationships. Children and families should not have to navigate these challenges alone.

Children are delighted by Maureen’s engaging and enjoyable Social Communication group presentations. She brings to life an entourage of ridiculous and imaginary characters who consistently find themselves in compromising situations, always focusing on important social and emotional topics. Maureen’s group events creatively entertain children while she demonstrates how to communicate with confidence, how to build responsible and healthy relationships, and how to become lifelong problem solvers. The repertoire includes nearly one hundred topics on targeted social and emotional skills including but not limited to: thinking before speaking, personal space, positive thinking, perspective taking, how to disagree, making an apology, accepting feedback, self-improvement, honesty, coping with anger, calming skills, how to focus, stress management, building relationships, manners, listening skills, resilience, peer pressure, and making friends. Children look forward to joining Maureen and eagerly participate in her group events. Each presentation is concluded with a take-home item to reinforce the skill presented by the funny and lively characters. 

Strategies for Adolescents' Bold and Perfectly Imperfect Journey

The journey between MS and HS is nothing less than complicated. It is not uncommon for emotions to get in the way of students coping, or effectively processing and navigating feelings and relationships. This is an ideal time to focus on developing skills, such as decision making, emotional management, peer interactions, and relationship survival strategies.

Maureen brings forward an understanding of how students develop and build both social and emotional competencies. In addition, she is both familiar and experienced with intentional integration of these skills in the learning environment. Her programs and involvement with both individuals and groups of students helps develop coping strategies, build confidence, and make good decisions, all contributing to a stronger and secure environment.