We help neurodivergent kids and teens become socially competent, confident, and connected so they can make (and keep) friends!
*Available in person and via Zoom this summer!*
Hi, I'm Steph!
I'm a social coach who helps neurodivergent kids and teens go from socially challenged to socially competent, confident, and connected!
I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and master’s degrees in special education and education administration. I also have specialist certifications in autism, behavior support, traumatic brain injury, inclusion, and transition.
I've been supporting neurodivergent students for almost 20 years as a special education classroom teacher, school administrator and behavior specialist for school districts throughout Texas. I have also run two private schools for neurodivergent kids, one of which I created on my own.
My own experience with ADHD makes Starfish Social Club a personal endeavor for me. It's my favorite place to be!
Featured in Forbes: Read it here.
Featured on the 'ADHD for Smart Ass Women' podcast: Listen here.
Our students tend to fall into one of two categories when we first meet them...
Socially Neglected:
- Reputation for being ‘shy’
- Doesn’t know how to initiate or join conversations with peers
- Spends recess or lunchtime alone or with adults
- Gets along with peers but doesn’t have authentic friends
Socially Rejected:
- Reputation for being annoying
- Often seen as ‘too much’
- Struggles with emotional regulation
- Can integrate into group settings but it doesn’t last long
- Struggles to maintain friendships
At Starfish Social Club, students choose what they want their reputation to be.
Maybe it’s kind. Or smart. Or funny. Or helpful. Or silly. It’s definitely NOT shy. Or annoying. Or weird.
We teach kids self-awareness, which is the key to making and maintaining successful relationships!
It’s not about trying to make other people happy. It's not about trying to ‘fit in’ or mask who we are in order to belong. It’s about creating our own future, our own relationships, and our own identities.
We don’t tell our students what to do or who to be. We support them in being who they are and becoming who they choose to be!
They become socially competent.
Our students learn the skills and strategies needed to create their ideal reputation. They learn what works, as well as what doesn’t! Along the way, they become more of all the things measured on our STARFISH scale: self-aware, thoughtful of others, adaptable, responsible, flexible, independent, solution-seeking, and helpful!
They become socially confident.
Our live weekly lessons are highly interactive and engaging. Students get the opportunity to practice what they are learning in an emotionally safe environment! Our kids are taught and encouraged to give each other feedback so they can see firsthand the kind of reputation they’re creating. If it’s not what they’re intending, they get to practice making different choices. Or not. It’s up to them!
They become socially connected.
Our weekly game time provides the opportunity for authentic practice and engagement as students choose how and with whom to spend their time. Our staff is here to support and facilitate game time, but we don’t dictate! This approach makes for a very authentic social environment. Students form genuine connections with their peers here. We are a pretty large and diverse group, so there’s always someone to relate to!
Choose Your Adventure
You can choose one, two, or all three options!
Get the Foundations
The most important 8 weeks of our program online, ready to start now!
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