For More Information:

For both sites contact: Nirit Zandman, MA; Coordinator, Center for Special Needs; NiritZ@jfcs.org; 650-688-3028

Center for Special Needs

Children with special needs and their families require professionals who have specific training and expertise. Our multidisciplinary team utilizes the skills of parent educators, licensed therapists, and clinical social workers, as well as volunteers. The Center for Special Needs is staffed by experts who are also knowledgeable about the best resources in the area for speech therapy, physical therapy, neuropsychological assessments, and other services that can help your child:

• Information and referral
• Parent education workshops
• Advocacy and support navigating the public and private systems of care
• Planning and coordination of services
• Psychological assessment for children and adolescents
• Individual and family counseling
• Support groups for parents and siblings
• Socialization groups for children
• Parent-child play activity groups
• Training and consultation for staff at school sites
• Coaching for families of children with Special Needs
• Bilingual/bicultural staff will provide services and support for non-English speaking families.  Services available in Hebrew, Russian, and Spanish.

All services are strictly confidential. Fees vary depending on the service being provided. Scholarships are available.

Staff

Mimi Ezray, LCSW, MPH, Program Coordinator, Peninsula Center for Special Needs, received her Masters in Social Work  and Public Health from UC Berkeley.  She has 20 years of experience as a social worker and has worked with children, teenagers and their families specializing in the areas of grief, coping with difficult life transitions, parenting children with special needs, challenges of single parenthood and adoption issues.  In addition she serves as Chair of the North Peninsula Special Needs Initiative and was co-chair of the 2009 Special Needs Day of Learning.

Nirit Zandman, MA, ACG, ET,  Educational Specialist, has 20 years of experience educating and assessing children with a variety of special needs, and providing consultation for parents on students’ placement and educational plans. She has implemented teacher trainings on issues relating to learning strategies, inclusion, and special education regulations within diverse schools and communities. Nirit is also a certified AD/HD coach.

Karen Friedland-Brown, MA, Coordinator of Parent Education, has been a parent educator, trainer, and consultant for 30 years. Her specialities include behavior management and improving communication skills for families with special needs.

Kirk Stuepfert, MSW, PPSC received his Masters degree from San Jose State University.  This is his 8th year providing comprehensive school based counseling services for elementary age children, families and educators.  He teaches in the classroom and provides individual, small group, and family counseling.  His group work with children focuses on a variety of issues including social skills, anxiety, anger, behavioral issues, conflict resolution, friendship, grief, and families in transition.