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

Nirit Zandman, MA, Program Coordinator, 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.

Gloria Moskowitz Sweet, PPSC, LCSW, Coordinator of Community Education, provides on-site parent education to employees at workplaces and schools throughout the Bay Area. She has 20 years of experience as a social worker and professor in the Graduate Department of Social Work at San Jose State University. Her specialities include consultation to parents of children with special needs.

Kristin Stent, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who has experience in a variety of settings, including schools, juvenile justice programs, foster care settings, medical clinics, and outpatient mental health organizations. Kristin specializes in childhood behavior disorders and adolescent mental health.

Chen Bentov-Hamam, MA, is an MFT intern and expressive art therapist. Chen has experience working with behavioral issues, social skills, special needs, addiction, and eating disorders. She sees children and adults in individual, group, and family settings. Chen integrates music, images, movement, and playfulness in the clinical work.