Workshops and Groups - Fall/Winter 2008

Children's Social Skills Therapy Groups

***Please note: All Rockville children's social skills therapy groups will now be held at our new location, 200 Wood Hill Road.

In small groups, children who have difficulty in social situations learn appropriate social behaviors, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, dealing with teasing and emotions, and making friends. The fees for these groups range from $65-$75 per session (and some may be insurance-reimbursable). There is a $15 materials fee for the "JSSA Social Skills Guide for Parents," designed especially to help parents reinforce skills at home.

Rockville - 200 Wood Hill Road - (ongoing groups)**

General social skills groups

• Boys, grade 2 (ages 7-8)**
When: Mondays, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Oct. 20-Jan. 12
Leader: Stanley Fagen, PhD
 
• Boys, grade 3 (ages 8-9)**
When: Tuesdays, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Oct. 28-Jan. 20
Leader: Stanley Fagen, PhD

• Girls, grades 3 and 4**
When: Thursdays, 4:00-4:50 p.m., Sept. 4-Dec. 4
Leader: Liz Aparicio, LCSW-C
 
• Girls, grades 4 and 5 (ages 9-10)**
When: Mondays, 5:00-5:50 p.m. Sept.8-Dec. 1
Leader: Liz Aparicio, LCSW-C and Sarah Hillegass, LGSW

• Boys, grade 4 (ages 9-10)**
When: Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Oct. 29-Jan, 21
Leader: Stanley Fagen, PhD
 
• Boys, grades 4-5 (ages 9-10)**
When: Mondays, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Oct. 6-Dec.15
Leader: Zach Lehman, LCSW-C

• Boys, grade 5 (ages 10-11)
When: Thursdays, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Oct. 16-Jan. 22
Leader: Stanley Fagen, PhD
 
• Boys, grades 6-7 (ages 11-12)**
When: Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m., Oct. 29-Feb. 4
Leader: Stanley Fagen, PhD

• Boys, grades 6-8 (ages 11-13)**
When: Wednesdays. 6:00-7:00 p.m., Oct. 8-Dec. 17
Leader: Zach Lehman. LCSW-C
 
**Please note that these are all ongoing groups with very limited new space availability. Please call  301-816-2633 for more information.

Asperger's syndrome groups

• Boys, K-1st grade (ages 5-7)
When: Mondays, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Sept. 15-Dec. 22
Leader: Laurence Fabre-Welmond, LCSW-C and Sarah Hillegass, LGSW
**Please note that as of August 22, this group is now full.

• Boys, grades 2-3 (ages 8-9)**
When: Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Sept. 18-Dec. 18
Leader: Laurence Fabre-Welmond, LCSW-C and Sarah Hillegass, LGSW
**Please note that as of August 19, this group is now full.

• Boys, grades 4-5 (ages 9-10)**
When: Wednesdays, 5:45- 6:45 p.m., Oct. 15-Jan. 28
Leader: Caron Starobin, LCSW-C and Ju Liu, MSW Intern

• Boys and girls (middle school age)**
When: Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Oct. 29-Dec. 17
Leader: Jamell White, LCSW-C and Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C

**Please note that these are all ongoing groups with very limited new space availability. Please call  301-816-2633 for more information.

Fairfax - (ongoing groups)**

General social skills groups

• Boys and girls, ages 4-6
When: Tuesdays, 5:00-6.00 p.m., begins Sept. 16
Leader: Ravleen Kandhari, LCSW

• Boys and girls, ages 5-6**
When: Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m., begins Sept. 18
Leader: Ravleen Kandhari LCSW

• Boys, ages 11-13
When: Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Oct. 29-Jan. 21
Leader: Zach Lehman, LCSW-C

• Boys and girls, ages 10-12
When: Mondays 6:00-6:50 p.m., begins Sept. 15,
Leader: Sarah Ince, LCSW

**Please note that this is an ongoing group with very limited new space availability. Please call  703-204-9100 for more information.

Asperger's syndrome group

• Boys and girls, ages 13-15**
When: Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., begins Sept. 8
Leader: Treona Bateman. LCSW

**Please note that this is an ongoing group with very limited new space availability. Please call  703-204-9100 for more information.

Children and Teen Workshops

NEW!!! Kids Can Cope!
A Children of Divorce Group
Through four interactive group sessions, children (ages 9-12) will learn that they are not alone in the divorce process. Role-playing, artwork, letter writing, self-esteem exercises and verbalization of feelings provide the tools for them to remain hopeful and positive. Parents meet separately twice to learn how to identify distress signals and better help their children through this process.
When: Mondays, November 10-December 1; 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $240/series of six sessions, Pre-payment required.
Leader: Jennifer Firestone, LCSW-C

NEW!!! Just Chill: An Anxiety Management Group
This fourteen-week group is for children ages 8-10 with anxiety issues. Children learn tools to manage anxiety through group discussion, games, education, and role-play.
When: Wednesdays, Oct. 29-Feb. 18 6.00-6:50 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $65/session (may be insurance-reimbursable)
Leader: Larisa Perez deGraffenreid, LCSW

Parenting Programs

New Pricing! Raising Your Challenging Child: Dr. Dan Shapiro’s Parent Training Program
For parents of children (ages preschool through elementary school) with challenging behavior. The interactive format is designed to help parents identify the source of their child’s behavior and learn what they can do about it. At each session, Dr. Shapiro will provide proactive strategies for raising children with difficult temperaments and developmental differences. His hour-long presentation is followed by a discussion facilitated by Debbie Goldstein, LCSW-C.
When: Tuesdays, begins October 28; 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $300/individual: $450/couple for ten sessions

Support Group for Parents of Children with Asperger’s, Autism, POD-NOS
Parent group to share coping strategies and community resources, develop networks, and gain support. No charge.
When: 1st Tuesday of every month: Sept. 2-Jan. 6; 7:00 8:15 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Leader: Jamell White, LCSW-C

Support Group for Parents of Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and Related Disorders
Monthly support group focuses on building a support network, identifying community resources, and balancing one’s own needs with those of adult children with special needs.
When: Wednesdays, Sept. 24, Nov. 26, Dec. 17, Jan 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $15/per session
Leader: Dawn Kaye, LCSW
 
Adoption Programs

NEW!!! W.I.S.E. UP - An Adoption Workshop for Children in Grades 1-6
The Center for Adoption Support and Education, in collaboration with JSSA, presents their highly successful and proven program - WISE UP. This workshop empowers adopted children to respond to questions and statements about adoption that are based on misperceptions and misunderstandings. Children are taught the tools they need to feel confident in their ability to handle the numerous expected and unexpected adoption related situations they may encounter A concurrent session is held for parents of children attending the program.
When: Sunday November 2, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $65 per family. Pre-registration required: 301-816-2697.

NEW!!! Teen Talk: An Adolescent Adoption Series
An eight-week series for adolescent adoptees ages 13-18. Topics for discussion will include, searching for birth parents; integrating dual identities; coping with minimal background information; intimacy and attachment. The objective of this series is to offer an opportunity for teens to discuss issues common to all adopted adolescents.
When: Tuesdays October 28-December 23; 7:00-8:15 pm
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $400 for the 8 session series. Pre-registration required.
Leader: Beth Lutton, LCSW-C/LISW

Understanding Your Adopted Teen
A psycho-educational four session series for parents facing the joys and challenges of raising adopted teens. This series is geared towards helping parents develop a better understanding of the issues unique to adoption which can impact their teen’s emotional development and progress towards young adulthood.
When: Wednesdays, Oct. 29-Nov. 19; 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $200/person; $300/couple, series of four sessions.
Pre-registration required: 703-204-9592
Leader: Beth Lutton, LCSW-C/LISW

Adults, Seniors and Families

NEW!!! Support Group for Separated and Divorced Women
This interactive group will offer an opportunity for mutual support and sharing around the emotional and practical challenges of this often painful and disruptive time.
When: Thursdays, Oct. 16-Nov. 20; 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $90/series of six sessions.
Pre-payment required
Leader: Caron Trout, LCSW-C

NEW!!! “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”
A Divorce Workshop
Learn how to ‘untie the knot’ with the guidance of experts. This program will present the legal, financial and personal issues of divorce with presentations by attorneys, financial advisors, divorce coaches and child specialists.
When: Thursday, November 6; 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $40.
Pre-registration required: 301-610-8374

NEW!!! Kids Can Cope!
A Children of Divorce Group
Through four interactive group sessions, children (ages 9-12) will learn that they are not alone in the divorce process. Role-playing, artwork, letter writing, self-esteem exercises and verbalization of feelings provide the tools for them to remain hopeful and positive. Parents meet separately twice to learn how to identify distress signals and better help their children through this process.
When: Mondays, November 10-December 1; 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $240/series of six sessions, Pre-payment required.
Leader: Jennifer Firestone, LCSW-C

Support Group for Bereaved Parents
Ongoing group for parents grieving the death of a young or young adult child. No charge.
When: Monthly in the evening
Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
Leader: Suzanne Adelman, LCSW-C
Pre-registration required: 301-816-2683
 
Hospice Support Group for Newly Widowed Spouses
This ongoing group is for adults who, within the past year, have lost a spouse or partner who was a JSSA Hospice patient. No charge.
When: Monthly, 2nd & 4th Wednesday; 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
Leader: Sharon Peska, LGSW
Pre-registration required: 301-816-2658

Community Group for Newly Widowed Spouses
JSSA is offering a bereavement support group, led by a social worker, which is open to the entire community. This group is for adults who have lost a spouse or partner in the past year. Prospective members are requested to wait to join until two or three months have passed since the death. Members are welcome to attend for approximately one year after joining. No charge.
When:  Twice monthly on 2nd and 4th Fridays, 10:30am-12:00 noon
Where:  6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
Leader: Facilitated by Evelyn Goldstein, LGSW
Pre-registration required: 301-816-2669
 
Starting Over: A Widow and Widower Support Group
The death of a spouse is a traumatic loss and each person grieves in his or her own way. This group will provide support to those going through the grieving process and will include discussions to help each person better understand and accept their grief, and help identify meaningful ways to move forward without a loved one.
When: Third Monday of every month, begins September 15; 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost:  $15/session                                        
Leader: Tala Kerton, MSW

Support Group for Adults Grieving the Loss of a Parent
This eight-session evening group is for adults grieving the death of a parent within the past year. No charge.
When: Mondays, Oct. 13-Dec. 1, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Leader: Sharon Peska, LGSW
Pre-registration required: 301-816-2658

Memory Matters! A Memory Coaching Series
This eight-session support group is designed for people who have been diagnosed with early memory problems. Discussion topics include: the causes of memory problems, how to cope with memory changes, and ways to improve relationships with family and friends. Make new friends and explore ways to keep life fun and healthy. Interested participants will meet with the group leader for a brief assessment before the group begins.
When: Tuesdays, Oct. 28-Dec. 16; 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
Cost: $120/series. Pre-payment required.
Leader: Jane Sahmel, LCSW-C
Pre-registration required: 301-816-2671

Memory Matters! A Memory Coaching Series             
Designed for older adults who are experiencing mild memory loss, this series will help each participant learn and adapt new strategies to strengthen cognitive abilities and provide support for one another.Interested participants will meet with the social worker for a brief assessment prior to the beginning of the workshop.
When: Thursdays, September 18-November 13; 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Where: JCC of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax
Cost: $120/series of 8 sessions. Pre-payment required.
Leader: Tala Kerton, MSW

You and Your Aging Parents
Explore the aging process and share experiences as a caregiver in this support group for adult children of aging parents. Discussion topics are chosen based on the needs of the group and can include: coping with illness, balancing multiple demands, managing difficult emotions, identifying appropriate resources to support your aging parent and developing a care plan.                                
When: 3rd Wednesday of every month, beginning September 17; 6:00-7:30 p.m.           
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost:  $15/session
Leader: Tala Kerton, MSW
 
You and Your Aging Parents
Monthly support group for adult children with aging parent issues: coping with illness, sandwich generation, balancing your own needs, worrying about frail parents living alone.
When: Monthly evening sessions: dates TBA; 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
Cost: $15/session
Leader: Beth Hess, LCSW-C
Pre-registration required: 301-816-2634

You and Your Aging Holocaust Survivor Parent(s)
As children of Survivors you are growing older, and by virtue of your parents’ traumas, often share unique commonalities and perspectives on the Holocaust. This group will provide an opportunity, together with others in similar situations, to learn about the aging process and the specific ways that the memories and effects of the Holocaust impact both your life and that of your parents. The goal of the group is to assist you in learning how best to take care of yourself as you take care of your aging parents. The group will be support based with an emphasis on care giving information and education.
When: Mondays, September 8, October 6, November 3, December 1; 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville
Cost: No charge
Leader: Ruth Kershner, LCSW-C
Register: 301-816-2647
 
Family Support Group
In these free ongoing monthly groups, parents and family members of children with disabilities share their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, coping mechanisms and strategies for living for today and planning for the future.
6123 Montrose Road Group
When: 3rd Tuesday of each month: Sept. 16, Nov. 18, Dec, 16 and Jan. 20; 7:15-8:45 p.m.
Leader: Martha Mervis, LCSW-C
Pre-registration required: 301-610-8371
200 Wood Hill Road Group
When: Tuesdays, begins Nov. 4; 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Leader: Ruth Berger, LGSW
Pre-registration required: 301-610-8357

Support Group for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults Grieving the Loss of Loved OnesThis six-session evening group is for deaf or hard of hearing adults and CODAs (children of deaf adults) ages 25+ who are grieving the death of loved ones within the past two years.
When: Wednesdays, Oct. 29-Dec. 10 (except Nov. 26); 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required
Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; Voice: 301-838-4200

Deaf Adults Support Group: Lifetime Relationships, Lifetime LessonsSupport group for adults (ages 25+) to share their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, coping mechanisms, and strategies for improving relationships. This group focuses on mental health issues impacting relationships, including but not limited to bipolar disorder and depression. Learn how to live for today and plan for the future.
When: Dates and times TBA; Email Lkatz@jssa.org  for registration. Pre-registration required.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $15/session (may be insurance-reimbursable; funding available for residents of Montgomery County).
Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200**Group limited to 8 participants.

Networking Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Caregivers of Persons with Mental IllnessThis workshop is for deaf family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illness offering support, education and skills for family members. Topics include: gaining empathy; coping with mental illness, worry, stress, and emotional overload. Resource materials provided.
When: Thursday, September 18; time TBA
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required
Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200 

Deaf Parent Network: Internet Safety for Children and TeensWith kids on the front lines of Internet activity, it is important that parents and educators learn how to keep kids safe. In this free program, information and resources shall be offered. Topics include: online victimization and bullying, statistics as to where this occurs and how often; providing prevention strategies and practical tips to assist in keeping Internet users safe.
When: Thursday, Oct. 2, time TBA
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required
Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200

Special Needs and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Groups

NEW!!! Let's Talk! A Support Group for High Schoolers with Physical Disabilities
This co-ed six-session group is designed to help participants who want to connect with peers socially and share their thoughts, feelings, frustrations, fears and joys.
When: Tuesdays, Oct. 28-Dec. 2; 4-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $90 for the series of six sessions
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Leaders: Katie Giganti, LGSW and Lauren Feuerstein, LGSW

NEW!!! High Schoolers Can Relate!
This co-ed six-session support group will address social skills issues for high schoolers with disabilities who have difficulty relating to their peers. Learn skills for making friends, initiating and maintaining conversation, expressing feelings, and understanding nonverbal cues.
When: Mondays, Dec. 1-Jan. 5; 4-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $90 for the series of six sessions
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Leaders: Katie Giganti, LGSW and Lauren Feuerstein, LGSW

Social Club for Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome
JSSA and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) present a social club for young adults diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome or related disorders. This club provides social opportunities in a structured and supportive environment with guidance from professionally trained staff who work with participants on improving social skills and overall comfort in social situations. A variety of outings (including parties, bowling, dinners, miniature golf and museum tours) will be scheduled from September through December. The September event will be held at the Newseum in Washington, DC on September 21. Events will be led by JSSA’s Dawn B. Kaye, LCSW and the JCCNV’s Dana Chilbert, MSW. For a schedule of events, costs and more information, please contact Dawn B. Kaye at 703-204-9100 or visit us at www.jssa.org.

Get Connected: Adult Social Skills
For men and women ages 19-30 who may have Asperger's syndrome and are having difficulty transitioning into successful young adulthood. Challenges may include social or independent living skills. Participants learn and practice skills for making friends, initiating conversation, making decisions, expressing feelings, understanding nonverbal cues and managing disappointment.
Two groups available: Ages 19-26 and Ages 27-35.
When: Tuesdays, Sept. 16-Jan. 20; 7:00-7:50 p.m.
Where: 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax
Cost: $65/session (may be insurance-reimbursable)

Planning for the Future
A series of workshops focused on planning for the future of family members with disabilities.
Nov. 5          Legal Issues and Special Needs Trusts
Nov. 12        Financial Issues and Trust Management
Nov. 19        Care Coordination and Advocacy Services
When:          7:00-8:15 p.m.
Cost:           No charge.
Where:         200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Register:      Kate Wissman, LCSW-C; 301-610-8360

Educational Seminars for Family Members Caring for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Sponsored by JSSA, Montgomery County DHHS Aging and Disability and ARC of Montgomery County.
Sept. 23    Road Map of Services for Children
Oct. 7        Behavioral Strategies, Childcare & Respite Care
Nov. 5         DDA Basics
Dec. 3       Waiver Programs
When:       6:45-8:45 p.m.
Cost:         No charge.
Where:      Rockville Public Library
Register:   240-777-1216

Get Connected: Young Adult Social Skills
This group is for young men and women ages 20-29 who may have PDD, Asperger's or related challenges and need support in developing and maintaining positive social interactions at home, work and in their social lives. Role-plays and review of real-life situations will be used to teach and practice social and relationship skills.
When: Tuesdays, Nov. 4-Jan. 6; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $65/session (may be insurance-reimbursable)
Leader: Kate Wissman, LCSW-C

Support Group for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults Grieving the Loss of Loved Ones
This six-session evening group is for deaf or hard of hearing adults and CODAs (children of deaf adults) ages 25+ who are grieving the death of loved ones within the past two years.
When: Wednesdays, Oct. 29-Dec. 10 (except Nov. 26); 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required
Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; Voice: 301-838-4200

Deaf Adults Support Group: Lifetime Relationships, Lifetime Lessons
Support group for adults (ages 25+) to share their joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, coping mechanisms, and strategies for improving relationships. This group focuses on mental health issues impacting relationships, including but not limited to bipolar disorder and depression. Learn how to live for today and plan for the future.
When: Dates and times TBA; Email Lkatz@jssa.org  for registration. Pre-registration required.
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: $15/session (may be insurance-reimbursable; funding available for residents of Montgomery County).
Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200**Group limited to 8 participants.

Networking Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Caregivers of Persons with Mental Illness
This workshop is for deaf family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illness offering support, education and skills for family members. Topics include: gaining empathy; coping with mental illness, worry, stress, and emotional overload. Resource materials provided.
When: Thursday, September 18; time TBA
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required
Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200 

Deaf Parent Network: Internet Safety for Children and Teens
With kids on the front lines of Internet activity, it is important that parents and educators learn how to keep kids safe. In this free program, information and resources shall be offered. Topics include: online victimization and bullying, statistics as to where this occurs and how often; providing prevention strategies and practical tips to assist in keeping Internet users safe.
When: Thursday, Oct. 2, time TBA
Where: 200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville
Cost: No charge. Pre-registration required
Leader: Lizabeth Katz, LCSW-C; Lkatz@jssa.org
Register: TTY: 301-309-2597; V: 301-838-4200

View the Rockville Fall/Winter 2008 Workshop, Therapy and Support Group brochure. [PDF] For Rockville group information, please call 301-816-2633.

View the Northern Virginia Fall/Winter 2008 Workshop, Therapy and Support Group brochure. [PDF] For Northern Virginia group information, please call 703-204-9100.