Village Glen

SUPPORT SERVICES

About

SUPPORT SERVICES

Village Glen students have unique profiles of strengths and weaknesses and, therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is critical to facilitate our students in reaching their full potentials. Deficits in social and communicative skills are the primary hallmarks associated with autism so early and on-going intervention is critical to our students’ success. Remediation of these deficits is addressed in a variety of ways including accommodations to classroom instruction and instruction in social skills integrated throughout the curriculum and co-curricular activities. In addition, a wide range of support services are provided by highly professional and licensed professionals including counseling, speech and language and occupational therapy as designated by the student’s IEP. The College and Career Counselor provides guidance and support to assist all students in their transition to higher educational institutions.

Another group therapy is our Social Skills classes. These classes are structured and are based on both evidence-based intervention strategies and clinician-generated materials. Goals are developmentally oriented and focus on developing an understanding of theory of mind. Understanding how other people think and feel is at the crux of being successful in navigating social environments, along with understanding your own thoughts and feelings. Social skills classes are formed based on age and needs, but are specifically for neurodivergent individuals who are desiring of making friends, are aware of their social environment and have functional communication skills. Classes are designed to be fun and involve both structured and unstructured activities. Parent feedback provided at the end of every session.

About

SUPPORT SERVICES

Village Glen students have unique profiles of strengths and weaknesses and, therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is critical to facilitate our students in reaching their full potentials.  Deficits in social and communicative skills are the primary hallmarks associated with autism so early and on-going intervention is critical to our students’ success.   Remediation of these deficits is addressed in a variety of ways including accommodations to classroom instruction and instruction in social skills integrated throughout the curriculum and co-curricular activities.  In addition, a wide range of services are provided by highly professional and licensed professionals including counseling, speech and language and occupational therapy as designated by the student’s IEP.    The College and Career Counselor provides guidance and support to assist all students in their transition to higher educational institutions.

Another group therapy is our Social Skills classes. These classes are a structured social skills classes are based on both evidence-based intervention strategies and clinician-generated materials. Goals are developmentally oriented and focus on developing an understanding of theory of mind. Understanding how other people think and feel is at the crux of being successful in navigating social environments, along with understanding your own thoughts and feelings. Social skills classes are formed based on age and needs, but are specifically for neurodivergent individuals who are desiring of making friends, are aware of their social environment and have functional communication skills. Classes are designed to be fun and involve both structured and unstructured activities. Parent feedback provided at the end of every session.

Meet Village Glen's

Therapists & Counselors

Rebecca Schneider

Rebecca Schneider
Clinical Director
Rebecca Schneider
Clinical Director

A Los Angeles native, Rebecca Schneider attended the University of California at Irvine to pursue an undergraduate degree in Psychology and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work. Rebecca has been with The Help Group since 1996 and started out working in the residential program at Project Six. She loves supervising new therapists and has always enjoyed working with kids who have behavioral challenges. In her free time, Rebecca loves to play tennis, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Jennifer Miskabi

Jennifer Miskabi
Occupational Therapist
Jennifer Miskabi
Occupational Therapist

Jennifer Miskabi was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She received her Bachelor’s at UCLA in Communication Studies with a minor in Public Health. She then went on to USC and received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy. In her free time, Jennifer loves to work out, travel, and cook.

Heydi Donaire

Heydi Donaire
Therapist
Heydi Donaire
Therapist

Heydi Donaire is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She first received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and continued to get her Master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization as a Family Therapist. Heydi has provided therapy in school settings and mental health agencies in the past and has been with The Help Group agency, as a school-based therapist since 2019. Furthermore, Heydi strongly believes in helping others through a collaborative and strengths-based approach in order to assist and support her clients reach their goals. She has an eclectic approach to provide therapy/counseling services and adapts her style based on her client’s unique needs, cultural differences and backgrounds. Heydi highly values knowledge and the education system and enjoys being part of the team to assist students reach their educational potential.

Cindy Sordo

Cindy Sordo
Therapist
Cindy Sordo
Therapist

Cindy Sordo is a Texas native and received her graduate degree in counseling psychology from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles. She is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and has been working as a school-based therapist at the Help Group since 2016. Cindy greatly enjoys providing services for couples, adults, adolescents, and children of all backgrounds and needs and is working on her national certification as a Therapist, as well as on building her own private practice.

Belona Hardin

Belona Hardin
Therapist
Belona Hardin
Therapist

Ms. Hardin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, concentration marriage and family therapy, in 2013. She has worked with children and adolescents for the past 7 years, providing individual and group therapy and supporting her clients with life transitions and interpersonal difficulties. Ms. Hardin is also a Certified Advocate, who has provided individual and group counseling for victims, empowering clients and increasing their self-esteem to overcome obstacles and lead a healthy lifestyles.

Ms. Hardin has been with the Help Group since 2019, working as a school-based therapist, providing counseling services to students with different social and emotional needs.

Karina Vega

Karina Vega
Speech-Language Pathologist
Karina Vega
Speech-Language Pathologist

Karina Vega is a neurodiversity affirming speech-language pathologist. She believes in honoring the differences of her students while helping them develop the skills they need to be successful in life. She has been at The Help Group since 2017 working primarily at the Bridgeport and Village Glen campuses. Karina completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Loma Linda University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her pets Stella and Pepperoni, camping, traveling, and dining out.

Roshelle Gen

Roshelle Gen
Speech-Language Pathologist
Roshelle Gen
Speech-Language Pathologist

Roshelle Gen was born and raised in southern California. She came from an immigrant family (was the first person in her immediate family to be born in the US, her family is from Ukraine). Roshelle speaks Russian fluently. She got her master’s degree in communication disorders and sciences from California State University Northridge. She has a bachelors in Sociology from UCLA and earned a second Bachelors in communication disorders and sciences when she decided that she wanted to become a speech and language pathologist. Since 1014, Roshelle has worked at The Help Group as a speech and language pathologist and loves the work she does. She is married with 2 kids and loves to go on road trips as a family. She loves nature and traveling. Roshelle also loves to dance and used to be an avid salsa dancer. In her free time, Roshelle enjoys nature hikes, watching tv and movies, playing games/doing puzzles with the family and relaxing with a good book.

Haley Feinstein

Haley Feinstein
Speech-Language Pathologist
Haley Feinstein
Speech-Language Pathologist

Meet Haley Feinstein, one of our fantastic speech-language pathologists. Haley received her Master’s degree in Speech-language pathology from Syracuse University. Haley has worked at The Help Group since 2018 and started at Village Glen in 2021. Haley aims to bring core values such as compassion to her work. She focuses on helping her students advocate for their wants and needs through their chosen mode(s) of communication. Haley also loves collaborating with her amazing colleagues such as occupational therapists and teachers. Working in a school means being surrounded by others who share the same passion for continuous learning. In her free time, Haley loves going for walks outside, yoga, cooking, and travel.

Therapy & Counseling Services

QUICK FACTS

Individualized Attention

to address specific areas of need

Range of Clinical Intervention Methods

to address social emotional concerns

Ability for Therapists to Work in the Environment

to observe and intervene with support of classroom staff

Language & Speech

services are individualized for each student

Apply

Meet Village Glen's

Therapists & Counselors

Rebecca Schneider

Rebecca Schneider
Clinical Director
Rebecca Schneider
Clinical Director

A Los Angeles native, Rebecca Schneider attended the University of California at Irvine to pursue an undergraduate degree in Psychology and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work. Rebecca has been with The Help Group since 1996 and started out working in the residential program at Project Six. She loves supervising new therapists and has always enjoyed working with kids who have behavioral challenges. In her free time, Rebecca loves to play tennis, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Cindy Sordo

Cindy Sordo
Clinical Director
Cindy Sordo
Clinical Director

Cindy Sordo is a Texas native and received her graduate degree in counseling psychology from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles. She is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and has been working as a school-based therapist at the Help Group since 2016. Cindy greatly enjoys providing services for couples, adults, adolescents, and children of all backgrounds and needs and is working on her national certification as a Therapist, as well as on building her own private practice.

Jennifer Miskabi

Jennifer Miskabi
Occupational Therapist
Jennifer Miskabi
Occupational Therapist

Jennifer Miskabi was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She received her Bachelor’s at UCLA in Communication Studies with a minor in Public Health. She then went on to USC and received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy. In her free time, Jennifer loves to work out, travel, and cook.

Heydi Donaire

Heydi Donaire
Therapist
Heydi Donaire
Therapist

Heydi Donaire is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She first received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and continued to get her Master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization as a Family Therapist. Heydi has provided therapy in school settings and mental health agencies in the past and has been with The Help Group agency, as a school-based therapist since 2019. Furthermore, Heydi strongly believes in helping others through a collaborative and strengths-based approach in order to assist and support her clients reach their goals. She has an eclectic approach to provide therapy/counseling services and adapts her style based on her client’s unique needs, cultural differences and backgrounds. Heydi highly values knowledge and the education system and enjoys being part of the team to assist students reach their educational potential.

Belona Hardin

Belona Hardin
Therapist
Belona Hardin
Therapist

Ms. Hardin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, concentration marriage and family therapy, in 2013. She has worked with children and adolescents for the past 7 years, providing individual and group therapy and supporting her clients with life transitions and interpersonal difficulties. Ms. Hardin is also a Certified Advocate, who has provided individual and group counseling for victims, empowering clients and increasing their self-esteem to overcome obstacles and lead a healthy lifestyles.

Ms. Hardin has been with the Help Group since 2019, working as a school-based therapist, providing counseling services to students with different social and emotional needs.

Karina Vega

Karina Vega
Speech-Language Pathologist
Karina Vega
Speech-Language Pathologist

Karina Vega is a neurodiversity affirming speech-language pathologist. She believes in honoring the differences of her students while helping them develop the skills they need to be successful in life. She has been at The Help Group since 2017 working primarily at the Bridgeport and Village Glen campuses. Karina completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Loma Linda University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her pets Stella and Pepperoni, camping, traveling, and dining out.

Roshelle Gen

Roshelle Gen
Speech-Language Pathologist
Roshelle Gen
Speech-Language Pathologist

Roshelle Gen was born and raised in southern California. She came from an immigrant family (was the first person in her immediate family to be born in the US, her family is from Ukraine). Roshelle speaks Russian fluently. She got her master’s degree in communication disorders and sciences from California State University Northridge. She has a bachelors in Sociology from UCLA and earned a second Bachelors in communication disorders and sciences when she decided that she wanted to become a speech and language pathologist. Since 1014, Roshelle has worked at The Help Group as a speech and language pathologist and loves the work she does. She is married with 2 kids and loves to go on road trips as a family. She loves nature and traveling. Roshelle also loves to dance and used to be an avid salsa dancer. In her free time, Roshelle enjoys nature hikes, watching tv and movies, playing games/doing puzzles with the family and relaxing with a good book.

Haley Feinstein

Haley Feinstein
Speech-Language Pathologist
Haley Feinstein
Speech-Language Pathologist

Meet Haley Feinstein, one of our fantastic speech-language pathologists. Haley received her Master’s degree in Speech-language pathology from Syracuse University. Haley has worked at The Help Group since 2018 and started at Village Glen in 2021. Haley aims to bring core values such as compassion to her work. She focuses on helping her students advocate for their wants and needs through their chosen mode(s) of communication. Haley also loves collaborating with her amazing colleagues such as occupational therapists and teachers. Working in a school means being surrounded by others who share the same passion for continuous learning. In her free time, Haley loves going for walks outside, yoga, cooking, and travel.

Therapy & Counseling Services

QUICK FACTS

Individualized Attention

to address specific areas of need

Range of Clinical Intervention Methods

to address social emotional concerns

Ability for Therapists to Work in the Environment

to observe and intervene with support of classroom staff

Language & Speech

services are individualized for each student

Apply

Village Glen

THERAPY & COUNSELING

Many students benefit from additional clinical services in order to fully access the curriculum. Village Glen recognizes this need and provides on-site, licensed and unlicensed clinicians who deliver pupil counseling services or educational related intensive counseling services as indicated on a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or private contract.

These school-based supports are provided during the school day which affords students the opportunity to learn and practice strategies within the context of a one on one or small group setting and then apply them in the school environment.  Clinical interventions are based on a range of theoretical orientations, including cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, solution-focused and mindfulness.

Clinicians work closely with faculty and staff to schedule sessions at a convenient time for the student. Students can also have the teaching staff contact the therapist if there is a need for additional support. If a student is in crisis, the teaching staff can contact the behavioral intervention staff, BCBA’s and/or the clinical directors to provide support to help the student de-escalate and be able to re-integrate back into the classroom or milieu. Case conferences may be scheduled with the treatment team throughout the school year if requested anyone on the treatment team. School-based therapists attend IEP meetings annually to review current present levels of performance, discuss progress on current social-emotional goals and develop new and/or updated social-emotional goals with the treatment team and school district.

School-based therapists work closely with the teaching staff and school administration to address a student’s behavioral and/or social challenges. Behavior support plans are developed if clinically indicated to address the target areas that are impeding the student’s ability to successfully access the curriculum. Therapists monitor areas of progress and modify the behavior support plan in consultation with the BCBA staff, clinical and school administration.

Boy in counseling
girl in speech therapy

Village Glen

LANGUAGE & SPEECH

Students with language and speech services listed on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) receive intervention by a licensed speech-language pathologist during the school day. Language and speech services may include articulation, fluency, voice, or expressive, receptive, or pragmatic language interventions. Language and speech services are tailored to the needs of the student as determined by the IEP team. Our speech-language pathologists work closely with teachers to provide a collaboration concerning the students’ needs. Depending on the area of need, the speech-language pathologist may use activities or materials from the classroom in their interventions.

Village Glen

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Students with occupational therapy services listed on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) receive intervention by licensed occupational therapists during the school day. Occupational therapy services may include fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, motor planning, or sensorimotor interventions. Occupational therapy services are tailored to the needs of the student as determined by the IEP team. Services support a student’s ability to participate in desired daily school activities or “occupations” and help children fulfill their role as students by supporting their academic achievement and promoting positive behaviors necessary for learning.

Boy in OT

Village Glen

THERAPY & COUNSELING

Many students benefit from additional clinical services in order to fully access the curriculum. Village Glen recognizes this need and provides on-site, licensed and unlicensed clinicians who deliver pupil counseling services or educational related intensive counseling services as indicated on a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or private contract.

These school-based supports are provided during the school day which affords students the opportunity to learn and practice strategies within the context of a one on one or small group setting and then apply them in the school environment.  Clinical interventions are based on a range of theoretical orientations, including cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, solution-focused and mindfulness.

Boy in counseling

Clinicians work closely with faculty and staff to schedule sessions at a convenient time for the student. Students can also have the teaching staff contact the therapist if there is a need for additional support. If a student is in crisis, the teaching staff can contact the behavioral intervention staff, BCBA’s and/or the clinical directors to provide support to help the student de-escalate and be able to re-integrate back into the classroom or milieu. Case conferences may be scheduled with the treatment team throughout the school year if requested anyone on the treatment team. School-based therapists attend IEP meetings annually to review current present levels of performance, discuss progress on current social-emotional goals and develop new and/or updated social-emotional goals with the treatment team and school district.

School-based therapists work closely with the teaching staff and school administration to address a student’s behavioral and/or social challenges. Behavior support plans are developed if clinically indicated to address the target areas that are impeding the student’s ability to successfully access the curriculum. Therapists monitor areas of progress and modify the behavior support plan in consultation with the BCBA staff, clinical and school administration.

girl in speech therapy

Village Glen

LANGUAGE & SPEECH

Students with language and speech services listed on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) receive intervention by a licensed speech-language pathologist during the school day. Language and speech services may include articulation, fluency, voice, or expressive, receptive, or pragmatic language interventions. Language and speech services are tailored to the needs of the student as determined by the IEP team. Our speech-language pathologists work closely with teachers to provide a collaboration concerning the students’ needs. Depending on the area of need, the speech-language pathologist may use activities or materials from the classroom in their interventions.

Village Glen

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Students with occupational therapy services listed on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) receive intervention by licensed occupational therapists during the school day. Occupational therapy services may include fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, motor planning, or sensorimotor interventions. Occupational therapy services are tailored to the needs of the student as determined by the IEP team. Services support a student’s ability to participate in desired daily school activities or “occupations” and help children fulfill their role as students by supporting their academic achievement and promoting positive behaviors necessary for learning.

Boy in OT

Virtual Tour

OF THE SCHOOL

Village Glen school
Village Glen Sherman Oaks Campus
Village Glen school
Village Glen Sherman Oaks Campus
Village Glen school with basketball hoop
Village Glen Sherman Oaks Campus
VG Sherman Oaks Outside
Village Glen Sherman Oaks Campus
VG Sherman Oaks Hallway
Village Glen Sherman Oaks High School Hallway
VG classroom
Village Glen Culver City Campus Classroom
VG computer Lab
Village Glen Culver City Computer Room
VG Sherman Oaks Computer Room
Village Glen Sherman Oaks Computer Room
VG gym
Village Glen Culver City Gym
Schedule A Tour
support services
Despite everything I’ve gone through, my counselors have stayed with me every step of the way.

– Ethan K.

The school is helpful at assisting students accomplish goals.

– Khari J., 12th Grade

I love to be a student at Village Glen West because I love going to school.

– Sergio M., 8th Grade

support services
Despite everything I’ve gone through, my counselors have stayed with me every step of the way.

– Ethan K.

The school is helpful at assisting students accomplish goals.

– Khari J., 12th Grade

I love to be a student at Village Glen West because I love going to school.

– Sergio M., 8th Grade