Briana Steelman, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

Owner

I started JCZ Social Connections because I've seen firsthand how much neurodivergent children and teens want to connect with others - they just need the right support and environment to make it happen.

My Journey

My passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals began over 15 years ago in the classroom. As a special education teacher, I spent years working with students with autism in self-contained classrooms, teaching children with significant communication delays and complex behavioral needs. I led social skills groups, watched students struggle to connect with peers, and saw how transformative it could be when they found the right support.

Those classroom experiences taught me something crucial: social skills aren't just about following scripts - they're about building genuine relationships in environments where kids feel safe to be themselves.

Professional Background

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), I've worked across multiple settings - from early intervention centers to schools to adult services - always keeping social connection at the heart of what I do.

Throughout my career, I've:

• Taught in specialized autism classrooms for students with significant support needs

• Led social skills groups for children and teens across various settings

• Conducted assessments and developed individualized programs

• Trained parents, educators, and professionals in evidence-based strategies

• Collaborated with families to help their children reach meaningful goals

I've worked with students who were non-verbal finding their voice, teens learning to navigate complex social situations, and young adults building workplace relationships. Each experience reinforced my belief that every child deserves the opportunity to form meaningful friendships.

Why I Created JCZ Social Connections

After years in classrooms and clinics, I saw a consistent gap: neurodivergent children and teens often had limited access to social skills support that was truly individualized, compassionate, and focused on building authentic connections rather than just "appropriate behaviors."

I created this program to fill that gap - to offer small, carefully designed groups where kids can:

• Practice social skills with peers who truly understand them

• Build genuine friendships in a supportive environment

• Learn at their own pace without pressure or judgment

• Develop confidence that carries into all areas of their lives

My Approach

What makes our groups different is that they're designed by a neurodivergent BCBA who understands both the science of behavior analysis and the art of building relationships. I combine evidence-based strategies with a deep respect for neurodiversity, meeting each child exactly where they are.

Our groups are small (5-8 participants) and carefully matched based on age and specific social needs. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches - every group is individualized because every child's social journey is unique.

Whether your child is just beginning to explore friendships or ready to navigate more complex social situations, I'm here to provide the expert guidance and supportive environment they need to thrive.