FIT Programs

F.I.T. (Friendship In Teams)

Social Skills Groups for Children

FIT (Friendship In Teams) is a unique social skills program that offers children a chance to make friends in a fun, engaging environment. Whether a child struggles socially due to autism spectrum disorder, a learning disability, language delays, ADHD, or social anxiety, we offer a variety of programs designed to help build their social communication skills. As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch your child struggle to make friends at school or experience rejection from peers. In each of our social skills programs, our caring staff members help children develop valuable social thinking, conversation and self-regulation skills: the tools they need to connect with peers and form friendships. If you have concerns about your child’s social skills, please do not hesitate to contact us to find out if FIT can help.

A Word From Nicole Gerami

“When I first began working with young children, I realized that every child truly has a gift. Sometimes that gift is hard to see because there are factors that inhibit it such as echolalia, inattention, anxiety, and underdeveloped language. When children are taught in an environment that is fun, nurturing, and supportive, they thrive. Their gifts begin to shine through and that is the moment when they finally feel understood, and their parents realize that their child is not defined by their diagnosis. The FIT Program was developed in order to help children learn how to socialize, make friends, play games, and communicate in an authentic environment. Capable therapists and trained aides are there every step of the way to encourage and shape new skills. Our social skills programs are designed to help each child grow and thrive.”

Nicole Gerami, M.A., CCC-SLP

FIT Programs

By Age Group

Ages 4-6

DETAILS

Ages 7-9

DETAILS

Ages 10-12

DETAILS

two boys playing a game of chess together

Ages 13-19

DETAILS

Program Descriptions

A Variety of Options

Thursday FIT

Scheduled throughout the school year in three 6-10 week sessions in fall, winter and spring, this program is offered once weekly for 7-12 year olds and 13-19 year-olds. Each class is one hour long and includes a social skills lesson, a structured activity, and play time with staff support so that children have opportunities to practice the skills in an authentic environment.

Saturday FIT

Scheduled throughout the school year in three 6-10 week sessions in fall, winter and spring, this program is offered weekly for children ages 3-12 who are divided into groups by age. Each class is one hour long and includes a social skills lesson, a structured activity, and play time with staff support so that children have opportunities to practice the skills in an authentic environment.

Winter Mini-Clinic

Each year we offer a fun winter mini-camp to help kids keep their social skills sharp, their minds engaged, and their bodies moving over winter break. Children are grouped by age and enjoy exciting activities including movement, games, arts and crafts, theme-based literature, and social skills lessons. Kids participate in high-energy physical activity as well as time in the classroom to slow down and engage in language rich activities. Mini-Clinic occurs for 3-4 half days during winter break.

Wednesday Social Nights

This group is designed as a safe space for teens/young adults to hang out and make friends. Taking place every Wednesday night during the school year, this program rotates between Game Night, Karaoke Night, and Restaurant Night on a monthly schedule. For ages 13 and up.

Life Skills for Teens

This group is designed for teens who want to learn valuable life skills that aren’t always taught at school. Together we will talk and learn about topics such as money management, cooking skills, resume and interview skills and more. While focusing on these topics we will continue to work on social skills and tie them into real life situations. Please see our program schedule or reach out to the front desk to find out when this group is taking place.

Programming Schedule

Click the button below to see our programming calendar for this year

Program Schedule

Parent Testimonials

Hear From Parents Like You

Lisa L.

“FIT has been a fantastic experience for my daughter. Because of the program, I have seen growth in her language, social skills, and physical fitness. The leaders in the FIT program are well-trained therapists who have created a program that is fun and positive for each student.”

Rebecca E.

“The FIT program has been a great experience for our son, who has ADHD. He is learning important social skills and life lessons while being active, having fun and making friends.”

John M.

“We can’t say enough about how important the FIT program has been, not only for our child, but for our whole family… as we continue to learn about her amazing gifts and she continues to develop into the best person that she can be.”

Madhavi N.

“My son has been working with the staff at Nicole Gerami LLC for a very long time. He has attended a variety of programs including F.I.T(Friendship in Teams), FIT Camp, Adulting 101, and other teen programs. He has benefitted from these programs and Nicole and her staff are always open to our requests and suggestions and have supported us throughout the years. We will continue to work with Nicole Gerami and her team.”

Kate M.

“Both the weekend FIT group and Friends in the Forest have been wonderful experiences for our daughter! Nicole and the rest of the staff are caring and so skilled at helping this group of kids navigate social interactions and build interpersonal skills. This organization is a wonderful resource. We are lucky to have it in our community!”

Jennifer R.

“My son has been coming to FIT programs since he was about 8, and he is now 19! We cannot say enough good things about this organization. From the socialization help to just giving him a place to hang out and meet other kids, FIT is truly something special. We cannot thank Nicole, Maisie, and the whole FIT crew enough for the amazing programs they provide and the care they give!”

John F.

“Both of my sons attend Friends in the Forest summer camp each year. This is a perfect program for the socialization of high functioning autistic children. There isn’t another camp like it.”

Seneca L.

“My child has worked with Nicole Gerami LLC and her amazing staff for many years now. They have been with us through every step: funding, IEP/ETR input, service coordination and most importantly, the therapies and supports and FUN that my child needs! They have SO MANY ACTIVITIES AND THERAPIES TO CHOOSE FROM! And it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since we’ve last seen them or been enrolled–much like a friendship, they allow us to just pick up where we left off. The staff welcome us with open arms and warm regards and speedy follow through! I look forward to seeing my child working with and growing up with this program for many years to come! I recommend this practice all of the time! From the front-desk, to the camp counselors and program facilitators, to the leadership and administrative staff – I’ve been so impressed with the amazing staff at Nicole Gerami LLC and I am one very happy momma!”

Casey P.

“FIT has been such an amazing program for our daughter to work on her social skills and communication. The teachers have been so helpful with feedback and giving us things to work on with her at home. We are eternally grateful for this program and that it allows our daughter to have a safe place to work on these skills without judgement. She always loves going to FIT and hates to leave!”

Jane W.

“Our teen son has thrived by participating in FIT programming and direct social speech therapy. Not only can we see him directly applying the skills learned during sessions, but he also thoroughly enjoys spending time with his peers. His favorite night of the week is teen social night, where he can be himself without fear of judgement. He always returns home from his time with his FIT friends eager to tell me what games he played or what new fun fact he learned from peers.”

John R.

“The FIT program and team are hugely helpful not only with our child, but for us as parents and our learning. We have recommended several families who had similar situations and they have had the same positive experience. We love how caring the entire FIT team is and how they work hard to offer a customized experience that matches our needs. This is a top class organization that we’re lucky to have in our area.”

Colleen W.

“I have noticed my son’s ability to communicate his needs have greatly increased and he uses the skills he has learned from these groups to communicate his feelings appropriately. Everyone there is so accommodating and patient to his needs. He has the best time when at FIT programs!”