About us

In today’s world, parents worry more than ever about their child’s ability to be successful in social situations. With the addition of video gaming and social media platforms, children do not have the same access to in person social interactions. Due to this current phenomenon, many children lack the necessary skills to be successful when interacting with the peer group.

Many children suffer from issues such as social isolation, lack of confidence in their social abilities, and fears of being rejected. Not to mention, the latest quarantine mandates due to COVID have not helped children feel safe and ready to interact in their social world.

About us

Many children have challenges from issues such as social isolation, lack of confidence in their social abilities, and fears of being rejected. Not to mention, the latest quarantine mandates due to COVID have not helped children feel safe and ready to interact in their social world.

The good news is we can help!

Our social skills classes are designed to teach age appropriate social skills in an environment that is fun, interactive, and effective. Our group members are given the necessary tools to help them feel confident and ready to be a part of a variety of different social situations.

MISSION

Social Skills Training Academy aims to aid your child in developing the skills to acquire and maintain social relationships, which are the number one predictor of childhood success. Our group sessions cover a variety of topics that will help your child to feel more confident and knowledgeable when interacting in social situations.

VISION

Our vision is to ensure that all children have the necessary skills to be socially confident and knowledgeable as they go through each stage of their life. We believe that social skills are just as important to a child’s success as other needed skills. Because of that, we have designed a unique curriculum that focuses on the needed skills that children require to be successful in their social world.

OUR TEAM

Tammy Van Fleet,
PhD., BCBA-D

Dr. Van Fleet is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level. She is the director of Behavior Insights, Inc. and Social Skills Training Academy. Dr. Van Fleet has over a decade of experience and knowledge in the area of social skills. She has taught and guest lectured at major universities in the area of social skills.

She started Social Skills Training Academy on the premise that all children can benefit from having direct access to social skills training. Dr. Van Fleet designed a very specialized curriculum that incorporates age-appropriate social skills in the context of a fun learning environment where children can be successful.

Diana Pineda is the Social Skills Groups Coordinator and Instructor at Social Skills Training Academy. She has over six years of experience working with individuals ages 3 through 24 using evidence-based practices in the areas of social skills, daily living skills, functional skills, language skills, and academic skills. Diana works with a wide range of individuals with different learning backgrounds and needs. Diana’s focus and interest areas are building social skills and promoting social relationships in children and teens in a group and individual setting.

Diana received her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2021. She has experience designing and implementing evidence-based curricula and programs to promote various skills and working alongside families to further support the skills of interest and needs.

Diana Pineda,
M.S., BCBA

Erica Overton,
B.A. Psychology

Erica Overton (she/her/hers) is the Social Skills Instructor at the Social Skills Training Academy. She designs and conducts an evidence-based social skills curriculum under the supervision of Dr. Tammy Van Fleet.

Erica received her B.A. in psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2020, and is pursuing her M.S in Applied Behavior Analysis at CSUN.

In 2017, she began her career working with children and their families at a clinic-based service. She has worked with children ranging from ages 3 to 15 years old in both clinical and school settings. Within clinical settings, she conducted group and individualized programs that focus on language development, academic progress, and social skills. She also guides parents through training for advancing parent involvement. Within school settings, she has developed programs and collaborated with the school staff to assist in students’ academic skills.