“How Do I Know?”

“How do I know when you’re done talking to me?”

While receiving instructions from her coach at Girl AGain, Maki, a recent college graduate, asked her coach to explain this to her.  Understanding other people’s intentions is especially challenging for people with autism. But at work we need to be able to react and respond to managers and peers in ways they expect.  Fortunately Maki has a sense of what she doesn’t understand and can ask for clarification.  She has a great desire to learn the social rules of life and work.

Dr. Sheri Baron explained the signs of conversation conclusion and then practiced several scenarios with Maki while she put together American Girl doll outfits for sale.  Sheri coaches Maki and 9 other young women at Girl AGain on Thursdays and Fridays. A key focus is perspective-taking.

Job coaches with expertise in autism is what differentiates our program.

Pat Rowan, LMSW, coaches several women on Wednesdays, with particular focus on teaching trainees to recognize their triggers that cause anxiety and prevent them from being effective at work. She also teaches trainees how to collaborate with each other.

In our three years, Yes She Can has served 26 young women with autism and related social and learning challenges.

Do you know someone who could benefit from our  program?  Share our Yes She Can program information.

Diane Annuziata Joins Yes She Can

Diane is a licensed New York State psychologist with expertise in child development and lifespan developmental issues. She earned her doctorate from Fordham University after completing a fellowship in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Disorders at the Westchester Institute for Human Development.   Diane wanted to donate her time and expertise to help our trainees gain the skills they need to be effective employees.

Know anyone who would like to be a coach?  Learn more

New Girl AGain manager

Chandra Russell joined Yes She Can as our assistant manager with the primary role of ensuring that Girl AGain boutique serves our customers who want gently used American Girl dolls and accessories at prices they can afford.

She works closely with our coaches and trainees to run the boutique. Sales from Girl AGain merchandise are vital to supporting our program. Chandra will help bring in more customers. This will provide more opportunities for our trainees to interact and serve customers, a skill they all need to develop.

Chandra has a personal coach: her 9-year-old daughter who is an American Girl aficionado.
Fun fact: Chandra is a reality TV star! She and her husband were featured homeowners on HGTV Property Brothers.

Save the Date:

It’s only a month away. You’ll celebrate your blessings with family on Thanksgiving. Shop for bargains on Black Friday. Get great deals online on Cyber Monday. And then, you can make a difference in the life of a young woman with autism on Giving Tuesday. More to come about Yes She Can’s plans to celebrate.

See us in action at Girl AGain boutique

Yes She Can trainees and volunteer and associate ready to help customers at Halloween workshop at Girl AGain

Come see for yourself how your support empowers young women with autism.  If you can’t come in person but want a glimpse, we can arrange a Skype meeting.

Girl AGain is located at 4 Martine Avenue in White Plains. We are on the street level of The Seasons condominium, a few doors from Pizzeria Uno. And just 1 block from The Galleria Mall and The White Plains Public Library.

FREE parking at The Seasons garage.
STORE HOURS: Wed- Fri 11-5, Saturday 10-5 Sunday 11-4