Who We Are
The Social Skills Center Associates
I have always been a firm believer that social skills are “essential” life skills – and that social skills correlate highest with success in one’s life – even more so than school grades. Meaning, you will have a greater chance of success in life if you have exceptional social skills. Now, I wouldn’t have the “Dr.” title if I didn’t do well in school, so I certainly am not minimizing the importance of a solid education. But, if you are an exceptional communicator, a great listener, and can network and connect with people, you are definitely going places in life, regardless of how well you did in school!
For all our parents out there (I’m one too – I’ve got 4 kids, all adults now) our goal is to give our children the greatest chance of success in life. And we do this by giving them as many life skills as possible, so that when they are 18 (or soon thereafter), they can “fly the coop” and have the foundation necessary to be successful in life. Social skills are a major component of this.
At The Social Skills Center, social skills are seen as important tools for personal growth, and we are committed to teaching these essential life skills. Our online social and people skills programs were developed to foster the skills using groups – for children, adolescents, and adults. Our classes can help people with autism, anxiety, depression or other challenges. We look forward to hearing from you soon and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
~ Dr. Christopher Haley
Owner
Dr. Christopher Haley
Dr. Haley is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience treating a wide variety of patients and diagnoses. He is the owner of 2 private practices teaching social and life skills – Psychological and Life Skills Associates and The Social Skills Center. His primary specialty area has always been teaching social skills and he currently facilitates 12 in-person social skills groups each week to children, adolescents, and adults. His most recent venture involved expanding The Social Skills Center’s online program to clients throughout the United States and Canada.
Training Director
Scott F. Miller, MSW, LCSW
Scott Miller is an LCSW and Social Skills specialist. He facilitates ten weekly social skills groups at our sister practice, Psychological and Life Skills Associates. He is the co-author of the most recent edition of Peer Process Social Skills Groups (2nd ed.) with Dr. Christopher Haley. Scott oversees the orientation and training of our Social Skills coaches. He is passionate about living life fully and believes that healthy relationships are the most important factor in living a happy and fulfilled life. Scott enjoys exploring Virginia with his wife and children, and skateboarding with his canine pal, Kaiah.
Coach
Kevin Haley, MS, LCMHC
Kevin Haley, MS, LCMHC has been engaging in social skills development with a broad range of clients for almost 25 years. Kevin specializes in strengths-based and solution-focused strategies to promote meaningful life changes in others. Through experiential and educational learning, clients are guided toward one’s ability to notice outcomes and obtain incremental improvements in social functioning. All of this occurs in a fun and dynamic setting meant to best enhance opportunities for all participants.
Coach
Jackie Scott-Bell, M.Ed.
Jackie Scott-Bell, M.Ed. has more than a decade of experience teaching social-emotional learning as a school counselor. Throughout her career she has been invested in promoting social skill-building strategies to enhance one’s ability to connect with others at school, in the workplace, and in the community. In addition to being a professional educator and social skills coach, she is also the author of Diversity is You and Me and Bullyanna (in which she received an Outstanding Book Award). Her writings teach the importance of good character and the development of positive relationships with peers.
Coach
Christina Scirica, OTR/L
Christina Scirica, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics but also works with individuals of all ages. Christina believes that social skills are the foundation of a successful, happy, and healthy lifestyle.
She takes a client-centered practice approach while collaborating to create a supportive and creative environment to help clients thrive to become successful.