Associate Director of Social Skills for the Irvine/Whittier area, Gabrielle Hernandez has been part of Easterseal’s Autism Therapy Services team for more than 10 years, beginning as a Behavioral Interventionist (BI).
“When I think about why I do this work, it always comes back to one thing,” she says, “my passion for empowering people with social skills that transform their lives. We focus on everyday skills that can open so many doors and make real life easier. Seeing participants step into themselves with confidence is why I love this work.”
Evidence-Based Social Skills That Work
Gabrielle and her team support participants from age four through adulthood, focusing on practical tools that help them build confidence and form meaningful connections.
With a goal of graduating the program in six months to a year, participants attend one or two 90-minute social skills group sessions each week, offered in person or via telehealth. Sessions are held in a supportive environment with a 1:4 adult-to-participant ratio and focus on building everyday communication skills, problem-solving, teamwork, play and understanding others’ perspectives.
Examples of goals in a participant’s treatment plan include:
- Communication:
- Working well in groups
- Starting a conversation
- Using the right words in social situations
- Understanding social cues and nonverbal communication
- Knowing when others need space
- Emotional/Behavioral Regulation + Conflict Resolution
- Managing emotions/responses in challenging moments
- Handling conflict respectfully
- Adjusting when plans or expectations change
A Story of Growth: Marco
One person who made a lasting impact on Gabrielle is Marco, now an Autism Therapy Services graduate. She first worked with Marco in his home when she joined Easterseals as a BI.
“We saw a lot of progress with him managing his emotions,” Gabrielle recalls, “but he still faced a lot of challenges with interactions and, eventually, he joined the Social Skills program. After some time, I observed Marco learning how to maintain conversations and increasing his attention to group activities. It was a huge win.”
A Family’s Perspective
Says Marco’s mom, Tania, “With Gabrielle, it never felt like having a stranger in my home. She saw everything—the chaos, the reality of our life—and we never once felt uncomfortable. She became a part of our life and Marco really trusts her.
“I tell other parents all the time,” she shares, “if you think therapy can help your child, do it. It changed everything for us!”
Changing Lives, One Connection at a Time
“Tania’s family is one of many I’ve had the privilege to support,” says Gabrielle. “Seeing Marco connect with others, even in small moments, is why the work matters to me.
“Easterseals is more than a workplace to me It’s a community and a home. It’s where I feel supported in my work, where I continue to grow and learn and where I see participants lives change every day.”
