Spark Psycho-Social Skills Program:
A Unique Neurotypical Mentoring Approach
Spark is a weekly inclusive, mentoring program for young people—whether neurotypical, on the autism spectrum, or with developmental delays. In structured, supportive group therapy, participants build social skills, impulse control, emotional awareness, and self-confidence.
Each session pairs participants with trained volunteer mentors who act as buddies and role models, creating a safe, fun space for learning and connection. Activities include art, games, and our signature “Sparkinator” discussion to explore emotions, relationships, and coping strategies.
Join us every Wednesday after school—enroll your child or volunteer as a Spark Mentor today!
What is Spark?
Spark is a weekly supportive mentoring and group therapy program, and the main focus of what we do here at The Sherkow Center. It is uniquely designed to address the personal needs of each client, including those who may be neurotypical, anywhere on the autism spectrum, or developmentally delayed. Spark aims to help all youngsters improve socialization skills, executive function, impulse control, anger management, and to learn about their bodies and minds. Spark offers an opportunity to learn and hone conversational skills, and ultimately expand creative horizons while reinforcing empathy and engagement. Spark also prepares youngsters for events in the practical world, through presenting projects to a group, and practicing sharing and politeness with others.
Who are Spark Mentors?
Within each Spark group, volunteer peer Mentors are paired with each client, and serve as a buddy, social model, and friend. These volunteers are most often high-school age students from the surrounding community and partnered schools. Individually pairing mentors and clients allows for the formation of a unique bond and atmosphere of trust. Both volunteers and clients participate in all activities as peers, from whole group conversations to individual creative projects.
What do we do at Spark?
We typically have an art activity, a unique game or sport, and finally a more psychological and socially-oriented "Sparkinator" segment, which covers a range of activities that touch on emotions. Our goal for every "Sparkinator" is to work on relationships and sharing within the group, on coping strategies for strange or challenging situations, and on learning how to understand others mental states.
Schedule and Placement
We have two sessions every Wednesday, one at 4:15pm and one at 5:30pm. Spark welcomes participants of ages 6 - 17. Each client will be evaluated and placed in the group that best supports them. In the service of personalizing placement, Susan P. Sherkow, M.D., and our group leaders, meet with every child or teen who is interested in joining, as well as their parents, before they are assigned to a group.
Fees and Scholarships
The standard rate for a semester of spark is $2025, or $225 per session. If this is not feasible for your family, please inquire about Spark scholarships during your initial complimentary consultation, or indicate that you are seeking a scholarship when you submit the interest form. We are a non-profit organization, and our first priority is getting every child the help they need, regardless of financial circumstances.
When:
3 Semesters per year
Every Wednesday
1st Session 4:15pm to 5pm
2nd Session 5:30pm to 6:15pm
Where:
9 East 93rd Street
(between Fifth
& Madison Avenue),
New York, NY 10128
To Enroll:
For more information or to arrange a complimentary Spark consultation, please contact us at by phone at 212-722-0090, or by email at thesherkowcenter@gmail.com
What Parents Are Saying About Spark
““… I usually assume Ruby’s profound enthusiasm for SPARK must speak for itself, but we so appreciate Dr. Sherkow and everyone involved with SPARK for their understanding, intelligence, commitment, enthusiasm, energy and thoughtfulness with every session.
Through Dr. Sherkow’s psychoanalytic approach, Ruby’s ability to understand her emotions, express herself and participate more with those around her has blossomed. We will always be grateful.”
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