Hi! I’m the founder of South Bay Kids Connection!
I have been so lucky to have worked with and learned from so many different families, schools and cultures that have inspired me to create SBKC.
My career started at the prestigious New England Center for Children, where I obtained my Master Degree in Special Education, as I worked with students with intense needs in a residential setting. I continued my journey in Manhattan, this time working with the little ones in the Early Intervention program. After obtaining my Behavior Analyst Certification in 2000, I moved to Madrid, Spain where I served families as a BCBA consultant.
Since moving to the South Bay in 2010, I have had the great opportunity to work in and understand the school system inside and out both as a professional and a parent. One thing that alarmed me was that due to the school academic schedule, kids had very little time to hone their social and cooperative play skills. It was either structured academic learning or a free for all at recess time.
I knew I had to form a fun and welcoming environment that provided the right positive support for kids to develop and practice the critical skills they need to form meaningful friendships. Social connections are directly related to long term health and happiness and that is the ultimate goal of South Bay Kids Connection.
Diana Cortese
South Bay Kids Connection Founder
Board Certified Behavior Analyst