Cox, Shelley P.

MA in Psychology and Completing Ph.D.  specializing in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology

Executive Director
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"As Executive Director and Founder of Step by it is my honor to provide services for children and families. I have been working in early intervention, Social Emotional development and Family support behavior intervention for over 25 years.  I have three children of my own.  My oldest has a severe disability and has grown into a delightful young woman.  She is my inspiration and my mentor.  My dream for all children with disabilities and their families is that they are provided the information and tools needed to enable their child to become as independent and skilled as possible so that they may be an active participant in their community with friends and family.  It is my philosophy that learning is a life long process.  New ideas and applications of intervention strategies are being researched and found useful every day. There is no one right way to support children and families.  I founded the EDU-Play principles based on what I have learned from experts and families over the years.  EDU-Play is a recipe that may be flavored by different ingredients.  The foundation of the EDU-Play batter is the development of a trusting, honest, creative, playful, encouraging relationship.  Theory, knowledge and experience are the yeast that helps the batter rise to perfection.”

As Director of Operations, I work closely with the staff to manage the corporation and facilitating the health of our facility and the business overall.  I am excited about making a difference in children and families lives.  This work is so important.

"I have been Financial Director of Step by Step since the company started in 1998. I have a BA in Social Ecology from University of California Irvine.  One of the best parts of my job is helping parents regarding the services their children may be receiving.  I am also the mother of a child that was born with Developmental Delays.  He was lucky enough to receive Early Intervention services and is doing very well."

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"I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California at Santa Barbara.  I joined the Step by Step team after a major career shift and I have found it to be extremely rewarding.  I enjoy working with kids of all ages and feel grateful to learn such wonderful life lessons from these amazing kids.  I am working towards a Special Education Credential and then a Masters in the same area.  I enjoy working in our office setting during Social Skills sessions and out in the community in the Behavior and Camp settings."

I graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology.  I continued my education at Santa Barbara Graduate Institute where I received a Master's in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in pre and perinatal bonding.  For the past four years I have worked at Early Childhood Parenting Center in Santa Monica as a Child Development Specialist.

"I am a Graduate of California State University  Dominguez Hills, and earned my B.A. in  Sociology  and minored in Political Science in 2003. Upon Graduation I have worked with at risk youths in the group home settings, I have also worked with the Los Angeles County probation department in the gang units doing home visits,  and  I have also done work with the non profit organization Unity ONE  and Assemblies in Motion, both aimed at Gang Intervention. Since October 2008,  I  have been enjoying  working with Step By Step as a life skills coach and part time social skills teacher."

"I am the Clinical Director of all programs at Step By Step and am very much looking forward to getting to know all of our families personally.  My role is to support parents and caregivers through trainings, parent groups, and individual meetings as well as provide clinical training and supervision to our staff.  I will also be active in community outreach.  I have extensive experience doing clinical work with children and families from a variety of backgrounds and cultures for over the past 15 years.  I am Licensed as a Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist and obtained my Master's degree in clinical psychology with a child/family emphasis from the University of North Carolina and Bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University."

"I am a mother of two boys ages 8 and 4. I have, passionately, been working with children for over 15 years. I have been working with children with special needs 8 years out of that 15. Working with children is my passion.. I am excited about what I do and am currently working on earning a degree to work in the field of Speech Pathology my focus will be on both verbal and non-verbal children. Step by Step has given me every opportunity to develop my passion for working with children as well as a place to network with others who share and support my love for this work."

I have worked for the Santa Monica school district for over 29 years. I have worked in full day pre schools; school aged day care, one on one in a general education classroom, and currently working in a special day class in Santa Monica. I joined the Step By Step team in September of 2008. Here I will continue to learn, share, and gain knowledge about children with special needs.

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"I recently graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Music.  However, I have been working with children at Step by Step since 2001 primarily during Summer Camp.  I plan to continue my education by obtaining my Masters Degree in Music Therapy."

"I have been working at Step by Step for over 4 years I teach the Saturday sports class and work in the building during the week doing anything from fixing a table to teaching a class. I am currently attending Junior College and will major in psychology and minor in child development."

"I have worked with children for a number of years.  I worked as secondary care giver at the Growing Place at Marine park for 3 ½ years, and I’ve worked for the Santa Monica School District for 5 ½ years. I’ve been providing intervention in multiple Step By Step classrooms for over the past year."

In June 2009, I received my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and am an MFT Intern. I have received training from the Early Childhood Parenting Center and have gained valuable knowledge about the relationships between caregivers and their infants and toddlers.  I also taught ages 3-12 years at Play Mountain Place where I practiced conflict resolution and communication skills with children each day.  I have been working with children for 10 years in many different arenas. I was recently certified as a yoga teacher and have a background in art and plan on incorporating both of these interests into my work at Step by Step. I am very happy to join the Step by Step team as an Interventionist.

"I am a Social Skills Instructor as well as a cultural advisor/translator at Step by Step.  I joined the agency in September of 2008. I am currently completing my B.A. in psychology at Cal State Northridge, and will continue with my Masters next year.  I am also a local musician/recording artist in the Los Angeles area. "

I am an art student at West Los Angeles College and have worked at Step By Step since January of 2007. My experiences with children and teens with special needs in those two years and my work as a nanny for almost four years have opened new doors I never knew existed. I now know that I want to use my art to work with children, teens and adults with special needs as an Art Therapist in the future. I am currently completing a transfer program at WLAC and am majoring in Fine Art and minoring Socio-Cultural Anthropology.

I graduated from the University of Southern California with B.A. in Psychology. I have worked with at-risk youth in the outpatient day treatment program at Vista Del Mar, and with children in a hospital setting at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.  For three years, I worked at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University in the Medical Psychiatry department.  I'm currently finishing my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and as a trainee, I 'm also co-leading a parenting group at the Early Childhood Parenting Center in Santa Monica.  I'm really pleased to be a part of the dynamic Step-by-Step team.

"My name is Adrian Jenkins. I have been working with kids since I have been able to work. I realized early on that I have a passion for working with children of all ages. I love what I do and could not dream of doing anything else. I worked with a gang intervention program for the city of Los Angeles for about 5 years as a mentor and a tutor and then working with case management. It was very rewarding and allowed me to grow in my career interest and as an individual. I recently worked at Junior Blind of America as a one to one aid for children with special needs. Working at Junior Blind afforded me the opportunity to be exposed to the different spectrums that encompass the special needs community. I learned a lot about patience and understanding through training and working with the kids on a daily basis. I have worked with kids from all the age groups, backgrounds, ethnicity, and families. I have come in contact with the many issues that our youth and teens have to face on a daily basis and have developed an understanding and compassion for children of all ages. Through my years of experience I have grown to understand that children are the reason why I am here on this earth and there is no walking away from that. I am still very much a kid at heart and enjoy working with them. I look forward to working with your son or daughter and learning from them as much as they can learn from me."

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Family Sciences from The University of Texas at Austin.  I moved to Santa Monica in 2004 - I love biking and living by the ocean!  I now live in Venice where I have my own jewelry company.  I began working with children in 1995, as a camp counselor.  This early work experience guided me through my studies in college.  Since 2005, I have found great enjoyment in working with children with special needs and helping them reach their fullest potential.  I am very excited to be working at Step by Step in the the social skills program.  I am thankful for the opportunity to work with and learn about your children.

"I am a Behavior/Social Skills/ Early Interventionist working with special needs infants and their families for Step By Step EDU-Play Programs in Santa Monica since 2000. As the EI Field Supervisor, I will be providing supervision and training for parents and interventionists in the field for our home-based Early Intervention program.   I am certified by the American Montessori Society (pre-primary) and  a Certified Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) Associate (infant/toddler). I have been involved in early childhood education and developmental psychology since 1977.

Since 2003, I have been an instructor at UC Irvine Extension teaching “Infants & Toddlers: A Course for Caregivers” each spring. I also present at conventions and consult for teacher training programs nationally on methodology, respectful caregiving practices, special needs and other related topics. I have also had a private tutorial practice for older children since 1988 which offers enrichment and remediation."

"As a recent addition to the Step by Step family, I hope to be of great assistance to every SBS family.  As administration support, I can be of great service to you and your needs.  I would be more than happy to assist you make an appointment for a tour of our facility and learn more about our programs and services.  I hope to answer any questions and ease any concerns you may have."

"I have been working with children for 25 years now, but actually all my life since my mother had 14 children of her own.   This opportunity of having so many siblings has given me my greatest gift and passion of accessing children’s strengths.   One of my best friends as a teenager was an 18-year-old named Henry who had cerebral palsy.  I made sure he was part of our “group” and he was always laughing and bringing light to us.  He also became as mischievous as us (and his mother was delighted).

Presently, I am the Vice-President of North Bay Association for the Education of Young children (for 8 years) and a mentor and mentor leader of the Professional Development Institute and Early Pathways.  I am honored to bring special education to the forefront of our professional development organizations.

After working at St. John’s Therapeutic Preschool as a therapeutic child specialist, I was asked to take over a preschool that was failing.  After 3 years as the Director of Trinity Children’s Center, I turned the school around and it became a quality childcare center with 88 children and 16 staff.

Yet I still had this passion for children with special needs and the need for preschool teachers to understand, so I decided to start my own business working directly with children and families with home based early intervention and consult and support preschools.   I am especially sensitive to children who need extra support in their early childhood development. 

I am currently a Step by Step consultant (I was also trained by Shelley Cox at her first Edu-play at her home about 10 years ago).  I am also doing home-based behavior intervention with clients of Step by Step."

"My name is Kelli Mahoney.  I am originally from Boston, MA.  I moved to California after completing my BA in psychology at the University of New Hampshire in 2004.  I have been working at Step by Step for the past 3 years.  I provide Behavior Intervention in the schools and home, and Social Skills intervention at Step by Step in the afternoon.  I have recently begun taking classes at the California State University at Long Beach, working towards earning my Master's Degree in Education."

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"My name is Frankie Martinez. I have over twenty-five years of experience working with special needs children for the Los Angeles Unified School District , and five years working as a behaviorist/play facilitator with Step by Step. Recently, I completed a degree in Human Resources from the University of Phoenix . I am now pursuing my teaching credentials, as well as a Master's Degree in Special Education."

"I was born in Los Angeles, but spent my early childhood in Canada.  After returning to the States at the age of 6, I spent the next 8 years in competitive gymnastics.  I later obtained my Child Development degree from Santa Monica College, and a Wardrobe Certificate from Cosmetology school.  I have worked with special needs kids in a number of places.  I worked at Therapy West as an assistant to the therapists; Broadway Gym where I worked as a shadow teacher with special needs kids; taught Gymnastics and worked as a preschool teacher at La Tijera Center for Children; and was a preschool teacher at University Parents Nursery school (UCLA affiliated).  I have also worked with special needs adults in Life Management where I taught them about wardrobe and makeup.  I joined the step by Step staff in February 2009, and I am very happy to be working with the kids and families here.  I am looking forward to working with you."

"I have experience working with children in the home and in preschool settings, and have been working for Step by Step for almost one year.  I work primarily with infants and toddlers, and am dedicated to the families I serve."

"I work as a Play Facilitator in the After School Enrichment Program at Step by Step.   I enjoy helping children interact and play.   I believe it is always important to show respect for children and families."

"I believe that being the parent of a son with a severe learning disability has given me the experience, patience, and a love needed for working with children with special needs.   I am confident working with children of all ages, and always enjoy a challenge."

"I have worked with children since 1989 as a play therapist, behavioral interventionist, and social skills facilitator.  I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist, and have my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology."

I have been working with children with special needs for 7 years. I worked as a behavioral and early interventionist providing 1-on-1. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and excel. The philosophy of on-going collaboration between parent/caregiver and provider is of “utmost” importance and is necessary for the effectiveness of the intervention. I have learned so much since joining Step by Step family. I am proud and grateful to be a part of this dynamic and exceptional group of professionals!"

"I am a graduate of Antioch University with a Masters in Psychology and previously spent time doing licensure hours at educational facilities on the Westside: The Poseidon School and ECPC (The Early Childhood Parenting Center). I also have a strong interest in art and achieved a BS degree in Industrial Design and a BFA in Sculpture. At Warner Bros. Licensing division, I developed the Looney Tune Babies."

"I have been working with children for over 7 years. At Leo Politi Elementary, I garnered experience with grades kindergarten through 5th, and at The Growing Place in Marine Park, I worked with children whose ages ranged from 3 months to 5 years.  I am  excited about being part of the “Step by Step family” and building great relationships with the children, parents and staff. "

"I am a Human Development major at Pacific Oaks College with a minor in Developmental Education. I have been working with young children and their families for ten years with an emphasis on relationship-based play, strong foundations for early literacy, conflict resolution, diversity, and visual and performing arts. I am excited to be part of the Step By Step Early Intervention and Social Skills teams and looking forward to developing meaningful relationships with the Step By Step children and families. I am also working towards becoming a state certified addiction treatment counselor."

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"I have been in the field of early childhood education for two years, working as a Teacher Assistant at a preschool. At Santa Monica College, I completed and graduated from the Early Childhood Education program. I am continuing my education, and I plan to transfer to Cal State Northridge to pursue my bachelor’s degree in child development or psychology.   I have been a Social Skills Interventionist at Step By Step on Saturdays, where I have been given the opportunity to design the Music and Movement class. I recently joined the Early Intervention Program onsite.  I thoroughly enjoy singing, dancing, and doing art projects with the children."

"I have been with Step by Step from almost the beginning.  I participated in the very first EDU-Play training.  During the day I work at a private preschool.  I provide Social Skills intervention and enjoy teaching cooking and gardening  to all children.  I am currently completing my BA in Child Development."

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