Nice to meet you!
Cheryl Haiken, MSEd, BCBA, LBA, MFT: Behavior Analyst/Marriage & Family Therapist
With 38 years of experience working with children with special needs, Cheryl had the privilege of seeing firsthand the incredible progress children can make with the right support. In her current role as a supervisor to SEITs and overseeing insurance cases for children with autism, she focuses on ensuring the best possible outcomes for each child and their family.
She’s passionate about mentoring new educators and conducting workshops to help them build their skills and confidence. Specializing in caregiver collaboration, she understands the vital role that families play in the growth and development of their children. Over the years, she’s witnessed the rise in autism diagnoses, and while there are many resources available, she believes there’s still a need for more. She’s deeply committed to creating a neurodiversity-affirming space—one that is safe, engaging, and meaningful for children and their families to thrive and grow together.
With both personal and professional experience, Cheryl brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families of children with autism. Her perspective is shaped in part by her relationship with her grandson, who is on the spectrum, giving her firsthand insight into the unique needs of this community. Driven by compassion and dedication, she is passionate about advocating for and developing programs and resources that support children with autism and their families.
Michelle Yackow, MA CCC-Speech-Language Pathologist, NLA Trained Clinician
It wasn't until Michelle ran social groups for the Nest Support Project, that she discovered her passion for supporting children's pragmatic language (social skills).
First and foremost, Michelle is a mom of two young children. For years, Michelle only viewed her "speech work" through a therapist's eyes. Now being a mother, it is put in a whole new perspective. Ever since her first-born started nursery school, she has been assisting friends and their children with challenges that arise in the classroom. She became the immediate resource of support and now wants to share her knowledge and warmth with you and your child.
As a Neurodivergent Affirming SLP, Michelle is a firm believer that connection and trust are the foundation of therapy. With child-led therapy and a sensory perspective, Michelle has witnessed tremendous progress in her clients. She has seen firsthand how important sensory regulation plays a part in the therapy process.
Michelle is an NLA Trained Clinician who provides Speech-Language therapy to Gestalt Language Processors (GLP), as well as a Sensory-Trained SLP.
Marissa Wagenberg, Mom, Educator & Healer
As a proud neurodiverse mom of three, Marissa brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise in ADHD and autism. Raising her children has provided a unique perspective and led to her own realization of being neurodiverse. With a bachelor's degree in education, Marissa is equipped to teach and support neurodivergent children in meaningful ways. As an owner of Driftwood Day Camp and Miss Sue’s Nursery School, she is dedicated to creating environments where every child’s individuality is nurtured and embraced. Being Miss Sue’s granddaughter, Marissa is honored to carry forward a family legacy of guiding and uplifting young minds.
Marissa's passion extends beyond working with children to supporting the parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children. She strives to help them feel seen, heard, and less isolated, while uncovering the joy and magic in their journey.
In addition to her educational work, Marissa is a spiritual healer, family constellation facilitator, Reiki master, and natural food chef. Marissa integrates holistic practices into her work, supporting families in leading balanced, healthy lives. By offering a combination of practical resources and healing tools, Marissa aims to help both neurodiverse and neurotypical families thrive in all aspects of life.
Our Commitment to Your Child & Family
At The Social Lab, we believe every child is unique, valuable, and deserving of support that honors their individual journey.
We understand that children develop at their own pace and in their own beautiful way, and we celebrate the diversity of strengths and learning styles that each child brings to our community.
We are committed to finding the right fit for every child who comes to us.
Sometimes this means finding the perfect existing group, and sometimes it means exploring creative alternatives together.
Our goal is never to exclude, but rather to ensure every child receives the support that will help them thrive.
If our current group offerings aren’t the ideal match for your child, we will:
• Work collaboratively with your family to understand your child’s unique needs
• Explore alternative solutions, including future group options or modified approaches
• Provide resources, referrals, and ongoing support while we work together to find the best fit
• Maintain open communication about upcoming programs that might better serve your child
• Continue to advocate for your family within our community network
We want you to know that:
• Not being placed in a current group reflects timing and fit, not your child’s value or potential
• We view ourselves as partners in your child’s journey, whether that’s immediately or in the future
• Our commitment to your family doesn’t end if we need to explore other options
• We believe deeply that with the right support and timing, every child can develop meaningful social connections
There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to have you in our lives.
You are a true blessing to our family. Thank you for your continued support, advice and for always being there for us.
Many, many thanks for the effort and hard work you have devoted to xxx this year.
His speech and social development have reached a level I could not have imagined a year ago.
It was a real joy watching xxx practice things he learned in social group.
I have personally worked with one of the women who are in this group.
She honestly changed my life and my children's lives for the better.
Love, Love, Love her!!
I have friends and other relatives that have seen MAJOR improvements in social skills.