Coon Rapids, MN · PEERS® Certified · Licensed Therapy
Evidence-based PEERS® classes and licensed therapy for children, teens, and young adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and related challenges.
A 4-week program for adolescents. Mondays & Thursdays, 10–11:30am · July 6–30. Each session combines skill instruction with structured peer interaction. Groups formed by age and development. $650 · Private pay only.
How We Help
The PEERS® program is one of the most researched social skills curricula in the world — developed at UCLA and used in over 35 countries. Our 10-week group sessions teach practical, step-by-step social skills in a small, supportive setting.
Classes run concurrently for participants and parents. Your child learns the skills; you learn how to coach them at home.
Group classes aren't always the right first step. Angie and Joan offer individual therapy, family therapy, outpatient counseling, and parent coaching for those navigating social challenges, anxiety, autism, and ADHD.
Available in-person in Coon Rapids and via telehealth for Minnesota residents.
Who We Serve
Diagnoses we work with
The Program
PEERS® was developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. It teaches the actual behaviors of socially successful people, broken into steps that can be practiced and repeated — not vague advice about "being yourself."
What Families Say
Parents have an opportunity to learn alongside their child, so terms and structure are the same. My daughter and I got on the same page, and it has helped tremendously! 10/10 would recommend.
Brad L.
Social skills were broken down and able to be practiced in a safe non-judgmental place with peers. The instructors were knowledgeable and flexible with our needs.
Angela B.
She learned a lot and has used the tools she has learned at home and at school. It was also a fun and encouraging experience for me to get to meet other parents who have the same struggles.
Amy B.
Our Clinicians
Angie Zachrison
MA, LMFT · PEERS® Certified Instructor · Board-Approved Supervisor
Angie has spent more than 20 years working alongside individuals and families navigating autism and neurodevelopmental challenges. Her clinical background spans individual and family therapy, partial hospitalization (PHP), in-home skills training, and autism-specific case management. She founded Strengthen Social Skills because she kept seeing the same gap: families who had a diagnosis but not much practical support for the social side of it. PEERS® gave her a way to close that gap.
She holds a Master of Arts in Developmental Disabilities and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, both from St. Mary's University. Licensed since 2011.
Joan Blackman
MA, LICSW · PEERS® Certified Instructor · Licensing Supervisor
Joan has spent her career helping children and families thrive, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity. Her clinical work spans individual and family therapy, autism-specific case management, and crisis intervention. She's also spent significant time training parents and caregivers, giving them the tools and language to support their kids at home — not just in the therapy room.
She holds a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2009. She currently serves as a licensing supervisor per the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Coon Rapids, MN
Peace Lutheran Church · 20 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Telehealth available for individual therapy, family therapy, and parent coaching — for Minnesota residents.
Space is intentionally limited to keep groups small. Once a session fills, we open a waitlist for the next.
Not sure which program is right? Send us a message and we'll help you figure it out.
Or call us: 763.250.1004
