Birch Family Services’ mission is empowering individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. To help fulfill that mission, Birch Family Services provides a robust training program for staff, parents, families and community members who wish to obtain specialized strategies to engage children, adolescents, and adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
We offer training on a variety of topics including autism and developmental disabilities, communication, behavior management, applied behavior analysis, increasing self-help skills, child & adolescent development, and community integration. In addition, we offer a monthly Family Support Group open to all. This forum allows for the exploration of different topics, a place to share success stories and voice concerns.
Register for Upcoming Free Parent and Family Training Sessions Below!
2025
September 2025
Understanding your child’s IEP*-September 25th at 10:00am
Learn about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how your child qualifies for one. This workshop will explain the parent’s role in the creation and management of an IEP, what it covers, and when adjustments can be made.
October 2025
Food Glorious Food*-October 10th at 10:00am
This Workshop provides participants with the tools needed to identify, understand, and accommodate the often unusual or limited involvement children with Developmental Disabilities and Autism have with food and eating.
Toilet Training*-October 24th at 10:00am
Gain practical strategies for guiding your child through the toilet training process. Learn how to assess readiness, establish routines, use reinforcement, address sensory needs, and accommodate your child’s unique needs.
November 2025
Transitions in Life-November 5th through ADAPT Community Network
(Time & registration details coming soon)
Cultivating a Holiday Routine*-November 24th at 10:00am
Participants will engage in a discussion to help pinpoint what are the most important aspects of the Holiday Season for their Family. The workshop will then provide strategies and hands on tools in order to help make a very hectic time of tear more manageable and enjoyable.
All sessions will be held on Zoom.
*Spanish Translation will be available.
Meet Our Instructors!
Margaret chiara, senior vp of workforce development
Margaret has over 30 years in the field of disabilities. Over her career she has had the pleasure of supporting individuals, their families and staff. She began her career as a Special Education Teacher and then went on to join a training department where she pursued her BCBA, NYS LBA as well as her education administration certificates. Training is her passion where she has the opportunity to meet new staff, work with parents and families and directly impact the individuals Birch Family Services supports.
lori volpe, phd., autism coordinator
Lori has 40 years experience working with adults and children with ASD and other developmental disabilities in educational, residential and vocational settings. In addition to her position with BTI, Lori has worked for agencies in the New York area developing and opening programs for individuals on the autism spectrum. Lori was trained in TEACCH at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a BA in Psychology from SUNY at Albany, an MA in Developmental Psychology from Yeshiva University, an MA in School Psychology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology both from Hofstra University.