The classes will be held on Mondays at 6:30 pm, on the following days:

March 14, 21, 28, April 11, 18, 25

Open for ages 18 and above

For Spring 2022 we'll have two Relationshapes classes one for tweens and teens and one for adults. We have found that having separate groups will allows for age appropriate discussions.

A Program for Developing Healthy Relationships, Good Boundaries and Awesome Social Skills

• Presented by the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia
• Based on the Circles Program developed by James Stanfield, Stanfield Publishing Group
• Class Fee $100

The RelationShapes program explores the concepts of healthy social boundaries. Class members, who range in age from 18 and older learn how to develop closer relationships with some people in their lives, while keeping others at a safe distance. In class we learn how social boundaries work and have opportunities to practice these skills. 

For the Spring 2022 Relationshapes class will be offering a hybrid program, individuals can sign up to attend in person or online. The program will consist of six classes. The class time will include discussion of each colored circle in our “Circles Map”* and how these circles represent each of us and the people in our lives. We will watch short videos that describe how we develop and define relationships with others at work, home and school. In person students will be able role play different social situations. After the role play, in person and online students will discuss each scenario. The Relationshape Class is based on the Award-Winning Circle Program developed by James Stanfield, Stanfield Publishing Group. The “Circles” program videos explain social relationships in terms of colors and shapes that help us to identify these social relationships in our own lives.

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In this class, Instructor Sarah Schmitt and Program Assistant, Stacy Engels will work together to incorporate the best of in person and online classes. For example, during the online classes, Stacy created personalized Relationshape maps for each student, which gave the students something tangible that they could relate to their own lives. During the In-Person classes, role playing has proven an effective way to reiterate the concepts we talk about in class. We believe both the online and in person students will benefit from these methods of teaching the class.

Classes will take place on Mondays from 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm beginning on March 14 and ending on April 25.

In person classes will be held on the third floor at Service Source building - 10467 White Granite Ave Oakton, VA 22124. Parents will be able to wait in the DSANV office suite.

The instructor for this program is Sarah Schmitt. Sarah has always been very passionate about inclusion. In her current role as an educational and behavioral consultant, she provides training and coaching to better equip teachers and staff in the local school district in supporting diverse learners. She has a Master's in Education, has worked in various roles in education for 18 years and aims to work for everyone to experience community and belonging. Sarah also started a non-profit in 2018 called Witness to Dignity. Witness to Dignity provides training and resources for faith-based organizations to improve equitable and inclusive practices for people with diverse needs and abilities.