Nadine and Donna not only teach kids how to make and keep friends, they ARE friends! Here is their story and more about who they are and how it all came to be!

The Two Friends of How to Make & Keep Friends
Some say it as if the two of them may have been separated at birth. Two friends with similar values, approaches, and style. In many ways, they are seen as being essentially interchangeable. They are the friends behind How to Make and Keep Friends.

Over a decade ago, Nadine contacted Donna to enroll her daughter, Megan, who has Down syndrome, in Donna's friendship program.  Upon meeting each other, it didn't take long for these two to realize how much they had in common.  Both realized that they thought very similarly about many of the same topics.  Nadine had created social discussion cards and was nervous to ask Donna if she would look at the cards and give her opinion.  Donna readily agreed and loved the cards.  At that point, they both knew that they would be working together at some point but didn't know how or when.  Now, as they co-write books together, you would not be able to detect where one of them stopped writing and the other began. 

After many years and many projects together, the partnership is stronger than ever.  Any bumps they have encountered along the way were worked using the very same strategies that they teach kids to use. 

Nadine and Donna brainstorm books and projects, get excited about each other's ideas, support each other's families, pick the other up when one is feeling down.  And laugh...a lot.

The duo also have many more books and projects in the works and are as passionate as ever to help kids make and keep friends.

See more about Donna and Nadine's individual social skills center below. 
Donna Shea, Director

Donna Shea is the D irector of The Peter Pan Center for Social Emotional Growth. Donna  is a Socia-Emotional Education Specialist holding a degree in Behavioral Science from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Since founding the Peter Pan Center in 2002, she has passionately worked to address the needs of children who are struggling with behavior and social challenges. Donna brings 29 years of life experience to her work as a parent of two sons with ADHD, anxiety and sensory challenges.  

Donna is a consultant to schools, parent groups, and human service agencies. She is a seasoned public speaker and travels to bring workshops to groups and venues outside the local area. She has a certification in bullying prevention through the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center. 

The Peter Pan Center for Social & Emotional Growth
629 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 201
Boxborough, MA  01719
978/413-1965
dshea@peterpancenter.com

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When she's not working, Donna hikes and teaches ballroom, swing and line dancing. Her sons (in the middle picture) are Aaron (26) on the left and Dan (29) on the right.


Nadine Briggs

Nadine is the Director of Simply Social Kids, a division of Simply Social Skills, LLC, is an accomplished social educator. Nadine has expertise and certifications in bullying and cyberbullying prevention and sibling relationships (Sibshops). She has dual graduate certifications in Coaching Children & Teens and Coaching Children & Teens with ADHD.  Her training includes collaborative problem solving to teach children conflict resolution and by the Child Anxiety Network at Boston University to teach kids how to manage stress. She infuses elements of positive psychology throughout her programs.

Nadine's oldest child has Down syndrome which drives her personal passion for helping kids find true friendships.  She facilitates social skills groups, Sibshops, bullying prevention programs, and she also offers specialized clubs for coping with anxiety and improving self-esteem.

Simply Social Kids
One Industrial Way, Unit 4
Tyngsborough, MA  01879
978/764-2758
nbriggs@simplysocialkids.com

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When she's not working, Nadine is an avid poker player and loves to snuggle her puppy friend Sadie. Nadine's family is husband Jeff, Megan (19) and Trent (16).

How to Make & Keep Friends, LLC

Nadine Briggs & Donna Shea
Managing Partners
How to Make & Keep Friends, LLC
P.O. Box 312
Harvard, MA  01451
978/764-2758 (Nadine)
978/413-1965 (Donna)
howtomakeandkeepfriends@gmail.com

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Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs | How to Make & Keep Friends, LLC
howtomakeandkeepfriends@gmail.com | www.howtomakeandkeepfriends.com