December 8, 2025
Now available to a wider age range: Josh Noble’s Developing and Strengthening Friendships Class is starting a new group, open to ages 16-23. Classes meet on Thursdays at 5:30PM. View our updated curriculum for both classes here. Inquiries at connectedgrowth@drtobingpuente.com.
September 22, 2025
Interested in strengthening your relationship skills, or know someone who might be? Josh Noble’s Developing and Strengthening Friendships Class meets every week in the Union Square area. You can view our updated curriculum here, or inquire with connectedgrowth@drtobingpuente.com. Currently meeting Thursdays at 4:15PM!
March 21, 2025
Newly available: Our Developing and Strengthening Friendships Class curriculum can be viewed here! Inquire or sign up with connectedgrowth@drtobingpuente.com
January 12, 2025
We’re so pleased to announce the continuation of our Develop and Strengthen Friendships Class, in-person for young adults ages 18-30.
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW. Meeting weekly in the Union Square area! Inquire or sign up with connectedgrowth@drtobingpuente.com
October 21, 2024
Dr Lauren Tobing-Puente presented recently with the Manhattan Star Academy to discuss how to share diagnoses, explain neurological differences, and empower your child! Check out the short clip below, where she discusses Dr. Liz Angoff’s work.
August 6, 2024
Introducing the Growing Connections DIRFT Program! Are you looking for a low-fee, individualized program to support your child’s development? The Growing Connections DIRFT Program is here to help! Our program is designed to introduce families to DIR Floortime strategies in a fun, play-based, sensory gym setting.
What You’ll Gain:
Understand Your Child’s Profile: Learn about your child’s unique developmental needs.
Promote Growth: Enhance your child’s communication, interactions, and emotional expression.
Engage Effectively: Discover specific strategies to connect and engage with your child.
Ready to make meaningful connections with your child? Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Our first session starts August 26! Click here to sign up now!
June 24, 2024
We’re thrilled to announce the commencement of our Summer 2024 semester of Real World Socialization in-person for young adults ages 18-30.
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW.
Our first session starts June 27th! Click here to sign up now!
April 10, 2024
We’re thrilled to announce the commencement of our Spring 2024 semester of Real World Socialization in-person for young adults ages 18-30.
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW.
Our first session starts April 11th! Click here to sign up now!
March 15, 2024
We proudly announce our brand new Parent Support Group for parents of neurodivergent teens/young Adults/adults transitioning to life post-high school
This is a group for parents to gain resources and support to help them and their children navigate the world after formal schooling. This group will be run by Josh Noble, LCSW of Connected Growth and Wellbeing. Groups will be 60 minutes, held once monthly, with a fee of $35 per parent (or parent couple).
Our first session starts March 20th! Click here to sign up now!
February 7, 2024
We proudly announce our brand new 12-week DIR/Floortime program, Growing Connections!
We’re thrilled to offer an affordable and personalized program tailored to YOU, the parent. Our goal is to introduce families to the incredible benefits of DIR/Floortime strategies. Session 1 will run from March 4-May 20.
Click here to sign up now!
Update: The March-May slot is taken. June-Aug slot is still available!
January 19, 2024
We proudly announce the start of our Winter 2024 semester of Real World Socialization in-person for young adults ages 18-30.
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW.
Interested participants are welcome to register here.
January 3, 2024
Tonight marks the kickoff of our first Parent Support Group meeting for the year.
This FREE group is open to all parents looking for support, guidance, and a friendly community.
To secure your spot and get all the sign-up details, simply send us an email at connectedgrowth@drtobingpuente.com.
December 13, 2023
We proudly announce the start of our Winter 2024 semester of Real World Socialization in-person for young adults ages 18-30.
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW.
Interested participants are welcome to register here.
September 13, 2023
We proudly announce the start of our Fall 2023 semester of How to Develop and Strengthen Friendships in-person for young adults ages 18-30!
Interested participants are welcome to register here.
June 26, 2023
We proudly announce the start of our Summer 2023 semester of Real World Money Management Classes in-person for young adults ages 18-30!
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW. Classes are open to individuals of all abilities.
Interested participants are welcome to register here:
April 11, 2023
We proudly announce the start of our Spring 2023 semester of Real World Money Management Classes in-person for young adults ages 18-30!
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW. Classes are open to individuals of all abilities.
Interested participants are welcome to register here:
December 15, 2022
We proudly announce the start of our Winter 2023 semester of Real World Money Management Classes in-person for young adults ages 18-30!
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW. Classes are open to individuals of all abilities.
Interested participants are welcome to register here:
September 7, 2022
We proudly announce the start of our Fall 2022 semester of Friendship Classes in-person for young adults ages 18-30!
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW. Classes are open to individuals of all abilities.
Interested participants are welcome to register here:
March 2, 2022
We proudly announce the start of 2 new classes: an in-person class for younger teens in our Manhattan office, as well as a second virtual class for young adults.
All classes are being run by Josh Noble, LCSW. Classes are open to individuals of all abilities.
Interested participants are welcome to register here:
Happy New Year! Josh Noble’s next session of “Life After Graduation” classes, “How to Develop and Strengthen Friendships” is starting on Thursday, January 6, 2022! This class is open to individuals of all abilities (ages 18-30) and will support them as they navigate social relationships during young adulthood. Spots are available!
Great News! Josh Noble’s next session of “Life After Graduation” classes, “How to Develop and Strengthen Friendships” is starting on Thursday, November 4, 2021! This class is open to individuals of all abilities (ages 18-30) and will support them as they navigate social relationships during young adulthood.
Check out this episode of Oscar Segal’s “The Oscar Show.” Oscar did a fantastic job interviewing Lauren Tobing-Puente and Josh Noble about our roles and the support we provide. Check it out!
The Oscar Show with Josh Noble and Dr. Lauren Tobing-Puente (Part 1)
https://youtu.be/KblRrHjz_oI
The Oscar Show with Josh Noble and Dr. Lauren Tobing-Puente (Part 2) https://youtu.be/sXOeyGxs_QM
Great News! Josh Noble’s next session of “Life After Graduation” classes, “How to Develop and Strengthen Friendships” is starting on Thursday, September 23, 2021! This class is open to older adolescents and young adults of all abilities and will support them as they navigate social relationships during young adulthood.
Dr. Lauren and Josh Noble, LCSW are excited to launch a new “Life After Graduation” class for older adolescents and young adults. This class (initial session: May 6-June 17) is open to individuals of all abilities and will support them as they transition from the structure of school life to greater independence in young adulthood.
Our next Parent Workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 13 at 8pm via Zoom. We hope to see you there!
We are thrilled to announce our Annual FREE Parent Workshop on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 7:15pm via Zoom for families preparing to transition their children with learning differences from preschool to kindergarten during the “Turning Five” process. Dr. Jaime, Dr. Jennifer, and Dr. Lauren will provide parents with a wealth of tips and strategies for navigating their IEP meetings, determining appropriate school placements, and promoting their children’s transition, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here to register.
The next parent workshop in our Play is the Key series will be RESCHEDULED. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR NEW DATE TBA SOON held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 8:00pm via Zoom! Polina Shkadron and Dr. Lauren will be discussing holistic, child-centered, relational frameworks that provide parents with parenting strategies to address children’s challenging behaviors and promote their development. Please email: polina.playtolearn@gmail.com to register.
Check out Dr. Lauren’s participation in a panel presentation on Safety Technology for individuals with autism and young children. B’ZT Smart Clothing hosted this informative event which highlighted the safety concerns for young children and individuals with special needs. Dr. Lauren discussed the safety concerns that often arise for individuals with autism, young children in preschool settings, and parents of children with special needs.
The next parent workshop in our Play is the Key series will be held on January 13, 2021 via Zoom and will focus on separation anxiety, transitions, and behaviors, including within the COVID-19 pandemic. Polina Shkadron and Dr. Lauren are looking forward to it! Please email: polina.playtolearn@gmail.com to register.
Dr. Lauren and Josh Noble, LCSW are excited to launch their new COVID-19 classes for older adolescents and young adults. Check out the initial syllabus below!
The next parent workshop in our Play is the Key series will be held on December 9 via Zoom and will focus on anxiety, impulsivity and challenging behaviors. Polina Shkadron and Dr. Lauren are looking forward to it! Please email: polina.playtolearn@gmail.com to register.
We are excited to announce the start of a new virtual ongoing class for older teens and young adults! Dr. Lauren and Josh Noble, LCSW will be running this weekly group to teach individuals coping skills and ways of processing their COVID-19 experiences. For more information or to register, click here.
Stay tuned for information about our next group scheduled for December 9!
May 11, 2020:
Toni Tortora, MS OTR/L and I presented a FREE parent workshop entitled: Parenting During the Pandemic. It was organized by Moves and Motions Dance, and open to the public.
The talk focused on stress and strategies for routines and addressing children’s needs, and will be pertinent to younger children and children with special needs.
April 21, 2020:
Navigating IEPs and Distance Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic was presented via Zoom by Dr. Lauren, Dr. Jennifer and Dr. Jaime to provide support, strategies, and information in light of the enormous strain families of children with special needs are experiencing.
Topics included: (1) Strategies for distance learning (including related services) for children with IEPs, (2) The IEP process during the pandemic and how schools are proceeding with applications and placements, and (3) Strategies for self-care, time management, and balancing school and family life during the pandemic.
COVID CHANGES:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our presentations have smoothly transitioned to Zoom. We are excited to be able to reach a broader audience using video.
March 26, 2020:
Our annual presentation, Ensuring a Successful Transition to Kindergarten will be held at our Bayside office. Please RSVP to nnaposki@drtobingpuente.com.
March 6, 2020:
We were so pleased to present two breakout sessions at the 2020 ICDL and Rebecca School Annual Conference.
Dr. Jaime and Dr. Jennifer led an informative and very well-attended presentation on Safety Through Relationships.
Dr. Lauren and Josh Noble, LCSW moderated a panel of young adults with ASD: Passions Pursued: Neuro-diverse Adults Use their Interests to Promote Independence and Success. It was an inspiring and rousing event full of visual arts and two musical performances where four panelists discussed and showed off their incredible passions and talents!
Polina Shkadron, MA, CCC-SLP
presenting at Molloy College. December, 2019
Connected Growth & Wellbeing 