Awareness & Intelligence Mastery
At AIM, we teach children and parents self-awareness & emotional intelligence skills. The skills we teach allow you to minimize the impact of life stressors and adjustments, mental health conditions, medical conditions, and various disabilities.
Our program can be tailored for individuals, groups, families, and various levels of intellectual abilities. We implement a variety of engaging and dynamic ways to teach and reinforce emotional skills.
Education about mental health is a proactive and empowering approach to gain a sense of control over fluctuating emotions. The purpose of these skills is to help prevent the tendency to seek relief in self-destructive behaviors that lead to unnecessary suffering.
A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
The ultimate aim of the Skilled and Self-Aware student curriculum is to create a safe, flexible, and educational learning environment that is built on authentic connection and a deep understanding of each student’s needs. We are committed to providing an inclusive, supportive space where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.
With consistent practice and application of learned skills, increased self-awareness can lead to improved emotional regulation, stronger peer relationships, enhanced motivation, higher self-esteem, and greater resilience.
Our Trauma-Informed Education and Skill-Building Model
AIM is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations by providing comprehensive, trauma-informed education and support.
Our goal is to equip clients with essential skills and resources, fostering their journey towards independence and well-being.
AIM has developed a specialized trauma-informed model tailored to the unique needs of individuals who may have histories of abuse, neglect, and limited supportive resources. This strength-based model focuses on providing comprehensive education and guidance, utilizing the inherent strength and resilience of our clients.
Tailored to identify your strengths & deficits... to increase your awareness
Feeling Identification
Gain the ability to be aware and verbalize different states of emotion.
Feeling Intensity Management
Gain awareness of your variety of emotional intensity and how to move the intensity in the preferred direction.
Physiological impact of emotion
Gain awareness of how emotions and body sensations correlate.
Empathy
Increasing the ability to understand others in order to connect and cope.
Boundaries & Boundary Setting
Gain a concrete understanding of emotional and physical limits and how to implement in various situations.
Assertive Communication
Learn to express needs and thoughts clearly and respectfully in all contexts.
AIM Pediatric & Parent Support Team
Elizabeth Hanson
Elizabeth Hanson is AIM’s Lead Clinician of Pediatric Behavior Services. Elizabeth holds her Master’s Degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing licensure as a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (#ISW20919) through continued education and supervision. She recently earned her Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist Certification (CTRS-C) as she continues to build her practice.
Elizabeth has an extensive background working with children and adolescents struggling with attention deficits, anxiety, behavioral issues, learning disabilities, obsessive tendencies, oppositional symptoms, and social challenges (including diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and sensory processing disorders). She utilizes a strengths-based, behavioral approach to empower her clients to develop life-changing skills built upon the foundation of feelings identification and expression. She approaches every case with the goal of improving each client’s quality of life as much as possible through age-appropriate psychoeducation and customized treatment methods, including providing targeted parent support and Behavioral Parent Training to alleviate stressors on the family unit as a whole.
Here at AIM, Elizabeth has assisted in expanding the Pediatric Behavior Services division and, along with providing specialized services, plays an integral part working closely with Master’s Level Student Interns at the practice who have the same passion to meet their professional goals working with this unique population.
Brinley Tompkins
Brinley is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern with a passion for working with neurodivergent and twice-exceptional (2e) children and adolescents. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in May 2025 and now serves clients full-time at AIM Counseling. Growing up in New Jersey, she was immersed in a diverse range of cultures. Brinley later worked as a long-term nanny for families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Brinley developed an early appreciation for individual differences and the importance of compassionate, individualized support.
Brinley takes a strength-based, client-centered approach to help children and teens navigate challenges related to ADHD, autism, emotional regulation, anxiety, learning differences, and giftedness. She is committed to creating an affirming and inclusive space where clients feel empowered to better understand themselves, develop self-advocacy skills, and build emotional resilience. She also partners with and provides parents with support and behavioral training to offer guidance, structure, and tools that reduce family stress and foster healthy connections.
Brinley is currently completing advanced training in working with twice-exceptional (2e) learners and pursuing certifications as an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). She is dedicated to offering neurodiversity-affirming care tailored to each client’s unique strengths, needs, and goals.
Mariah Mahone
Mariah is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a non-judgmental space. With a passion for working with children from all walks of life, Mariah draws upon her multicultural background, which has inspired her to embrace and celebrate diverse perspectives.
Mariah’s experience as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) has provided her with valuable insights into working with children and families, particularly in helping them develop essential skills and navigate their emotional and behavioral challenges. This background, combined with her academic training, allows Mariah to offer her compassionate and effective support tailored to the unique needs of each child she works with.
In addition to her experience as an RBT, Mariah is committed to continuing her professional development and expanding her knowledge. She is passionate about making mental health care accessible and believes in the importance of holistic well-being, which includes mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
Mariah is eager to continue her journey in the mental health field and is committed to supporting her clients in achieving their personal goals.
Comprehensive Assessment and Individualized Support
Two-Part Comprehensive Assessment
Upon admission, clients undergo a thorough assessment to understand their current mental health, medical, academic, social, and developmental history, as well as trauma experiences and family patterns.
Self-Report Questionnaires
These evaluate levels of need in areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and executive functioning skills, creating a holistic clinical picture.
Trauma Trigger Safety Plan
We help individuals develop a safety plan that identifies protective and risk factors and outlines specific methods to help them regulate emotional states.
Goal Coaching
Weekly sessions help clients set and achieve personal goals related to housing, employment, financial stability, and more, breaking down objectives into actionable steps and providing psychoeducation for emotional growth.
Specialized Education and Skill Modalities
Trauma Education and Post Traumatic Growth Module
This module educates from a scientific perspective on how trauma impacts the brain and how this manifests in everyday life. Participants increase their awareness of how trauma has affected their thoughts, emotions, and behavioral reactions. Resilience skills are taught and processed to support initial steps in modifying ingrained trauma patterns, moving from victim to survivor with the ultimate goal of thriving.
Attachment and Parenting Module
This module educates and supports mothers in developing secure, emotionally attuned relationships with their children. Key topics include attachment styles, the impact of personal attachment patterns on parenting, and the importance of consistency, gentle discipline, and emotional co-regulation. Sessions offer psychoeducation, discussions, and interventions to foster healthy parent-child bonds.
Pediatric Behavioral Education and Support
This modality offers targeted, one-on-one sessions and family training focused on practical behavioral strategies. We equip parents and children with specific techniques for managing challenging behaviors, establishing consistent routines, and fostering positive communication. This approach integrates psychoeducation about developmental stages and emotional regulation, creating a supportive framework for lasting change within the family unit.
Psychoeducation Skills Module
This skill-based module promotes awareness and practice of the basics of emotional intelligence. Skills suchs as feelings identification, assertive communication, and boundary setting are examples of areas addressed. A strong connection and understanding of psychoeducation skills can minimize the negative impact of stressors and improve an individual’s likelihood of maintaining a more direct path towards their goals with resilience.
Specialized Social Skills Groups
Confidence & Connection Kickstart (Ages 6–8)
Led by Elizabeth Hanson
Give your child the confidence to shine and the skills to connect this school year! The transition to a new school year can be challenging, but they don’t have to navigate it alone. The Confidence & Connection Kickstart is a small, supportive group designed to give children ages 6–8 a fun, engaging, and meaningful boost in their social skills and self-esteem.
Who is this group for?
This group is a great fit for children aged 6–8 who would benefit from building social confidence and friendship skills. Participants have been thoughtfully selected to create a balanced and encouraging environment.
What Your Child Will Learn (3 x 90-minute sessions)
- Breaking the Ice: How to confidently introduce themselves and connect with peers.
- Understanding Emotions: Exploring the connection between the mind-body connection and how to recognize social cues in others.
- Building True Confidence: Helping participants identify their unique strengths and understand what it means to be a good friend.
- Friendship & Fair Play: Practical skills for communication, cooperation, and navigating playtime successfully.
- Solving Problems Together: Learning positive strategies for resolving conflicts and finding “win-win” solutions.
- Celebrating Growth: Reflecting on progress and celebrating new skills!
Middle School Ready: Confidence & Connection
Led by Brinley Tompkins
Middle school is a big step, and it comes with exciting new experiences, but also new challenges. Our group is specifically designed to help students feel prepared, empowered, and enthusiastic about this important transition. We aim to equip students with the self-assurance to tackle new academic and social environments, the tools to navigate friendships and peer dynamics, and the ability to communicate their needs and thoughts effectively.
Who Should Join?
This group is ideal for students who are currently in or preparing to enter middle school and could benefit from an extra boost in confidence, social skills, and communication strategies. If your child is looking to feel more confident, connected, and empowered for middle school, this group is for them!
What We Focus On:
- Building Self-Esteem: We help students recognize their strengths, build a positive self-image, and develop a strong sense of self-worth.
- Navigating Peer Interactions: Students will learn strategies for making new friends, understanding social cues, managing conflict, and handling peer pressure in healthy ways.
- Strengthening Assertive Communication: We teach practical techniques for expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully, helping students advocate for themselves.
- Confident Transition to Middle School: By addressing common anxieties and preparing them for the academic and social shifts, we help students feel more comfortable and excited about their move to middle school.
How the Group Works:
- Duration: The group runs for 4 engaging sessions spread over 2 weeks.
- Frequency: We’ll meet twice per week, making it easy for students to stay connected and build on their skills.
- Session Structure: Each session is packed with Engaging Activities, Reflection, Skill-Building Games, and Discussion.
Schedule a Free 20 minute consultation with the AIM Pediatric and Family Support Team
Learn How AIM Can Help With...
- Individualized Skill Development: Gain self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience skills tailored to unique needs.
- Parent & Family Support: Receive targeted parent training to foster healthy connections and alleviate family stress.
- Trauma-Informed Expertise: Access specialized education on trauma, behavioral strategies, and post-traumatic growth.
- Strength-Based Approach: Start with a comprehensive assessment designed to identify strengths and areas for growth.
- Expert Clinicians: Work directly with our experienced team, specializing in behavioral health, neurodiversity, and anxiety.