Shirley Aninias, M.A., TSHH

Shirley received her Master’s degree in Special Education (specializing in behavioral disorders) from Teacher’s College at Columbia University and her
undergraduate degree in Communications Disorders was obtained at Kean University. Her career began in the New York City public school system teaching learning disabled elementary students. She later accepted a position as a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) and worked with developmentally delayed children aged 0-5 years at YAI/NYL Lifestart, a New York City based not for profit organization. Shirley went on to become a lead ABA SEIT whose responsibilities consisted of designing individualized home and school curriculum and leading educational teams for early intervention and preschool cases. She worked intensively with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to design effective programs for each of her students. In addition to being a SEIT, she also provided 1:1 support for students attending mainstream preschools. Shirley then took on a supervisory role at YAI/NYL Lifestart as an ABA field specialist. As a Specialist, Shirley supervised home and school based cases for early intervention and preschool students for the Lifestart Program. Shirley’s passion for teaching, and a desire to share her innovative I LEARN THROUGH PLAY™ approach to social skills development, led to the creation of Ready, Set, Play! in 2007. Ready, Set, Play! is a therapeutic social skills playgroup for children with special needs in NYC. Shirley currently offers two programs through Ready, Set, Play!, afterschool playgroups and social skills classes. Shirley continues to consult with families, provide private home/school-based therapy for children, and develop new and innovating teaching methods for Ready, Set, Play!’s I LEARN- THROUGH-PLAY™ approach. In 2010, Shirley accepted a position at Queens College as an adjunct professor teaching graduate students in the Educational and Community Program in Special Education. Shirley currently resides in Long Island with her husband and son.