A clear place to belong
Warm, welcoming spaces where people are known, encouraged, and invited to participate at their own pace.
About SAI Connections
A community built around real belonging.
SAI Connections brings people together to learn, create, move, and grow at two Los Angeles centers — each shaped around the age group it serves.
Van Nuys is a recreational day program for young adults and adults. Glendale offers full-day and after-school enrichment for children. Across both locations, programs are social, practical, and designed for people of all abilities — including individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities.
All abilities welcomeEnglish · Spanish · Armenian
Two centers · one community
Life inside the programs
Many ways to learn, create, and connect.
Every activity is an invitation to participate — with room for curiosity, practice, creativity, and connection.
The SAI approach
Meaningful days start with meaningful participation.
Our programs are built around the moments that make a day feel purposeful: trying something new, practicing a skill, sharing a laugh, and leaving with a little more confidence than you arrived with.
Learning by doing
Art, music, movement, social connection, academics, and everyday experiences turn interests into practice.
The right center for each age
Van Nuys focuses on young adults and adults; Glendale focuses on children and their enrichment needs.
Our Story
How a small circle of Los Angeles educators became two centers serving every age.
How it started
One belief, a few educators
SAI Connections began with a conviction that a handful of Los Angeles educators and specialists refused to let go of: that children and adults with developmental differences deserve more than a waiting room. They deserve a place that feels like their own.
The first center
A room where everyone belonged
The first center opened with small groups, real materials, and staff who learned every participant's name in the first week. Families noticed something quickly — their kids wanted to go back.
Growing to two
Glendale for children, Van Nuys for adults
One space could not serve a seven-year-old and a twenty-seven-year-old equally well, so we built two. Glendale became the children's center for academics, art, music, and friendship. Van Nuys became the recreational day program for young adults and adults.
Today
Two centers, one community
Today our credentialed team works across both centers in English, Spanish, and Armenian, and families rate us 5.0 on Google. The conviction has not changed: everyone belongs, at every age.
What We Believe
Belonging
Every person is welcomed by name, and stays because this feels like their place.
All Abilities
Autism, ADHD, developmental and sensory differences — every activity adapts so no one sits out.
Whole-Person Growth
Skills matter, and so do confidence, independence, and friendship. We build all of it.
Small-Group, Credentialed Care
Small groups led by credentialed professionals who know each participant personally.
A Message from Our Founder
For more than a decade, my work has centered on one thing: helping children and teens grow — including neurodivergent kids and those with behavioral and developmental differences — in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and genuinely excited to learn.
That belief is the heart of SAI Connections. Our mission is to provide a loving, joyful environment where our dedicated team of experienced educators can do what they do best — nurturing each student's intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Every program we offer is carefully crafted to help students discover their interests and learn in the most engaging ways possible, at their own pace and in their own way.
Thank you for considering SAI Connections as your partner in your child's journey — a place where, truly, little hands make big differences.
Meet the Team
Credentialed educators, psychologists, and specialists — the people families meet on day one and remember years later. Tap any card to read a full bio.
Narine Mehrabyan
Founder & CEO
My career has been around children for more than a decade and I specialize in neurotypical growing kids and teens as well as with behavioral challenges. Our mission is to provide a loving and fun environment for the students while our dedicated team of experienced educators do what they do best. At SAI Connections, every member of our team prioritizes the development of each student's intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Therefore, our carefully crafted programs provide opportunities for students to discover their interests and learn in the most exciting ways. Thank you for considering SAI Connections as your partner in education — where little hands make big differences.
Anahit Cassels, M.S.
School Psychologist & Life Coach · Lead Coach, Transition to Adulthood
Anahit Cassels is a credentialed School Psychologist and Life Coach who leads our Transition to Adulthood program. She holds an M.S. in Educational Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, along with a PPS Credential in School Psychology — reflecting advanced training in child and adolescent development, learning, and social-emotional support. Anahit helps teens and young adults navigate IEPs, build executive-functioning and real-life skills, and grow in confidence and independence. She works with students of all abilities — including ADHD, autism, and learning differences — meeting each one exactly where they are.
Dr. Ashley Sparks
Instructor / Consultant
- IEP consulting with parents
- Multiple teaching credential through Cal State LA (K–8)
Dr. Sparks' decision to go into education twenty-four years ago stemmed from an authentic love for children and families. Throughout her twenty years in Glendale Unified School District, she has served all grades as an elementary teacher, at-risk teacher for 7th–10th grade, and an intervention teacher for English Language Learners and students struggling with Math/Language Arts. She has also served as assistant to the principal, including administrator on numerous IEPs. She holds a B.F.A from California Institute of the Arts, an M.A in Educational Administration from CalState Northridge, and a Doctorate of Leadership and Organizational Change in Education from the University of Southern California. Her multiple subject teaching credential is from CalState LA. In addition, she holds a Gifted Certificate, BCLAD, and an Administrative Credential. Her commitment to the concept of SAI Connections is fierce.
Anna Martirosyan
Instructor / Counselor
Ms. Anna is happy to be of service to you and your children. She holds an Associate in Science Degree from Glendale Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University Los Angeles, and a Master of Education Degree from Grand Canyon University of Arizona. Ms. Anna has clear Education Specialist instruction credentials with CLAD and Autism authorizations. She has been teaching as a full-time special education teacher in public schools for over 6 years. Before that she was an instructional assistant for another 5 years while she was completing her education. Ms. Anna enjoys dining out, reading, and martial arts. She is looking forward to supporting your children in every way possible.
Suzanna Tereyan
Academic Tutor / Instructor
Mrs. Suzanna Tereyan is thrilled to join SAI Connections Educational Center. She excels at motivating students and supporting their interests and hobbies. She holds a lifetime Education Specialist Teaching Credential from CSULA, focusing on students with learning disabilities. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in social science/history, a master's degree in World History, and TESOL & TEFL certifications for teaching English as a Second Language. With over 20 years of experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school students in both public and private settings, Mrs. Tereyan also enjoys writing poetry, drawing, and playing the piano. She looks forward to providing an exceptional learning experience and sharing her passion for various subjects with her students.
Jibid Cicekci
Licensed Educational Psychologist
- Psychological evaluations / IQ testing
- Individual and group counseling in English, Armenian, Spanish & Turkish
Mrs. Jibid has her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from CSUN. She has been working for GUSD for almost 30 years and has run her private practice for 25 years, specializing in Autism and ADHD. She also does psychological assessments using IQ tests, processing tests, and social-emotional measures. She enjoys traveling, dining out, reading, and fashion.
Vahram
Clay & Pottery Sculptor · Instructor
- Sculpting and teaching in clay since 1988 — over 30 years
- Former professor of arts, University of Yerevan
- President of Armenia's award for best ceramic artist of the year
Hi, I'm Vahram. I am a clay and pottery sculptor and teacher, and I have been working in this field since 1988, giving me more than 30 years of experience. I have taken part in exhibitions around the world, worked on many personal projects, and previously served as a professor of arts at the University of Yerevan. I have also received the President of Armenia's award for best ceramic artist of the year. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my grandkids.
Artur
Behavior Instructor
- 2 years supporting clients across a wide range of needs
- Studying nursing, working toward his RN
Hi, I'm Artur, and I'm currently studying nursing while working toward my RN. I've spent the past 2 years as an ABA therapist, working with clients of almost every type. Outside of work and school, I enjoy reverse engineering, full-stack development, working out, and hiking.
Two Locations
Two separate buildings, each built around the people it serves.
SAI Connections — Van Nuys
Young Adults & Adults
A recreational day program where adults build skills, creativity, and friendships — fitness, music, art, pottery, social skills, and a hands-on computer lab.
6614 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91405
Visit this center
SAI Connections — Glendale
Children
Full-day and after-school enrichment where children learn and grow — academics, languages, science, art, music, and group activities in a supportive space.
1754 Victory Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201
Visit this centerWhat families tell us
★ 5.0
rating on Google
29
Google reviews
2
Los Angeles centers
All abilities
welcome, and led by credentialed staff
What drives us
At SAI Connections, we provide the space, the programs, and the support that help children and adults of all abilities grow, connect, and belong. We meet each person exactly where they are — nurturing their individual talents, building real skills and friendships, and championing a life of independence, dignity, and joy.
Come see us — no cost, no obligation.
The best way to know us is to walk through the door. Meet the staff, see a session, and ask us anything.