Connecting Through Communication
Our Team
Dr. Jessica Jacquez, Ph.D.
Dr. Jacquez is an educator, program specialist, and special education leader with more than 25 years of experience supporting adolescents, young adults, and families across educational and community settings throughout Southern California. As Co-Founder of Connecting Through Communication, she is committed to empowering individuals with the social, communication, and self-advocacy skills needed to build meaningful relationships, increase independence, and achieve success across school, work, and community environments.
Her expertise includes social skills development, autism and neurodiversity support, transition planning, inclusive education, behavior intervention, college and career readiness, and program development. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement evidence-based programs that promote social competence, communication, self-determination, and positive postsecondary outcomes for individuals with diverse learning and support needs. She is trained in the UCLA PEERS® Program, Social Competence Intervention (SCI), restorative practices, crisis prevention and intervention, and behavioral assessment and intervention strategies.
Dr. Jacquez has served in a variety of leadership roles supporting special education services, program improvement initiatives, compliance systems, and strategic planning efforts. She is recognized for developing innovative social inclusion programs, expanding access to evidence-based social skills instruction, and advancing inclusive practices that foster meaningful participation in educational and community settings. Her work has contributed to the successful implementation of social skills and peer inclusion programs, co-teaching models, transition supports, and collaborative service delivery approaches designed to improve outcomes for students and families.
In addition to her leadership and program development experience, Dr. Jacquez has contributed to the field through research, publications, presentations, and professional development. Her scholarly work has focused on evidence-based social skills interventions for adolescents, social communication development, and inclusive practices for individuals with autism and other developmental differences. She has presented on topics including special education, social skills programming, inclusion, and collaborative service delivery, and remains dedicated to advancing practices that promote belonging, connection, and lifelong success.
At Connecting Through Communication, she brings a passion for evidence-based instruction, family partnership, and person-centered support. Her approach emphasizes strengths, collaboration, and practical skill development, helping individuals build confidence, foster meaningful relationships, and navigate social situations with greater competence and independence.
Co-Founder, Connecting Through Communication
Dr. Irma Breakfield, Ed.D., LMFT
Dr.Breakfield is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with more than 20 years of experience providing clinical services, developing behavioral health programs, and leading multidisciplinary initiatives across healthcare, higher education, and community-based settings. As Co-Founder of Connecting Through Communication, she is dedicated to helping adolescents, adults, and families build meaningful connections through evidence-based social, emotional, and behavioral support.
Her clinical expertise includes anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, neurodiversity-affirming care, social-emotional development, and family systems interventions. She has extensive experience supporting autistic individuals and their families through parent coaching, social communication development, emotional regulation strategies, and strengths-based approaches that promote independence and well-being.
Throughout her career, Dr. Breakfield has held leadership roles overseeing clinical programs, supervising therapists and trainees, developing wellness initiatives, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve access to mental health services. She is recognized for her work in clinician wellness, trauma-informed care, culturally responsive mental health practices, and innovative approaches to supporting underserved and diverse populations.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Breakfield has taught and mentored graduate and undergraduate students in psychology, counseling, and human services. She has presented at professional conferences and contributed to research and program development focused on mental health, resilience, wellness, and healthcare workforce support.
At Connecting Through Communication, she brings her passion for evidence-based practice, education, and advocacy to support individuals and families in developing the communication, social, and emotional skills necessary to thrive across home, school, work, and community environments. Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that meaningful relationships and effective communication are essential foundations for lifelong success and well-being.
Co-Founder, Connecting Through Communication