About Matchmaking for the Socially Challenged

Mission Statement

Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect, form meaningful relationships, and find love and friendship, regardless of any obstacles they may face.

At Matchmaking for the Socially Challenged, we're not just in the business of making matches; we're in the business of transforming lives. Through expert coaching and customized matchmaking services, our dedicated team is committed to helping all individuals who face challenges finding their perfect match.

We have been in business since 2022 and believe that finding love can be an insurmountable challenge for many individuals. Our founder, Jill Schieber, has over 40 years of experience as a Social Worker. We champion the belief that everyone, regardless of their social hurdles, deserves the chance to experience the fulfillment of meaningful, platonic, and romantic relationships.

What sets us apart is our dedication to serving people with disabilities of all kinds—whether it involves learning, mobility, psychiatric, social, emotional, medical, neurological, intellectual, physical, cognitive or speech challenges, our team works tirelessly to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect and thrive.

We aim to empower individuals to cultivate relationships that enrich their lives. With our guidance and support, we believe that everyone has the potential to find love and friendship, no matter the obstacles they may face. Join us on this transformative journey, and let's create meaningful connections together.

Meet Our Staff

Jill Schieber, LCSW, ASDCS

Jill Schieber is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist and has trained in matchmaking. She has worked in the field as a Social Worker for 40 years.

Having worked extensively with individuals and families of neurodivergent and developmentally delayed adult children for many years, it became apparent that making friends and finding romantic partners are especially hard for these individuals.

For the typically developing adult, meeting a romantic partner is often a difficult and daunting task. For those that are socially challenged, this can be close to impossible, due to their unique challenges and lack of opportunity. Many become isolated and understandably depressed as a result.

For these reasons, Jill decided to create Matchmaking for the Socially Challenged to connect people. She feels all people should have the ability to connect and experience healthy relationships, both platonic and romantic.

Jill is happily married for over 30 years with two adult children.

Karen Ottenstein, Administrative Assistant

Karen Ottenstein has degrees in both Communication and Psychology and worked in the Advertising business before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her two children. During this time, she became involved in her school community where she was able to put her administrative talent to work. In addition, she became personally involved with the Special Needs community. Feeling intrigued by her new knowledge, she became further interested in helping this population.

Karen is thrilled to combine her professional experience with her new passion, supporting and bringing meaningful social experiences to those having Social Challenges. Being happily married for 16 years, she is especially excited to work towards bringing others this same experience as well.

Kim Resnick, Relationship Coach

Kim Resnick is a New York State Licensed Special Education Teacher who has held various positions in the field for the past 25 years. Kim has actively coached the neurodiverse and developmentally delayed population in many aspects and is excited to now direct her efforts entirely towards relationships.

Over the years, Kim has particularly studied and become interested in the dynamics of relationships and in bringing people together. She also has been successful in setting up several thriving long-term romantic relationships.

Kim has been happily married for 22 years and has 2 children.

Rachel Kaufman, Relationship Coach

Rachel Kaufman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with both neurodivergent and developmentally delayed adults. Her experience focuses on identifying and treating the many challenges they face. She also has extensive experience with clients who face difficulties in connecting, forming and maintaining relationships. Rachel successfully provides guidance, support and counseling to those struggling with these issues.

In addition, Rachel has worked with couples helping them navigate and maintain their connection. She is passionate about helping people to form healthy and meaningful relationships, both romantic, and platonic and is looking forward to the opportunity to focus on this needed area.

Rachel has been happily married for 20 years and has 2 children.

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Matchmaking for the Socially Challenged offers matchmaking services across the NYC Tri-State Area, as well as nationwide.