I have always had a passion for children’s happiness, specifically understanding and learning about the elements that contribute to that. During my undergraduate degree, I volunteered at the Brock University Special Needs Activity Program, and it is here that a spark ignited my desire to work with children, specifically children with developmental delays and special needs.

It was through this volunteer experience that I noticed something special about the children attending the program; they were staying present in the moment, laughing and smiling enjoying their time with the educators and children around them. Sometimes when we hear the words “special needs,” we think of challenges and limitation, but my eyes were opened up to seeing children’s amazing strengths and triumphs as they adapted to their environment and were resilient in participating in the program with their peers. This volunteering experience was the spark that kept the fire going to continue to learn and work with children with special needs.

After completing my undergrad, I relocated to Australia to complete a Postgraduate degree in Education. I was chosen, along with 10 others candidates, to create a special education program aimed to increase engagement in children with disabilities through sport. It was during this program that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to working with children with special needs and developmental delays, and help those around them understand the multi-faceted layers of their behaviours.  

Following my postgraduate studies, I completed a 2.5-year Master of Science in Psychology, Health and Behaviour at Brunel University in England. For my thesis I was fortunate to work with Dr. Terrance Dovey who is a behaviourist and specialist in feeding disorders. The focus of my thesis was how to determine the impacts of environmental stimuli and their effects on feeding in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  During this time, I also started my own charity organization called Miracles In Motion. The purpose of this charity was to bring basic goods, education, and gifts to children on the streets, orphans, and those living in rural communities around the world. I began fundraising and before I knew it, I had completed several trips to Africa, Asia, and Europe to deliver first hand the donations and gifts that were given.

I started researching children’s special needs orphanages in Bulgaria, as this is my birthplace, I felt a connection to also make it a priority to visit the children there. The more I travelled to these locations the more I was amazed by the smiles that I was greeted with. I also took some time to travel and learn about the need for support in the orphanages in Africa and the poor communities in Asia. I undertook 5 trips to Ghana and Thailand and lead all projects from beginning to end. We brought goods and education to rural and remote areas, as well as donated gifts to children’s orphanages and those on the streets. I know that a child’s circumstances may vary, along with their environment and cultural background, but their happiness is foremost. I know this because we see that in their smile. I believe we have the capability to help every child find happiness and have better days. I will help you to find the root causes of the challenging behaviours through a child-centred approach. Researchers have discovered that it is important to make sure that your children have a happy childhood as it’s vital to their growth and development.

Through my studies, I became very passionate about meal time and helping children and adults understand what may impact selective feeding and picky eaters. To deepen my understanding, I have since completed training in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, Primary Care Triple, Group Triple P, and Stepping Stones Triple P; which are some of the most effective evidence-based parenting programs in the world, backed up by more than 35 years of on-going research. 

My behaviour consultations focus on and embrace a ‘whole child’ model of care. To better understand the root cause of the behaviour it is important not to isolate one specific behaviour; I strive toward a holistic understanding of your child. This may involve reviewing your child’s cognitive and behavioural strengths and weaknesses, as well as their social-emotional development, interpersonal skills and interactions with other family members.  

 Over the last ten years I have developed a special interest in: 

• Self-injurious behaviours such as head-banging, biting, hitting oneself  

• Feeding behaviours such as picky eaters, restricted eaters, moving from liquid to solids 

• Challenging behaviours such as tantrums and meltdowns 

• Sleep challenges and behaviours associated during the bedtime routine 

I believe my journeys across the world and education have provided exposure and cultural diversity and thus equipped me to understand the whole child. Working and studying in 3 continents over the last 15 years has prepared me to be sensitive to cultural diversity. My love for travelling is endless, and it is those moments that I cherish the most; they have allowed me to be able to offer socially meaningful goals to the families that I work with.