University of Ulster, Jordanstown (Northern Ireland) – Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)

Niamh graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and has been living in Singapore for over 9 years. During this time, she has worked within a number of private clinics in Singapore, her roles include Clinic Manager of a centre based extensive MDT team and Lead Principal Occupational Therapist at Thomson Paediatric Centre. Niamh has vast Paediatric clinical experience working both in Ireland and Singapore. During Niamh’s practice she has worked with children with multiple developmental and physical needs. Niamh has clinically managed a caseload ranging in age, from infants to teenagers and young adults. This caseload has presented with various clinical needs including sensory processing difficulties, feeding challenges and various motor and learning challenges. Niamh is focused on a holistic therapy approach with a therapeutic focus on supporting a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Niamh has conducted a number of presentations and trainings in Singapore at the SENIA and early childhood conferences, alongside various international/local schools, and polytechnics. Niamh has also provided a number of parent trainings and workshops.

Niamh believes that children, parents, and paediatric providers must work together as a team to provide excellent paediatric healthcare. To ensure that children are provided with the best care possible, it is her passion to remain current with the latest paediatric developments and approaches to children's health.

Ayres Sensory Integration

Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)

Certified DIRFloortime Provider

SOS feeding

Beckman Oral Motor

MORE Feeding

Reflex integration

Rhythmical Movement Training

Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)

Interactive Metronome

Therapeutic Listening

Trauma Informed Intervention

Attention Autism

DMI Certified

Glasgow Caledonian University - Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

Nanyang Polytechnic - Diploma with Merits in Occupational Therapy

Monica graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has over 8 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in Singapore. She began her career working in an acute hospital and subsequently in the community with extensive rehabilitation experience in general medicine, geriatric medicine, orthopaedics and neurology. In her practice in community based neurological rehabilitation, she has experience working with clients from a wide age range and with complex physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial needs. Monica is a strong advocate for person-centred practice and empowerment of persons with disabilities, she has contributed as a speaker in numerous training events including events organised by the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists (SAOT) and the Postgraduate Allied Health Institute (PAGHI).

As an Occupational Therapist, Monica strongly believes in providing best-practice care that is holistic and client-centred. She believes in helping children reach their best potential while ensuring that their overall well-being remains a priority. She believes in taking a collaborative approach with children, caregivers and all members of the care team to provide a supportive and optimal environment for children to learn and achieve meaningful goals.

Queen Margaret University

Zoey worked as an Occupational Therapist for 8 years in Singapore, with 2 years in an adult/geriatric community hospital and 6 years in community pediatrics services. Her clinical experience centers in the community, specifically services across the early intervention continuum which includes center based and school-based settings. She has spent some time in mainstream preschool settings supporting children with mild developmental needs, a special school with mixed disabilities, an ASD specific early intervention center, as well as an inclusive preschool supporting children with mixed abilities.

She enjoys working alongside teachers, families and a team of professionals passionate about seeing children develop, as well as to empower children, teachers and families. She strongly believes that a supportive environment and collective efforts are essential to helping each child enjoy the world as they are meant to. Seeing each child grow through play, routines, and learning to make sense of the world around them is a true joy.

DIR Floortime 101

SIE SI Module 1

University of Limerick, Ireland – Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (PQ)

University of Monash, Australia – Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Born and raised in Singapore, Laila attended both international and local education systems, before undertaking tertiary education overseas. She completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education in NP and has taught in various preschools since 2009. Covering a range of services from childcare to international preschool, in schools such as Swiss School in Singapore, Whitelodge and Etonhouse. She has also worked in an adjunct role with NIEC, providing supervision and support to trainee preschool teachers.

Working in these various settings and meeting children with a range of needs, Laila felt compelled to improve her skills to support a wider range of needs. Entering the world of occupational therapy, Laila developed her clinical experience in Ireland working in stroke acute/rehab and geriatric hospital settings, focusing on assessing needs, and providing interventions to increase independence and safety in the home, with a view to improving mental health in clients. She also worked with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and Dyspraxia DCD Ireland, working with adolescents towards functional goals to achieve potential, specifically in the areas of mental health coping skills, executive functioning, organisation skills and self-help skills.

Upon graduating and returning to Singapore, Laila returned to working with younger children by joining an EIP as an OT. In this paediatric setting, Laila ran individual and group therapy sessions, meeting children with a range of developmental and physical needs. Working towards goals in a multi-disciplinary team, interventions addressed various clinical needs such as sensory processing difficulties, school readiness and physical motor challenges. Throughout, Laila collaborated with parents, providing support through conversations, home programs and strategies for the home.

Laila believes that children learn best through play and exploration, and that their emotional state is important to the process. Ensuring children feel comfortable and safe, their inner curiosity will blossom, supporting them to open up to new experiences and learning. As an Occupational Therapist, Laila believes in a strengths-based and holistic approach, supporting children to feel success whilst addressing challenges. Utilising a collaborative approach with the children, caregivers, therapists and educators, to provide a positive, safe and supportive environment with aligned goals that are important to all involved.

DMI Certified

La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia) - Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

Prior to arriving in Singapore, Kacey worked as an allied health assistant in a private therapy clinic in Melbourne, where she found her passion in working with children with a wide range of needs. She was also a tutor for children with disabilities and find much joy in working with all children. Upon graduating with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy, Kacey has experience working in public healthcare settings, private and community clinics. In her career as a paediatric occupational therapist, she has worked closely with preschool and school-aged children to support the development of executive functions, emotional regulation, as well as other motor and learning challenges.

Kacey believes that every child is different and that effective intervention should be tailored to their unique strengths, abilities and interests. By creating a fun, encouraging, and supportive experience, she is able to connect with the child and build a strong and meaningful relationship with them. She is also passionate in finding the best strategy to support children enjoying the therapy sessions while becoming more self-confident and making improvements in their own skills.

University of Sydney -Master of Speech Language Pathology

Nanyang Technological University- Bachelor of Arts (Honors), Linguistics and Multilingual Studies

Samuel is an AHPC registered Speech-Language Therapist who believes that therapeutic success requires the harmonious teamwork of the therapist, caregiver, and the community. Following his Bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Multilingual studies, he was awarded a postgraduate scholarship from the Ministry of Health to read Speech and Language Pathology at University of Sydney.

He has worked in a variety of settings across a wide range of populations in Singapore and Australia. Prior to joining KidsFirst, he worked in acute and community hospitals, providing assessment and intervention for clients with swallowing and communication difficulties. He is adept at treating language, speech, social and cognitive communication disorders and has also provided services at preschools, paediatric clinics and early intervention centres. These experiences have helped Samuel develop a broader understanding of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds that are involved in providing holistic speech therapy services.

In his time with public healthcare, Samuel spearheaded a national campaign that addressed the need for the provision of modified diets in the community. This pioneer campaign was publicly launched with media coverage and allowed Samuel to work with different community stakeholders to better understand their needs.

Samuel believes in creating a fun, child-centered therapeutic environment and is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to work on goals that are meaningful to his clients. He provides therapy in English and Mandarin.

Outside of work, Samuel enjoys spending time with his children and strength training.

Fully Registered Speech-Language Therapist

Certified Clinical Supervisor with Allied Health Professional Council

PROMPT therapy

National University of Ireland Galway

Caoimhe has experience working across paediatric primary care, mainstream school and early years settings in Ireland and the United Kingdom. She has worked with children with a range of conditions, including language disorders, speech disorders, autism, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, fluency disorders and social communication disorders.

She is passionate about providing high quality, person-centred care to children and families. She believes that empowering parents and supporting adults around a child is key to creating meaningful changes in their everyday lives. She takes a holistic approach and use evidence based practice to help children to achieve their optimal communicative potential. She strives to make the therapeutic experience as engaging an experience for the child as possible, as she believes that children learn best when they are having fun!

Hanen It Takes Two to Talk

Hanen More Than Words

Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing

Shapecoding

Palin Parent Child Interaction Therapy

Flinders University - Masters in Speech Pathology

Thivya graduated from Flinders University, South Australia with a Masters of Speech Pathology. She also completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Thivya has vast experience working with both adults and children in Australia and Singapore. She has worked in stroke rehabilitation, with adults who have Aphasia as well as swallowing difficulties. Currently, her work focuses on school going children, who present with speech and language difficulties secondary to learning needs, Autism, Dyslexia and Global Developmental Delay. Her core experience includes intervention for Dyspraxia, Articulation Disorders and Language delay/disorder. Thivya has conducted group intervention, tele-therapy and mobile therapy services in clients’ homes and schools.

Thivya believes in advocating for her clients so that they have a voice to speak. Communicating, be it through actions, pictures, words, can be very empowering for anyone especially children who are still learning and developing skills in these areas. She also believes in educating teachers and parents/caregivers so that as a holistic team, the best support can be rendered to the child. Having worked with the aboriginal community in Australia, she also demonstrates inclusiveness and cultural sensitivity in her practice. Apart from work, Thivya also has a passion for children and spends time volunteering to teach students academic subjects and enjoys playing with her baby cousins.

Thivya has attended trainings on Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the Noah’s Ark Keyworker Course – which focuses on client-centred practice. Recently, she also attended the Emergenetics Training to promote better working practices in a team.

All Things Mealtime

University of Limerick, Ireland - Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

After graduating Sinead moved to Singapore where she worked for 2 years in school based early intervention with 0-6 year old children with Neuro physical And developmental delays. Sinead then went on to complete over 3 years in an acute hospital. In 2018 Sinead returned to work in paediatrics in a private setting where she got to work and train in the application of therasuit and neurosuit, spidercage therapy and Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME).

In 2021 Sinead made the decision to return to Ireland with her family, where she continued to work in paediatrics private practice. Being Ireland’s first CME therapist, Sinead worked in introducing this ground breaking therapy to families and therapists. Sinead assisted in setting up individualised intensives for clients and implementing intensives during school holidays.

Sinead strives to empower children to reach their maximum potential and believes that every milestone is a big milestone. Sinead also knows that motivation is important for participation and does her best to understand each child and get to know their personal interests and goals to help them achieve greater function.

Vestibular rehabilitation in adults

Cuevas Medek Exercises certified

Therasuit method and spidercage therapy

DMI certified

Liverpool John Moores University - Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary - with SEN)

University of Ulster (Northern Ireland) - Bachelor of Science in Sports Coaching

Anita graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Over her career, Anita has taught in various settings of Educational needs in England and Australia. For the last three years, Anita had been based in an Autistic Specialist School in Melbourne.

Anita believes every child can build a love for learning and become independent lifelong learners. She uses a student-centred approach and works closely with families to help children reach their goals and their full potential.

Deakin University – Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)

Suresh graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology. He has been working as Special Needs Teacher since 2005.

Suresh believes that every child has strengths and difficulties that are unique to them and when working with them, he does his best to understand what they are. Together with his team, Suresh works towards building and expanding the children’s strengths and finding optimal ways that they can manage and overcome their difficulties.

Developmental Play Foundation Course 2020

Handling Sensory Issues Workshop 2020

Early Start Denver Model Introduction Course Workshop 2021

Attention Autism 2022

Active Learning in Future-Oriented Education 2022

Cheryl graduated from University of Buffalo (Psychology - First Year) Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and has a Diploma in Psychology.

Cheryl has 4 years of experience in special education as a centre lead and academic manager, she went on to having 6 years’ experience in preschool education and curriculum planning, guiding and mentoring teachers who are passionate about teaching.

Cheryl’s passion for working with children is fueled by a belief in their limitless potential and a commitment to inclusive education. She finds inspiration in their resilience and strive to create a nurturing environment that celebrates their abilities. Guided by her passion and years of experience on the ground, she aims to support their independence and help them reach their full potential.

Diploma In Psychology, Professional Certification In Psychology

University at Buffalo – Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

Clara graduated from University at Buffalo with a Degree in Psychology. During her academic years through graduation, she has been working with special needs students as a behavioural therapist and a shadow teacher. She has worked with children with different types of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Disorder, Speech Delays, and Mild Intellectual Disability. She also has had experience working as an assistant teacher in an EIPIC centre.

Clara believes that each child has a unique potential, and each has equal rights to education. In today’s world, societal norms make it difficult for these children to feel included (?). Recognising that the onus is on us to recondition our mindset on what is deemed as the “norm” and not to stigmatize them. She believes that every student is special and unique in their own way, and it is essential to embrace and accept uniqueness. She aims to foster a positive relationship between the child, family, and teacher to achieve the best possible outcome.

Clara strongly resonates with the saying that “If a child is unable to learn the way we teach, we should teach the way they learn.” She believes that learning is not limited, and children are capable to learn and pick up new skills under any circumstances when given the appropriate tools to learn.

National Institute of Education (NIE) – Master of Education (Special Education)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Psychology

Temasek Polytechnic – Diploma in Psychology Studies

Myra has strong passion in supporting children with special needs. Upon graduating from NTU with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she worked in a few centres as a Behavioural Therapist. She has experience in supporting children and students with special educational needs, ranging from 2 years old to 22 years old. She continued to develop herself and completed her Masters degree in Special Education.

Myra believes that every child is unique and has the potential to grow. To her, it is the teacher’s responsibility to help the children learn. If the child is not picking up the skills/knowledge, it is the teacher’s job to evaluate and teach using various methods. No child is the same, and it is important to understand each child. Myra also believes that children should learn in a safe and positive environment, and enjoy the process of learning.

Certificate in Supporting SpLD Learners in Executive Function Skills

National Institute of Education, NTU – Diploma in Special Education

Pursuing a Degree in Psychology at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

Deana is passionate in what she does and looks forward to opportunities where she can work on her professional development - by going for trainings and courses to be up to date on the latest approaches that may be useful for the children she works with.

Upon graduating from the National Institute of Education, Deana worked with the Ministry of Education for 7 years as a Special Educational Needs Officer in a primary school. She also has some experience working in a secondary school for a short period. During her years in teaching, she has worked with students with diverse needs and/or students with multiple difficulties – to name a few: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mild Intellectual Disability, Global Development Delay, as well as learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorder and Language Difficulties.

As a special educational needs officer, she ensures that the students under her purview are being supported holistically – in their learning, behaviour, and social and emotional well-being. She has ample experience working collaboratively with allied professionals, parents/caregivers, and external agencies to ensure that the children she works with have quality support and that their needs are met.

As a recent mother of a one-year-old, and having a sibling with Autism, Deana understands how important it is to have pillars of support and how helpful it has been in working alongside a team of professionals in building the foundational blocks for children at a young age. No one child’s developmental milestones are the same. With ample patience, constant encouragement and guidance, Deana believes that every child will have growth – and it is her mission to ensure that during this time of growth, the children will have a positive learning experience navigating through life. A quote she strongly believes in and advocates for: “There is no such thing as Disability, only Different Abilities”.

Applied Behavioural Analysis Workshop

Supporting Students with Expressive and Receptive Language Difficulties

Disruptive Behaviour Disorders – Identification and Assessment (Primary & Secondary School)

Identification of School-aged Children with Sensory Motor Difficulties

Optimizing Arousal Level – Sensory Motor Strategies for Students

Singapore Sign Language Course – Level 1

College of Allied Educators (Diploma in Learning Difficulty Management and Child Psychology)

Amen has been working as a private tutor for children with special needs for over 8 years. She has worked with children aged between 3-12 years. In those years, she has worked with children with different disabilities including ASD (Autism), Dyslexia, GDD (Global Development Delay) and ADHD. She uses different methods to try and keep lessons as engaging as possible for the children. Amen aims to bring that creativity into the classroom in KidsFirst and give the students a memorable time while teaching them simultaneously.

Amen strongly believes that all children deserve the best. Every child is unique in their own way, and it is up to teachers like herself, to think out of the box to ensure that they reach their full potential. Parents should constantly be updated on their child’s progress. This enables both parents and teachers to work together to provide the optimal support and growth for the child.

Diploma in Learning Difficulty Management and Child Psychology

UCSI University

Hui Ru graduated with an Honours Degree in Psychology from UCSI University, Malaysia and she has one and half years of experience working with neurotypical and neurodiverse children. She has helped a number of children in enhancing various skills, including language and communication, emotion regulation, academic, social skills and self care. She has also experienced for being an Assistant Therapist with certified Occupational Therapists to specifically support children with sensory integration.

Hui Ru believes every child has their own strengths and that given the right, individualised strategies and support, that they will thrive. She hopes to help children with special needs reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Sensory Integration (Zone of Regulation) First Aids Certificate and Lesen

Temasek Polytechnic – Diploma in Early Childhood Studies

Ngee Ann Polytechnic – Advanced Diploma in Special Needs

Sophia graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a Diploma in Early Childhood Studies and further pursued an Advanced Diploma in Special Needs at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. She has experience working as an Early Interventionist and was the case manager for children aged 2-6 years old with wide range of disabilities of moderate to high support needs. Sophia has special interest working with children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and their families. She carried out activity-based intervention together with the support of a multidisciplinary team and their families.

Sophia believes in allowing each child’s ‘voice’ to shine through and to celebrate the everyday achievements in their life.

Learn to Play (Karen Stagnetti)

All Things Mealtime

Management And Science University College Sarawak – Diploma in Education (English Language Teaching)

Priscilla graduated from Management and Science University College Sarawak with a Diploma in Education. She has experience working as Early Intervention Assistant at a private early intervention centre and was one of the teachers for students aged 2-6 years old. She has worked on the developmental, health and support needs of young children diagnosed with Autism, Down Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Global Development delay, and Speech delay.

Teaching people with special needs is close to Priscilla’s heart as she has family members who have needs. She believes that every child is unique and has their own way to develop.

Special Needs Workshop 2022

Learning Capital – Diploma in Early Childhood

Pauline has been working as a mainstream teacher/tutor for more than 13 years. Going into the special education sector, Pauline has experience working with children (aged 7-18 years old) with different disabilities from Down Syndrome, ADHD to ASD the past few years. Having gained experience in teaching children using different pedagogies and strategies to support their learning and daily needs, she has also been part of a flagship program to help ASD-ID students achieve their zone of proximal development (ZPD) level individually.

Pauline believes that each child is uniquely individual and as a teacher, her role is to focus on understanding their strengths and weaknesses and to provide guidance for them to learn at their highest potential, fulfilling their learning style. Valuing communication, compassion and understanding with children and their parents, Pauline believes in working together to provide a collaborative learning environment to foster a holistic learning and development of each child.

MDIS in Psychology

AWWA SCHOOL @LORONG NAPIRI (2015-2023)

Safirah believes that if we become their friend we will understand them better.