About us
We stay committed to enhancing
self-confidence and encouraging independence in all children
Damini Raghubir
Autism Practitioner and Director
Damini (like “harmony”) has a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology (Honours), training in ABA, Makaton and extensive autism specific experience. She’s had the privilege of working in 3 schools for autism, allowing her to accumulate experience and knowledge with kids on the spectrum.
Damini is loved for her contagious laugh and playful personality. Her calm persona and attention to detail makes her an excellent practitioner for 1:1 intervention. Damini believes that every child is unique and is willing to try different strategies when personalizing their intervention.
Her passion for special needs was inspired by the way in which the kids are unapologetically themselves – something she believes we can all learn from. She’s had the opportunity to work with a variety of kids, which has fuelled her motivation to continuously upskill herself.
Damini loves dancing, traveling, the sky, anything pasta related, and adventures.
Gerrisa Basdew
Autism Practitioner and Director
Gerrisa has obtained a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Psychology, with honours degrees in both Psychology and Industrial Psychology.
With nearly a decade in the field of autism, she has a passion for enriching the lives of children. Collaborating with various professionals over the years has furnished her with a wealth of knowledge.
She has had the opportunity to work at 3 autism centres and has changed the lives of many. Her skills are multifaceted, having completed ABA training in SA with practical training in USA, she is also skilled in Makaton and Teacch. She believes in the importance of visual structures and play skills.
Gerrisa draws motivation from the amazing children she interacts with. This inspires her to further enhance her skills and expand her knowledge. Her diligent work ethic and empathetic nature ensures she always meets you with a smile.
Gerrisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking and loves anything covered in chocolate.
Laiken De Freitas
Junior Practitioner
With a BA Honours in psychology, Laiken brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. Laiken’s research proposal, which focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Sub-Saharan African context, ignited her drive to work within the field, aiming to raise awareness and enhance understanding of ASD.
Over the past few years, she has refined her expertise, completing certifications in play therapy and play-based learning, as well as PROMPT training.
Laiken’s journey into autism stems from her deep interest in child and adolescent development, neurology, and brain functioning. She is driven by a desire to make a positive impact, fostering development and enabling neurodivergent individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
With her playful yet disciplined approach, Laiken prioritizes personalized interventions tailored to each child’s needs, forging strong relationships and ensuring their well-being is always at the forefront.
We’re excited for Laiken to bring her unique blend of expertise, creativity, and dedication to our team.
Fifinella Nyangulu
Junior Practitioner
Fifi is a Psychology graduate currently pursuing her Honours, with a strong passion for working with children with Autism and Special Needs. She has experience working one-on-one with children, helping them develop essential skills in communication, motor abilities, adaptive functioning, cognitive development, and executive functioning.
Fifi has experience with data tracking, behaviour management, and report writing, all of which contribute to the development of individualized intervention plans. She is deeply passionate about seeing children make real progress and finds great satisfaction in helping them achieve meaningful milestones.
Although Fifi initially did not plan to work with children on the autism spectrum, her exposure to the field quickly revealed that it was her true calling. She finds the work incredibly rewarding as she witnesses positive changes in the lives of the children she supports.
With her calm and caring nature, Fifi fosters a safe, supportive environment where children feel comfortable and understood. She is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of each child, ensuring that interventions are tailored to their unique needs.
Fifi joined our team in July 2024 and has since become an invaluable addition, bringing her expertise, compassion, and commitment to every aspect of her work.
Damini (like “harmony”) has a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology (Honours), training in ABA, Makaton and extensive autism specific experience. She’s had the privilege of working in 3 schools for autism, allowing her to accumulate experience and knowledge with kids on the spectrum.
Damini is loved for her contagious laugh and playful personality. Her calm persona and attention to detail makes her an excellent practitioner for 1:1 intervention. Damini believes that every child is unique and is willing to try different strategies when personalizing their intervention.
Her passion for special needs was inspired by the way in which the kids are unapologetically themselves – something she believes we can all learn from. She’s had the opportunity to work with a variety of kids, which has fuelled her motivation to continuously upskill herself.
Damini loves dancing, traveling, the sky, anything pasta related, and adventures.
Gerrisa has obtained a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Psychology, with honours degrees in both Psychology and Industrial Psychology.
With nearly a decade in the field of autism, she has a passion for enriching the lives of children. Collaborating with various professionals over the years has furnished her with a wealth of knowledge.
She has had the opportunity to work at 3 autism centres and has changed the lives of many. Her skills are multifaceted, having completed ABA training in SA with practical training in USA, she is also skilled in Makaton and Teacch. She believes in the importance of visual structures and play skills.
Gerrisa draws motivation from the amazing children she interacts with. This inspires her to further enhance her skills and expand her knowledge. Her diligent work ethic and empathetic nature ensures she always meets you with a smile.
Gerrisa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking and loves anything covered in chocolate.
With a BA Honours in psychology, Laiken brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team.
Laiken’s research proposal, which focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Sub-Saharan African context, ignited her drive to work within the field, aiming to raise awareness and enhance understanding of ASD.
Over the past few years, she has refined her expertise, completing certifications in play therapy and play-based learning, as well as PROMPT training.
Laiken’s journey into autism stems from her deep interest in child and adolescent development, neurology, and brain functioning. She is driven by a desire to make a positive impact, fostering development and enabling neurodivergent individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
With her playful yet disciplined approach, Laiken prioritizes personalized interventions tailored to each child’s needs, forging strong relationships and ensuring their well-being is always at the forefront.
We’re excited for Laiken to bring her unique blend of expertise, creativity, and dedication to our team.
Fifi is a Psychology graduate currently pursuing her Honours, with a strong passion for working with children with Autism and Special Needs. She has experience working one-on-one with children, helping them develop essential skills in communication, motor abilities, adaptive functioning, cognitive development, and executive functioning.
Fifi has experience with data tracking, behaviour management, and report writing, all of which contribute to the development of individualized intervention plans. She is deeply passionate about seeing children make real progress and finds great satisfaction in helping them achieve meaningful milestones.
Although Fifi initially did not plan to work with children on the autism spectrum, her exposure to the field quickly revealed that it was her true calling. She finds the work incredibly rewarding as she witnesses positive changes in the lives of the children she supports.
With her calm and caring nature, Fifi fosters a safe, supportive environment where children feel comfortable and understood. She is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of each child, ensuring that interventions are tailored to their unique needs.
Fifi joined our team in July 2024 and has since become an invaluable addition, bringing her expertise, compassion, and commitment to every aspect of her work.