Discover Us
The Growing Academy’s success is attributed by the competency of the team. Our therapists work with our families and children in centre, preschool and one-on-one settings and carry out meaningful goals to help our children achieve their maximum potential. Our therapists have at least a Bachelor’s degree some with Master’s degree from local and overseas universities. Our therapists are also trained by external trainers and speakers related to special needs so that they are well equipped with the right skills to classes when providing care and intervention to our children.
The Growing Academy recognizes that each child is unique and strongly believes in customizing interventions to fit the needs of each child. By incorporating the principles of Applied Behvaiour Analysis (ABA), we help students learn skills by breaking down complex tasks into smaller manageable steps. The Growing Academy has successfully helped students improve their quality of living by enabling them master skills essential for daily living. The Growing Academy has also helped many students bridge the gap between mainstream and special needs learning, such that these students are able to integrate back into mainstream schools for their future education.
Ling is an associate psychologist and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapist for almost 7 years. Ling specialises in working with children with complex needs, trained in behaviour, communication and motor needs. She has gained extensive knowledge and skills working with children and adolescents with mild to severe disorders, including in private and government sector.
Ling has worked with the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) as an Associate Psychologist where she provided trainings to caregivers and workshops to teachers and other allied professional, conducted Intelligence Quotient(IQ) Testing and developed behavioural management interventions for her clients. She also works extensively with mainstream schools to facilitate the transition as well as learning needs for her clients in the schools. Ling uses a holistic approach to achieve the best possible outcomes. She has seen and managed a diverse caseload with clients ranging from children to adults with the following conditions:
· Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
· Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID)
· Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
· Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
· Down Syndrome
· Epilepsy
· Learning Disabilities
In 2017, Ling co-founded The Growing Academy. The Growing Academy specializes in providing a blend of preschool curriculum and therapies under one setting. The school aims to support children with needs by helping them meet their milestones and bridge the gap between mainstream teaching structure and special needs. Ling’s greatest hope is to develop innovative solutions to help as many clients (children and adults) to access proper early intervention and ABA therapy services, as well as raise awareness locally and internationally
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Honours (University At Buffalo, New York, United States)
Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Trained in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Trained in Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)
Social thinking (Michelle Garcia Winner)
Sensory Regulation & Decoding the Autistic Brain (Kim Barthel)
Summer Bachelor’s programme at University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Certified Interplay Therapy Practitioner (Interplay Therapy Australia)
Yang Ling
Le is a certified Registered Behavior Technician(RBT). She is passionate about working with children with special needs and firmly believes that a child will lead an improved quality of life with a holistic approach in early intervention.
Le has more than 8 years of experiences working with children, youths, parents and primary school teachers in training and aiding students with needs to integrate into the mainstream classroom.
She has clinical experience working with children with developmental disorder such as Autism, GDD, Celebral Palsy, ADHD and Selective Mutism. Le is trained in a wide range of evidenced-based approaches to having a functional ABA session.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Certificate in Special Needs Education
Communication in Autism - Differences and Support Strategies (Amanda Reed)
Sensory Regulation & Decoding the Autistic Brain (Australia) (Kim Barthel)
Certificate in Dyspraxia (Maude Le Roux Academy)
Registered Interplay Therapy Practitioner (Interplay Therapy Australia)
Yang Le
Nara holds a Bachelor Of Education in Early Childhood Education from Monash University and Diploma in Psychology and a Diploma in Early Childhood care and Education.
Prior to her tenure in The Growing Academy, She was an English Preschool Teacher for a span of 6 years at a global preschool here in Singapore and in Harbin, China. As an early childhood professional, she strives to provide the best quality of education and care for children while fostering an affirmative partnership with families. She feels privileged to have worked with children of varying needs and families of various multi-cultural backgrounds.
One of her favourite quotes as an Early Childhood Educator is: “If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.” by Alfie Kohn. By creating a safe and appropriate learning environment for the children under my care, she strives to create opportunities for a hands-on experience that evokes investigation, discovery and experimentation in the process of knowledge acquisition. She hopes to be able to facilitate their curiosity and nurture their character through role modelling, patience and guidance.
All in all, she personally believes that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams.
Narathorn Muenrew
Kentrick holds a Master’s degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from the University of London, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from the University at Buffalo, and a Specialist Diploma in Teaching and Learning from the National Institute of Education (NIE) Singapore. He also holds Advanced certification in Learning and Performance (ACLP).
Kentrick brings over eight years of experience in teaching and training, specializing in psychology and communication. Recognized with the Educator Achievement Award in 2023, Kentrick employs innovative pedagogical techniques such as Bloom’s Taxonomy, the Flipped Classroom Model, Collaborative Learning Strategies, and Inquiry-Based Learning in his training.
Kentrick is passionate about integrating technology and AI into training to enhance learning experiences. Proficient in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles, he develops training plans based on his strong background in crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, and motivational interviewing.
At The Growing Academy, Kentrick provides comprehensive training programs on ABA and educational techniques for staff and parents. He conducts training needs analyses, facilitates onboarding and ongoing staff training, and collaborates with external vendors to ensure that training programs meet the highest standards.
Kentrick’s dedication to improving the lives of children with special needs is evident in his work. He collaborates with parents and educators to manage children's behaviour effectively and conducts workshops and training sessions on ABA techniques.
Kentrick Low
Yen Chiew is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Singapore.
She started her career as a behavior therapist upon completion of her degree. Yen Chiew has 11 years of experience working with children with autism and other related special needs, between the ages of 18 months and 14 years. When pursuing her master’s degree in the UK, Yen Chiew volunteered herself as a play worker at a non-profit organisation that provides care for children who are less privileged. She has also worked as a dyslexia program coordinator for children with learning difficulties in Malaysia. Her work experience includes providing individualized centre/home therapy, conducting assessments, planning treatment goals, conducting playgroups, school shadowing, conducting parent/therapist training, etc.
Yen Chiew feels that working with children with special needs to be challenging yet fulfilling. She enjoys her ABA work and is motivated being a facilitator in their learning journey.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
MSc. in Clinical Child Psychology (Anglia Ruskin University, UK)
BSS. in Psychology (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia)
HANDLE Introductory Course Level 1 and 2 (The HANDLE Institute)
'Smarter Phonics' workshop Level 2 and 3 (Dyslexia Association of Sarawak)
Lee Yen Chiew
Phooi Yin has been a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) since 2019. She has 11 years of experience and has worked with children and teenagers on the spectrum (between the ages of 2 to 18 years) since the completion of her Psychology degree. Phooi Yin also has an interest in working with clients from different cultural backgrounds, as reflected in the year she spent in Australia as a behavior therapist. After her experience in Australia, she then went on to pursue her BCaBA credentials before continuing in the field as a supervisor. Her work experience includes conducting assessments, planning treatment goals, providing training to therapists and family members, and overseeing social learning and play groups. She is also a supervisor for therapists, an instructor for the ABA Technician credential course (ABAT) and has been a speaker for public talks on ABA. Phooi Yin believes that every individual has a unique way of learning -and being able to participate in the process of identifying and implementing effective teaching as well as seeing firsthand the progress of her students, motivates her to continue serving in this field.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA; Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
BSS. In Psychology (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia)
“Smarter Phonics” workshop Level 1 (Dyslexia Association of Sarawak)
Verbal Behavior Therapy (ABA-VB)
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Phooi Yin
Evva began her career working with special needs children right after her graduation. With nine years of experience, she has had the privilege of supporting children and teenagers on the autism spectrum, spanning ages from 18 months to 23 years old. Prior to The Growing Academy, her work has taken her through various settings which including home-based 1:1 session, Applied Behavioural Centre (ABA), Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) and shadow therapy in primary school.
Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach, she delved into Waldorf Early Childhood Education in 2017. This path allowed her to explore child development from a broader perspective, emphasizing not only cognitive growth but also emotional, physical, and creative play aspects. She completed her 2-years practicum at a Waldorf Kindergarten located in Singapore.
Evva firmly believes that viewing children holistically is paramount. When we see children as whole beings, we consider their physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive abilities and language development. By nurturing all these facets, we empower children to thrive and reach their full potential.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology
• Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Training Program
• Registered Behavioural Technician
• Play Therapy (Level 1 – Level 3)
Evva Teh
Winona holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pyschology from the National University of Singapore.
Winona strongly believes that each child is special and has their own unique set of tools and needs to be met. With the right support, guidance as well as collaborative partnership with parents and schools, these children stand a chance to move forward and excel in their lives regardless of which pathways they choose to take. She is grateful that she is able to be part of these children’s learning journeys and strives to support them as best as she can.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, National University of Singapore
Registered Interplay Therapy Practitioner (Interplay, Play Therapy Australia)
Winona Ding
長年にわたって、新生児から成（老）人まですべての救急医療や集中治療に携わってきました。また、認可保育園においても、園児と施設内の関係者の保健衛生管理に務めました。彼女は発達障害を持つ子ども達との臨床経験もあり、様々なニーズを持つ子ども達やその家族と良好な関係を築き、最高のケアを提供することに努めました。
渡星後はThe Growing Academyにおいて、豊富な知識と経験を活かし、ABAセラピストとして活動しています。
ローカルだけでなく、シンガポールで生活する日本人の子ども達とその家族のためにも、安全で適切なサポートを提供し、社会に適応できるよう子ども達の生活の質を向上させることを目指しています。
免許と資格：
・看護師免許
・心理カウンセラー資格
・Child First Aid with AED Course
・Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Ai Murakami
Namira holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology with Counselling from University of Northampton, UK. Prior to The Growing Academy, Namira gained experience at Singapore Brain Development Centre for 4.5 years where she worked on the physical, social, emotional as well as cognitive aspect of therapy with neurotypical and special needs children of various ages.
Namira has dedicated herself in working with children with special needs as she believe that with the right support, they are able to reach their full potentials in life and achieve great milestones.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
DIRFloortime®️ 101 Course: An Introduction to DIRFloortime for Parents and Professionals (ICDL)
DIRFloortime®️ 201 Course: Promoting Basic Functional Emotional Development (ICDL)
Fundamentals of Learning Disability (Social Service Institute Singapore)
Introduction to Play Therapy (National University Singapore)
Introduction to Sandtray Therapy (National University Singapore)
Developmental Play Foundation (CreateCATT)
Introduction to Praxis & Dyspraxia (Maude Le Roux Academy)
Introduction to Attachment (Maude Le Roux Academy)
Namira
Prior to The Growing Academy, Pavitra was trained as an Applied Behaviour Analysis - Verbal Behaviour (ABA-VB) therapist with a focus on academics. She works closely with children with learning difficulties in mainstream and special schools through 1:1 individual therapy and shadowing to help them to reach their full academic potential.
Pavitra is well versed in primary school curriculum and believes in following a step-by-step approach as well as ensuring conducive classroom methods to help children with learning and sensory challenges understand academic concepts better to help them excel in their educational path.
She believes that every child is different and encourages the the children to challenge themselves academically to attain their educational goals while having fun along the way!
Accreditations and Certifications in:
WebABBLS ABLLS-R assessment
Bridging Talents: Handling Sensory Issues in the Classroom
Pavitra Devi
Prior to The Growing Academy, Ela has both volunteered for programs and worked with individuals with special needs (children and adults). She believes that every individual is unique and deserves the necessary support and guidance to excel to the best of their abilities. She encourages child directed learning and creating meaningful interactions and experiences.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Diploma in Child Psychology and Early Education, specialised in early intervention
Associate degree of Arts, Bachelor of Ministry
Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Elakiya Nizana
Aurea graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology (honours) from James Cook University. She has experience in conducting Applied Behaviour Analysis therapy - Verbal Behaviour for children aged 3 to 15 years old. She has also provided school shadow support for special needs children. She believes in creating a safe and fun environment for the children to support optimal learning. She enjoys teaching children and is happy to see them grow and progress!
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Sensory ideas in the classroom- Maude Le Rouxe Academy
Fostering emotional regulation- Institute of Child Psychology
Aurea Pascua
Vienna graduated with a Diploma in Psychology and started working with special needs children since 3 years ago. Currently pursuing a Degree in Psychology, Vienna is interested to know how children with special needs see the world, so that she too, may be able to understand and integrate herself into their world as a behavioural therapist.
Vienna Lim
Yi Xuan graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree in 2023. Previously, she has worked as a shadow teacher and a special needs assistant educator, garnering hands-on experience in working with and engaging special needs children with diverse learning, social and behavioural needs.
Yi Xuan has great passion in working with and bettering the lives of children with special needs, by helping them develop skills beneficial to their growth. She is especially keen on providing them with individualised teaching styles and strategies, to cater to their unique way of learning as she believes that enhancing their learning experiences will translate to improvements in other domains of their life as well (e.g., social, emotional, and behavioural development).
Yi Xuan is an analytical, observant and patient individual, who believes that understanding every child (i.e., their strengths, needs, likes, triggers, behavioural tendencies) is the key to effectively working with and helping them reach developmental goals.
Yap Yi Xuan
Divya is a dedicated team member with a passion for understanding child development and behaviour. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, providing her with a strong foundation in understanding children’s cognition and behaviour. Having previously worked as a Special Needs Teacher Assistant, Divya has hands-on experience in supporting children with diverse needs. She is committed to continuous learning and growth, striving to apply her knowledge to positively impact the lives of children and families.
Divya Baskaran
Ng Guan Zhi began his career as a Registered Behavioural Technician(RBT) since 2022. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Latin Honours) from University at Buffalo, New York.
Prior to The Growing Academy, Guan Zhi has experience in providing home-based 1:1 sessions and Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA).
While recognising that every children are complex individuals whose well-being are not limited by their behaviours, Guan Zhi is dedicated to provide a holistic learning experience to children emphasising not just on academic growth, but also on other aspects of cognitive growth, and social well-being.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Honours (University At Buffalo, New York, United States)
• Registered Behavior Technician (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
• Graduate Certificate in Psychotherapeutic Approaches (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Specialisation) - The Lion Mind
Ng Guan Zhi
Jaime graduated with a degree in Psychology. She made the decision to pursue a career working with special needs children, driven by her belief that with the appropriate support and guidance, each child has the potential to flourish. Jaime is also confident that her work in this field will deepen her understanding of special needs children, allowing her to make a meaningful impact in their lives.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (University At Buffalo, New York, United States)
Jaime Chua
Gwyneth graduated with a diploma in psychology, and her approach is deeply rooted in empathy and understanding, shaped by the challenges faced due to dyslexia. This experience has fueled a desire to ensure that children receive the early intervention and tailored support that is crucial for success.
Her passion extends beyond her role as a therapist; Gwyneth has volunteered with non-profit organizations, offering her expertise to tutor and empower people with dyslexia and learning difficulties. This altruistic spirit is woven through her professional ethos, reflecting a deep-seated belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Given appropriate support and guidance, these children have the opportunity to progress and succeed in life, no matter the paths they decide upon.
Gwyneth Cheong
CHOO WEI LING (Amazing Speech Therapy)
Speech Therapist
Wei Ling is a registered Speech and Language Therapist with the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) in Singapore. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Newcastle, Australia.
Wei Ling has gained experience, both in Australia and Malaysia, working with the adult and paediatric population across different settings such as schools, hospitals, aged care facilities and private clinics.
Prior to joining AST, Wei Ling has also worked in a private hospital, managing a mixed caseload which includes: children with speech, language delay/disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders as well as adults with swallowing and voice impairments. During her time in the hospital, Wei Ling has had opportunities to increase public awareness as well as empower and educate parents on communication difficulties by giving talks within parent support groups and Continuing Medical Education (CME) platforms. She strongly believes that collaboration with parents, teachers and other members of the disciplinary team is crucial to provide holistic care to her clients.
She is fluent in English and Mandarin and conversant in Malay, which enables her to work with individuals and families across various backgrounds.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Bachelor of Speech Pathology (First-Class Honours), University of Newcastle Australia
Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Choo Wei Ling
KRYSTAL DHARMADJI (Amazing Speech Therapy)
Speech Therapist Assistant
Born in Jakarta and raised in Singapore, Krystal is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a BA in Speech Sciences and Special Education.
A keen learner who is passionate about therapy and education, Krystal is starting her career with Amazing Speech Therapy as a Speech Therapist Assistant. She will transition to a Speech and Language therapist role once certified with the Allied Health Professions Council Singapore next year.
Prior to this professional role, Krystal has experience with early intervention programs by supporting teachers in classrooms and helping children with self-regulation through intervention practices. She looks forward to interacting with children through therapy and spreading happiness with her cheery disposition. Krystal believes in the strong values of community, where she aims to foster a safe and supportive environment with the families she works with.
When she’s not helping others, she enjoys breaking a sweat through spin or HIIT classes, advocating for both mental and physical health.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Bachelor of Arts in Speech Sciences and Special Education (University of British Columbia, Canada)
Krystal Dharmadji
LEVA LEE (Amazing Speech Therapy)
Sensory Integration Specialist (Occupational Therapist)
Leva earned her degree in occupational therapy from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. She has at least 6 years of experience working in different settings such as private paediatric centres, public hospitals and foster home in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. Over the years, she has accumulated wide experience in working with families from different cultural backgrounds in different countries.
Leva has received training and certification in Ayres Sensory Integration by the Collaborative for Leadership In Ayres Sensory Integration® held in Singapore. She also had training working with neurodivergent children with the following diagnoses – Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), communication disorders and Sensory Processing Disorders. She has certification as Occupational Therapist in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
She believes that children learn and grow from their playful inner drives. She is a strong advocate in using play-based intervention and uses it in her sessions as much as possible. She incorporates play and games with just the right amount of challenges to help children improve their skills, self – regulation and self-esteem. She also believes that therapy intervention is family-centred, in which family members play an important role in the growth of the child.
Leva is fluent in English, Mandarin and Malay.
Accreditations and Certifications in:
Occupational Therapists Board, Hong Kong
Certified Occupational Therapist, Taiwan
