Our journey into the world of children with special needs is deeply personal. Allow me to share our story.

In 2018, my husband and I devoted ourselves in prayer to the patron saints of Obando, Bulacan. A year later, we were blessed with a son. We named him Zed, which means “The Lord is righteous” in Hebrew. From Zed’s early developmental stages, we noticed behaviors that felt different, though at the time, we did not recognize them as signs of him being a child with special needs.

The pandemic delayed our access to professional assessment, and it was only in December 2021 that we were finally able to consult a developmental pediatrician. That was when Zed was formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

As parents, our first and most important step was acceptance. Even before the diagnosis, we already sensed that Zed was uniquely wired. Accepting his diagnosis did not break us—it gave us purpose. It transformed us from ordinary parents into what we proudly call “auesome” ones.

The journey, however, was far from easy. We faced financial struggles, frustration, anger, sadness, and moments of deep uncertainty. The hardest part was feeling lost—asking ourselves why the therapies we tried did not seem to work. We explored occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home-based programs, yet progress felt limited. In our search for answers, we found strength through parent support groups and connections with families walking the same path. These relationships reminded us that we were not alone.

We also learned the importance of caring for ourselves as individuals and as a couple. By celebrating small victories and honoring Zed’s unique progress, we slowly rediscovered hope and resilience.

We enrolled Zed in a nursery school, but later withdrew him due to his difficulty with participation and attention. This led us to create a structured and supportive learning environment at home—one that was centered on his interests, strengths, and needs. We focused on building his communication and social skills while seeking more personalized guidance from specialized therapists.

In 2023, we met an experienced SPED teacher whose approach transformed our understanding of Zed’s learning. Her methods were deeply personalized, play-based, sensory-informed, and grounded in empathy. She helped Zed feel safe, engaged, and willing to participate, while also guiding us as parents to better understand his perspective. We learned that when parents make the necessary adjustments, the child follows—simple in theory, yet challenging and powerful in practice.

From this journey, Little Lions Learning and Development Center was born. Its mission is to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where children with diverse learning needs can grow and thrive. The center is dedicated to offering individualized programs that build on each child’s strengths while empowering families through guidance, support, and community.

My journey into special education is rooted in lived experience. As a mother of a child with autism, I have firsthand knowledge of both the challenges and the triumphs. This personal journey inspired me to pursue formal training in special education, guided by the belief that every child—regardless of ability—deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

My vision is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space where children feel valued, families feel supported, and learning is driven by compassion and evidence-based practice. Ultimately, my commitment to special education is a commitment to hope, inclusion, and a more equitable future for all children.

Ms. Phoebe 

Founder and Directress