Allena, an adept Educational Therapist, boasts over a decade of expertise in teaching children with dyslexia. Her educational background includes a Master’s of Psychology in Education from the University of Bristol, UK, and a Specialist Diploma in Learning Differences, specialising in Special Education and Teaching from DAS Academy. Her deliberate choice to delve into the Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) realm stems from a desire to both challenge herself and empower her students by employing innovative, non-traditional teaching methodologies to unlock their full potential.

Allena is a Fellow of the Register of Educational Therapists, Asia (RETA). She has been a member since 2020. She values the professional recognition RETA provides for Educational Therapists. Being part of RETA has not only strengthened her portfolio as an Educational Therapist but also allowed her to broaden her knowledge through research articles and sessions facilitated by experts in the field of Specific Learning Differences. Allena finds RETA sessions invaluable for staying current with teaching trends and further honing her skills.

She stresses the vital role compassion plays in fostering robust connections and trust among teachers, students, and parents. This approach not only nurtures student growth but also allows them to flourish. When asked about enhancing special education in the country, she advocates for a shift in expectations. Singapore undeniably prioritises academics, leading to increasingly demanding and rigorous school curricula. This heightened challenge poses difficulties for SpLD students to match the pace, resulting in a widening gap between them and their mainstream counterparts. Evaluating the appropriateness and reasonableness of the syllabus for their age warrants careful consideration.

Her motto is simple: “Keep going through life’s challenges, stay true to your goals, celebrate your wins, and treasure life.”