Christabel Hong

Fellow

Christabel Juniors ‘n Friends (www.christabeljnf.com) was founded by Christabel and her family in May 2011. After working as an NIE trained teacher, counselling psychologist and educational therapist for more than two decades, she decided to step out on her own and dedicate her time solely to children with learning and behavioural difficulties.

Why did you choose to work in the field of SpLD?

When I first started working with children as a counselling psychologist years ago, I saw how many children with SpLD were mistaken and labelled as naughty, lazy or defiant. It was then that I decided to specialise in SpLD to better understand how to help these children and their families. More than ten years on in this field, I am still happy that I had chosen this path. It’s been a very fulfilling journey of helping children with SpLD look at themselves through more empowering lenses and live with a greater sense of purpose and meaning in a very competitive and demanding education system.

What is one thing that never fails to make you smile in the work that you do?

When they are confident enough to laugh at themselves and face failure squarely.

What do you think is the most important quality/value/belief a person must have when working in the field of Special Education?

Unrelenting patience and empathy. Measured and self-controlled with a resolute belief in the goodness and potential of every child.

What is the one thing you would do to improve special education in your country?

Create more avenues, pathways and longer runways for children who are not academically inclined to learn and contribute differently without clipping their wings too early too soon. Would be a dream come true if we can stop judging and assessing children with SpLD with just academic grades.

What motivated you to become a RETA member and how has it benefitted you?

To keep in touch with fellow practitioners and keep pace with current developments and changes.

What advice would you give someone who has special educational needs or lives/works with people with special educational needs?

There is only one unique you from eternity past to eternity future. You owe it to yourself to treasure every breath you have and to make good of it. Wake up to the next sunrise with a smile! You have many things to be grateful for!