Our Approach
40 Years of Serving Hong Kong Children
As our society evolves, our understanding of how children learn has changed. We also know that some children learn very differently so it is vital to provide differentiated education to help them learn effectively. We are an organisation with strong convictions and ambitious goals:
- We believe all children can develop their strengths to flourish.
- We believe every child deserves the fair opportunity and right to learn alongside their peers.
- We strive to be accessible to families in need in the Hong Kong community.
- We treasure partnership with families.
- We are a non-profit organisation that focuses on maximising the benefits to our community.
WE ENVISION
A Hong Kong where all children have equal rights to education irrespective of their race, language, cultural or socioeconomic background.
OUR VALUES
- In our teaching we value evidence based techniques, the latest teaching practices and tailored early intervention for every child.
- In our professional team we value the breadth of experience of our qualified professionals, their resourcefulness and adaptability.
- In our leadership we value professionalism, accountability, governance and a strong vision for the future.
OUR MISSION
For every child to succeed in their unique learning journey.
Dr. Yvonne Becher
Acting Chief Executive | Director, Programme Development & Learning
A dedicated and experienced psychologist, Yvonne has provided consultancy for UNICEF-led projects and partners with The University of Hong Kong on word regarding early childhood development.
Certified by Ph.D (HKU), MClinPsych
Cordelia Au
Director, Community Development & Operations
Cordelia is experienced in the fundraising and development field, having worked in a variety of local and international NGOs.
Certified by M.A., B.A. (Hons)
Julie Giles
Assistant Director, Programme Development & Learning | Speech and Language Therapist
Having worked as a Speech and Language Therapist at the CDC since 1999, Julie now heads the therapy department with her extensive skills and experience in working with young children and families.
Certified by B. Med. Sci. (Hons) (Speech)
Louise Kirkman
Controller - Risk & Compliance
A long-standing CDC staff member since 1999, Louise has experience working both inside and outside of the classroom setting in the CDC.
Isabel Li
Psychology Team Leader | Educational Psychologist
Isabel has solid experience in working with children. Upon receiving her psychology undergraduate degree in the U.S., Isabel further pursued professional training in Educational Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy in Hong Kong.
Certified by MECP (Ed & Child Psy), PGDE (Spec Ed, G.S.), M.A. (Fam Coun & Fam Ed), B.A. (Psy)
Ann Bridgewater
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Ann is a long-term CDC member with deep content knowledge in occupational therapy and its use with young children.
Yvonne So
ABA Team Leader | Admissions Coordinator
Yvonne is one of the few specialists in Hong Kong who has been awarded the Board Certified Behaviour Analyst status.
Certified by M.Sc., BCBA
Kassidy Lau
Behaviour Therapist
Kassidy is a Behaviour Therapist passionate about helping SEN children fulfil their potential, create value and improve the quality of their own lives.
Certified by B.A. (Psychology)
Eros Pong
Behaviour Therapist
Determined to bring positive changes to children, Eros is delighted to join the CDC in 2017 as a behaviour therapist.
Certified by B.SocSc.
Rianna Yung
Behaviour Therapist
Rianna joined CDC as a Behavioural Therapist Trainee, motivated by a desire to help children adjust to the ‘community of the future’ and to provide counselling and emotional support to the families of SEN children.
Certified by B.S. (Hons)
Joan Ng
Teaching Team Leader
A long-term CDC teacher, Joan has a firm belief we must allow each child to learn in their own way.
Certified by B.Ed (Hons) (Special Needs)
Olivia Lee
Special Educational Needs Teacher
Olivia is an experienced and passionate teacher who treasures every child’s uniqueness and is dedicated in inspiring child’s learning.
Certified by M.A., BEd (Hons)
Marry Schmeing
Special Educational Needs Teacher
Born and educated in the Philippines, Marry is a Special Educational Needs Teacher at CDC.
Certified by B.Sc., PGDE (Spec. Ed.)
Shirley Ng
Supply Teacher
Inspired by the children in the CDC, Shirley is on her way to realising her goal to become a SEN teacher.
Veonsie Tsang
Classroom Assistant
As a Classroom Assistant with CDC, Veonsie is motivated by being part of a multi-disciplinary team – collaborating across disciplines – to help children develop and become increasingly independent in their thinking and behaviour.
Certified by B.Sc. (Psychology)
Thomas Ho
Therapy Team Leader | Occupational Therapist
Trained in Canada where he practised as an occupational therapist for over 15 years, Thomas brings to the CDC team his extensive experience of using an interdisciplinary approach when providing services to children and families.
Certified by B.Sc. (OT), HKROT (Part 1)
Coley Yeung
Occupational Therapist
With well over 10 years of occupational therapy experience, Coley is a well-rounded therapist who has a wealth of knowledge in working with young children with individual needs.
Certified by B.Sci.(UWM), HKROT (Part 1), SIPT
Jonathan Li
Occupational Therapist
Jonathan joined CDC as an Occupational Therapist to further strengthen his expertise within a multidisciplinary team. He believes that interacting with children can develop one’s flexibility, patience and creativity.
Certified by M.A. (OT), B. S (Gerontology)
Halijah Brewster
Physiotherapist
An experienced professional, Halijah brings physiotherapy and expertise training from Australia with specialty training in sensory integration.
Certified by B.App.Sci.(USyd), M.App.Epid. (ANU), SIPT
Sara Dobson
Occupational Therapist
Sara is an experienced Occupational Therapist who has worked in various settings in both Hong Kong and the United States.
Certified by B.Sc., MOT, OTR (USA), HKROT (Part 1), CIMI, CME (I&II)
Cherie Tan
Occupational Therapist
Following her passion to work with children through therapy and play, Cherie joined CDC in 2014 after working as a paediatric occupational therapist in the Philippines, Beijing and Shanghai.
Certified by B.Sci. (OT) (CDU), HKROT, OTRP, HCPC
Natalie Craig
Occupational Therapist
With a desire to help children to lead a full life and function independently, Natalie joined CDC as soon as she moved to Hong Kong from the UK.
Certified by B.Sc. (Hons OT), HKROT, HCPC
Rita Tam
Senior Speech and Language Therapist
With both a speech pathology and an audiology degree, Rita brings a unique skill set to the therapy team.
Certified by M.Clin.Aud., B.App.Sc. (SpPath)
Matthew Lee
Speech and Language Therapist
Wanting to make a difference in children’s lives, Matthew joined the CDC after qualifying and working in Australia.
Certified by B.App Sc. (SpPath) (USyd)
Karen Kei
Speech and Language Therapist
Karen joined the CDC after receiving her speech and language pathology qualifications in the UK, bringing her experience in Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and psychology.
Certified by M.Sc., B.Sc. Psych (Hons), MRCSLT, HCPC
Longson Ng
Speech and Language Therapist
Longson is a Speech and Language Therapist who believes in the importance of taking a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to addressing the specific health and learning needs of individual children.
Certified by B.App.Sc. (Speech Pathology)(Hons)
Karen Lo
Speech & Language Therapist
Abreast of the newest methods and trends in speech therapy, Karen joined the CDC upon receiving her master’s degree in the USA.
Certified by M.Sc. SLP
Our Community Partners
Recognition
