Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Alejandra Mejia.
Hi Maria Alejandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As part of the neurodiverse community myself, I have been aware of the lack of tools parents and teachers have to understand how neurodiverse kids’ brains work. At some point, I had to design my own system to learn and memorize in order to thrive at school, and this has been an invaluable experience when working with kids and clarifying how their brains function and how I can help them learn and bloom. Here is where my story and my love and passion for education and neurodiversity begins.
After the loss of my brother Nicolas, diagnosed with Down syndrome, my mission was reaffirmed. I decided to devote myself to making a difference in the lives of the children and their families as well.
After working as a BCBA, I realize there was not the right educational placement for my clients. The kids were not challenged and the institutions didn’t believe in a brighter future for them. As a result, kids were not improving academically or socially. I decided to create a program using my special education background and BCBA experience where kids were the center of the program and they were challenged and inspired to learn and grow in all aspects.
In 2017, I created a disruptive model to transform and give value to traditional educational systems. My mission is to provide neurodiverse kids with the education and tools they need to bloom and build an autonomous and fulfilling life.
EIBS was born as a pilot to support private schools with their neurodiverse students. Today is a well-established program, trusted by parents and schools, but mainly by our students. Our success is measure in the goals achieved, in the academic, social and behavior aspects, by each of our students and their level of happiness.
With more than ten years of working with children and young people worldwide with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, or other neurodiverse diagnoses, I know that with the correct education, support, and care, these individuals can not only have a great life but also make the difference in our community and companies.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I have, and sill, faced three major challenges:
First, is finding private schools that embrace neurodiversity and understand how our program works. Neurodiversity acceptance is still a challenge in our society and our scholarly system.
Second, explain to parents that their kids could do better and improve their academic, social, and life skills. Unfortunately, they do not have many resources and information to believe their kids could do differently.
And third, create a team that is open to new ways of relating with the kids, who can see the abilities in them, that believes that they can improve in all aspects, and that has the passion and dedication this work requires.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe the thing that sets me apart is the love, dedication and passion I put every day in what I do. I care about each one of my students and I firmly believe they all have the abilities and the potential to create an awesome life. On the professional side my BCBA experience and special education studies are key to understand neurodiverse kids needs and challenges, and support them with tailor-made curriculums.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Perseverance has been key to be where I am Today; and the relationship I have been able to build with my students and their families.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@eibscorp.com
- Website: www.eibscorp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eibscorp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eibscorp/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4tJDB2TdNnXpnr0paVJukw
Image Credits
Luis Cano
