Supporting Children and Families with Diverse Learning Needs

A U.S.–Ukraine Dialogue: Best Practices, Adapting Approaches, and Lessons Learned

Sunday, November 22, 2026

11:00 AM–12:30 PM EST | 18:00–19:30 Kyiv Time

Online | Zoom

Registration:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZBAHs3kQQiuoCSlXhJQ60g

Organized by First Aid of the Soul

About the Event

How can we better support children with disabilities, neurodivergent children, and their families, especially in the context of war, uncertainty, and prolonged crises?

First Aid of the Soul invites you to a U.S.–Ukraine panel discussion bringing together educators, psychologists, and social service professionals from both countries to exchange experiences, practical knowledge, and effective approaches to supporting children with diverse learning needs.

What works, what doesn't, and why?

Drawing on their professional experiences, panelists will share successful practices, challenges, and lessons learned through their direct work with children and families. Particular attention will be given to how educational and psychosocial approaches are adapted to meet children's needs amid war, displacement, and limited resources.

This gathering offers an opportunity for mutual learning between Ukrainian and American professionals, bringing together different perspectives and exploring practical solutions to make support for children and families more accessible, inclusive, and effective.

We believe valuable knowledge comes not only from evidence-based methods but also from the everyday experiences, creativity, and flexibility of professionals working directly with children and their families.

Panelists

Ukraine 🇺🇦

Vitalii Sydorkin — Psychologist, Lecturer, and Art Therapist

A practicing psychologist and lecturer with nine years of professional experience supporting children and adults with disabilities and their families. He is a member of the Ukrainian Art Therapy Association and the National Psychological Association of Ukraine.

Dariia Kudinova — Educator and Psychologist

An educator and psychologist experienced in working with children with special educational needs, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her work integrates educational and psychological approaches to support children's individual learning and developmental needs.

United States 🇺🇸

Bettyann Monteleone — Principal, The Shore Center, New Jersey

An educational leader with 16 years of experience in public education, school psychology, and special education. She currently leads The Shore Center, a specialized public school serving children and adolescents with autism. Her work focuses on individualized education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating supportive learning environments for students and their families.

Christine Bonarrigo — Educator and Curriculum Developer

An experienced educator whose work spans preschool through higher education. She specializes in differentiated instruction, curriculum development, and creating inclusive learning environments that support students' academic, social, and emotional development.

Moderators

Nathalie Robelot-Timtchenko, LMHC, MPA, MA-ET — Founder and Executive Director, First Aid of the Soul

A licensed mental health counselor and expressive arts therapist with experience supporting children with autism through the Early Autism Project in the United States and adaptive learning initiatives in Ukraine.

In 2022, she founded First Aid of the Soul, an organization that has since provided accessible, trauma-informed mental health and psychosocial support to more than 26,000 Ukrainians.

Olena Lutsenko — Psychologist, Art Therapist, and Trauma Therapist

A psychologist and therapist with 31 years of professional experience. She serves as Executive Director of the Ukrainian Art Therapy Association and is a member of the National Psychological Association of Ukraine.

Since 2022, she has been a partner and advisor to First Aid of the Soul, contributing to the development of trauma-informed approaches, professional training, and psychosocial support programs.

Who Should Attend?

We warmly welcome educators, special education professionals, psychologists, social workers, mental health practitioners, parents, representatives of humanitarian and community organizations, and anyone interested in improving support for children with diverse learning needs.

Join us for a meaningful exchange of experiences, perspectives, and practical knowledge as we learn from one another and explore new ways to better support children and families.

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZBAHs3kQQiuoCSlXhJQ60g

First Aid of the Soul