Our dream is to increase the resources in our area for uniquely abled (And definitely extraordinary!) children by offering both education and therapy under the same roof and to do this in an environment that is neurodiversity affirming. We have giant dreams, yes GIANT! We believe that these kids are worth it (and so much more).
We are ready to ask society to be more accommodating to all children while preparing young humans to succeed. We are here to help all children thrive - even when it often feels the world wasn’t made for them. As we continue to grow, we hope to not only benefit these extraordinary kids but also the Shoals’ community as a whole. We dream of a day when we are not only able to recognize gaps but when we are also able to say, “Oh, there’s a gap. Let’s bridge it!”.
We are here to create a safe, inclusive environment that highlights strengths of children of all neurotypes.
based in the shoals, alabama
We recognized the great and growing need to better and more for the community of extraordinary children and their families, so we decided that we would do what it takes to make it happen. We are so blessed to have found an incredible team of people to dream all things TEF up with. TEF’s board and advisory committee include therapists, parents, educators, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and more.
our team
co-founder
paisley vArano
co-founder
Whitney Tisdale
TEF is a non-profit organization (501c3) that was founded through a joint dream of a Behavior Analyst, Paisley Varano, and a Speech-Language Pathologist, Whitney Tisdale.
A diverse team with unique life experiences but a unified vision
who we are
President
Dr. Jeff Wooten
Secretary
Savannah Loudin
BOARD Member
Chris Lewis
TREASURER
Tiana Brook
"My child would have absolutely been crushed in an environment that was overwhelming, too rigid, or unforgiving. By giving him opportunities for neurodivergent affirming and compassionate therapies and practices, we have seen his sweet spirit nurtured. Therapy and learning with these professionals have made my child the best version of himself."
- parent of extraordinary child, 2023
Exceptional education AND therapy
This piece is currently in the works! Get excited and please be patient! We are working to be able to provide in-house certified educators and assistants (trained in compassionate ABA) in our very own TEF learning center. For each child, our focus is confidence-building, promoting autonomy, teaching acceptance and inclusivity, putting regulation and compassion before anything else, and creating opportunities to learn by incorporating the individualized passions and strengths in each child’s life. We are hopeful to help all children in a way that highlights their unique abilities and prepares them for the best-possible life. We are here to create an individualized path best for each extraordinary child that we have the opportunity to work with.
education
Our vision is to provide ABA, speech, and occupational therapies by housing these local therapy groups: For the One Pediatric Therapy, Speech Spot, and Rooted Occupational Therapy. You can learn more about each one by visiting their websites.
therapy
get in touch
"Neurodivergent kids are forced to live in a world often not made for them. As a parent when I think of the long term, I would love for 'accommodations' to one day not be 'accommodations' but rather just the normal expectations of an environment with baseline equity."
- parent of extraordinary child, 2023
