About Us

Our mission is to foster a love of learning in your little ones, through creative lesson plans and prompts.

Getting to Know the Founder

Nurulhuda binti Mohd Zaki is the Founder and Managing Director of Shine And Hope Therapy. She holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Reading, UK, and a Professional Certification and Diploma in Disabilities Studies from the College of Allied Educators (CAE Malaysia and Singapore).

She is a registered member of Pusat Psikologi Malaysia (PSIMA) (ID: 61700384) and a Licensed SPELL User – Structure, Positive, Empathy, Low Arousal and Links: Understanding and Responding to Autism – accredited by the National Autistic Society UK and the University of Kent. She is also a Certified Jolly Phonics Teacher and holds the HRD Corp Train-The-Trainer (TTT) Certification and Accreditation, enabling her to design and deliver professional training programs.

In addition, she has completed a comprehensive training program with Early Autism Project (EAP) Malaysia, including modules on PECS (Phases 1–3), Managing Challenging Behaviors, Peer Play, School Shadowing, Behavioral Management, and Social Skills Generalization.

With close to a decade of experience in education, spanning pre-schools, secondary government schools, and special needs centres, Nurulhuda’s passion for supporting neurodivergent children inspired her to establish Shine And Hope Therapy, where she aims to provide meaningful, compassionate, and inclusive support for children and their families.

It all begins with a purpose.

  • My answer to my purpose of starting this may sound cliche but I would like to help as many families as possible. In my previous working experience, I was lucky to get the opportunity to work alongside Pusat Dalam Komuniti (PDK) and National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM). I have witnessed and concluded that children/adults in lower class families should have received good quality of treatment therapy. As much as I want to help these children/adults, I can’t help but feeling weak and decided to have my own learning centre one day. 

    There were also some encounters with parents where they felt the heavy guilt for not earning enough and mentioned “it's an illness for rich people”. It has striked me to the core. Obviously, the target market that can afford to receive my therapy treatment is middle to high class income family but my focus is to earn so that I can help the lower class family, B40. Throughout my career, I try to contribute extra regardless the classes of family income with different types of contribution just because every child deserve to receive the right education. 

    “I know deep in my heart that there are educators out there who are aligned and want to reach the same goal as mine. I would like to create a space of educators who have the same drive, compassion, love and ambition so that it transfers to the children who eventually will be our leaders of tomorrow and continue this legacy. “

    I would like to reach out to as many families as possible including the B40 families.

    There is an ongoing project which called “No One Is Left Behind” to support families with therapy tools as a start. As we grow, a therapy programme will be implemented to support these families in the future.

  • I began my journey in the field of autism therapy through the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach, which gave me a strong foundation for understanding behavior and teaching essential skills. ABA has many valuable principles that I still hold close, such as the importance of Cooperation, Imitation, and Attention as foundational skills, as well as the Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) framework, which remains a powerful tool to identify and address the triggers of behavior.

    However, as I worked with more children and witnessed their individual needs, I realized that some aspects of traditional ABA approaches didn't align with my values as a neuro-affirming practitioner. For example, I noticed that heavy reliance on tangible reinforcement could sometimes shift a child’s focus toward external validation rather than fostering their internal sense of achievement. Additionally, during moments of emotional overwhelm or meltdowns, I found that co-regulation—helping the child feel emotionally safe and connected—was often more effective and respectful than complete extinction methods.

    Through this experience, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of integrating principles from various approaches, including Occupational Therapy (OT), Play Therapy, DIR/Floortime, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), and Speech Therapy (ST). This combination allows me to provide a more holistic, child-centered approach that honors each child’s unique journey.

    One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. It takes collaboration—between different types of therapists, educators, and, most importantly, families—to create an environment where a child can truly thrive.

    As the saying goes, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' I am deeply committed to being part of that village and ensuring that every child I work with is met with compassion, respect, and the support they need to grow.

Treatment Foundation Framework

Cooperation

Attention

Imitation

Learning Branches

Memory

Physical Motor Skills

Social Skills

Sequencing

Our Practices

  • Strength-based Practices

    We utilise your child’s strengths by incorporating their strengths into their learning.

  • Child-led Practices

    We believe it is important to have a positive association with therapy to help enhance the child’s progress. With child-led practices, we respect the child’s decision and open up their minds which allow us to understand them better and solidify the trust between the child and therapist. This would in turn maximize their progress and learning journey.

  • Zero tolerance

    We do not condone any form of verbal and physical abuse in our practices. Your child’s mental and physical safety are our top priority at all times.

Developmental Psychologists

Aina Hadirah Binti Zainal is a compassionate and dedicated professional with a deep commitment to making a positive impact, especially in the lives of children. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Hons.) specializing in Child and Family Psychology from University Malaysia Sabah, as well as a Master of Social Science in Developmental Psychology from University Kebangsaan Malaysia. With over five years of experience as a Behavior Therapist, Special Education Teacher, and Developmental Psychologist, Aina has honed her expertise in supporting children with diverse needs. Her natural ability to connect with children, coupled with her unwavering dedication, allows her to foster meaningful relationships and create impactful change. Aina’s passion for empowering young minds and her commitment to nurturing their potential makes her an exceptional advocate for children’s development and well-being.

Julia is a Developmental Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice from University College London, and a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from University of Nottingham.

She is passionate about supporting children, young people, and families through evidence-based, compassionate care. Julia has experience working in early autism intervention, school-based mental health services, CBT-informed support for anxiety and low mood, and community parenting programmes.

Her approach is warm, collaborative, and developmentally informed, with a strong focus on building meaningful therapeutic relationships and empowering families with practical tools for everyday wellbeing.

Trainee Counsellor

Eunice holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Professional Counselling at Monash University. With years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults — particularly those with autism, ADHD, and learning differences — Eunice combines evidence-based practices with creativity and empathy.

Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques with expressive art and coaching strategies, empowering clients to grow at their own pace. Eunice believes in celebrating small wins and building resilience step by step, supporting both clients and families in their journey.

SEN Educator

Nur Sabrina binti Hamdan is our SEN Educator. She has 5 years of experiences working with a number of different caseloads (Autism and Dyslexia) with special needs children aged 4 to 11. She had a first-hand experiences working with special needs children as a ABA Behavioural Therapist in Early Autism Project Malaysia (EAP Malaysia) previously. She graduated from Lincoln University College in Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences. Although she studied in a different field, she has shown immense passion working with special needs children and continuously making differences with families in need. She also has a Professional Certification in Learning Disorder Management and Child Psychology from Centre for Inclusive Education, CAE Malaysia.

Vivialyn Tan is a dedicated Child Psychologist with MSc in Child Psychology from UCSI. Her academic background has equipped her with a deep understanding of child development, behavioral patterns, and the unique challenges faced by children with special needs. She also has working experiences in Autism Behavioural Centre (ABC) centre.

With extensive experience in working with children , Vivialyn has honed her skills in therapeutic interventions, focusing on supporting children with autism and developmental delays. She is passionate about creating an inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive, regardless of their background or abilities.

Suraya Ashiqin binti Noor Azizi has over 3 years of experience as a behavior therapist in ABC Centre, working with children aged 2 to 11 years old. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Hons.) from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Developmental Psychology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Suraya is a passionate and dedicated individual who is deeply committed to the developmental journey of every child she works with. Her warm, cheerful, and caring personality makes her a natural at connecting with children. As one of our most enthusiastic therapists, she is always eager to grow, learn, and explore new strategies to support her clients better.

Suraya believes in creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where children can thrive and she continues to bring that energy into every session.

Kauthar binti Mohd Taib has 4 years of experience being a child therapist to children among 2-11 years old. She graduated from International Medical University with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science (HONS) in Psychology and pursuing studies in Master of Clinical Psychology in the same university. She was also a tahfiz student when she was in primary and secondary school. She is a passionate yet moderate individual with high patience and a very loving personality. Kauthar is also one of our most enthusiastic therapist, eager to learn new things. Her enthusiasm is the reason as to why she can connect and create a special bond with her clients. She creates a safe and playful environment for the kids, and she strives to continue doing so.

E-May Khoo is a psychology graduate and late-diagnosed autistic advocate who combines her lived experience with clinical training to promote neurodiversity-affirming and compassionate care. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology, deepening her expertise in assessment, therapy, and inclusive mental health practices.

E-May is a Certified HRD Corp Trainer, Licensed SPELL Framework User, and DET (Disability Equality Training) Certified Practitioner, with additional training in Occupational Psychological First Aid and Interoception Science. Her professional background spans therapy support, psychoeducation, and corporate training, including developing neuroinclusive learning materials for international organizations and facilitating wellness programs across diverse communities.

Passionate about accessibility and empathy-driven support, E-May strives to create safe spaces where individuals can explore their emotions, identity, and growth at their own pace. Her approach is holistic, person-centered, and rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to feel seen, understood, and supported.

Ranya holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Taylor’s University and has hands-on experience working as an SEN Therapist at Toddler Town International Preschool, where she supported children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, speech and language delays, and sensory processing challenges. She is also experienced in inclusive education through her role as a Junior Coach and Instructional Designer at The XD School (Care2Run), where she designed engaging programs tailored for children with disabilities.

With her strong foundation in child development, compassion, and commitment to inclusion, Ranya brings warmth and expertise to the Shine & Hope team—ensuring that every child receives therapy designed not only to support growth but also to celebrate individuality.

Gabriel Tan Jun Hang is a Registered Nurse with a diverse clinical background in medical-surgical care, oncology, operating theatre recovery, and mental health nursing. Although his training is in nursing rather than psychology, much of his professional experience has involved working closely with neurodivergent individuals and people with mental health needs. Gabriel is also a certified Disability Equality Training (DET) Facilitator who advocates for disability inclusion and promotes awareness through the Social Model of Disability. He is passionate about supporting individuals with empathy, dignity, and a deeper understanding of diverse needs.

Hannah is a passionate and caring educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Hons) from the University of Cyberjaya and is currently pursuing her Postgraduate Diploma on Education. She has hands-on experience as a Special Needs Teacher and Teaching Assistant in early intervention programs, where she supported children in developing their motor, sensory, cognitive, and emotional skills.

Warm, patient, and empathetic, Hannah is dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where children can grow and thrive. Her calm presence, strong teamwork, and commitment to learning make her an inspiring part of any therapy or educational team.

Mary Chu Zhi Qing is a Psychology graduate from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology with a strong interest in neurodivergent education and child development. She brings hands-on experience supporting children in learning environments through her internship at an autism support and enrichment centre, where she assisted in therapy sessions, prepared learning materials, and monitored students’ progress. Mary is passionate about contributing to supportive and inclusive learning spaces, combining her psychology background with creativity, communication, and collaborative skills.

Visiting Speech-Language Pathologist

Jacinta is a certified Speech Pathologist with a passion for supporting young children with communication, play, and sensory-motor needs. She holds a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Hons) from Flinders University, Australia, and is a member of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC), and the Speech-Language Pathologist Association of Malaysia (SPEAK).

Jacinta is trained in various internationally recognized programs including DIR Floortime, PROMPT, Hanen’s “It Takes Two to Talk” and “More Than Words,” TalkTools Oral Placement Therapy, and UCLA PEERS. Her professional journey includes working with multidisciplinary teams in both Malaysia and Australia, supporting children with autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, GDD, and speech sound disorders. Her approach combines evidence-based practice with warmth, playfulness, and family collaboration to foster every child’s unique development.

Visiting Occupational Therapist

Nadirah is a MAHPC and MOTA registered Occupational Therapist with over 8 years of experience supporting infants and children from 7 months to 16 years old. She holds a Degree in Occupational Therapy from Universiti Teknologi MARA and has completed training in Ayres Sensory Integration Theory NADIRAH MOHAMAD DZAKI RESUME.

She is experienced in sensory processing interventions, fine motor development, handwriting skills, and functional assessments. Nadirah works closely with families, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure each child receives holistic, comprehensive care tailored to their developmental needs.

Her approach is child-centred, practical, and goal-oriented — with a strong passion for helping children build independence, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives.

Dhania Sorfina binti Md Zaki Fadzil is our Senior Occupational Therapist. She has 5 years of experience working in this field. She graduated from the University of Technology MARA with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy (Honours.). She also has certificates and joined courses in Positive Behavior Training, Child Protection, Certificate of Good Conduct, and ADHD-CCSP. Dhania has a strong passion for empowering children through tailored therapeutic interventions. She continues to prove her ability to create holistic treatment plans that cater to diverse educational and development needs.

FAQs

  • Our team conducts a thorough assessment of your child's needs and creates a customized plan to ensure they receive the right combination of therapies for their unique development goals.

  • Simply contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our team will assess your child’s needs and recommend the best program to start their journey with us.

  • Our therapists are highly qualified with professional certifications in areas like disabilities studies and learning difficulties management. They have extensive experience working with children with special needs, ensuring that your child receives expert care and personalized attention.

  • We offer both one-on-one therapy sessions and small group activities depending on your child’s needs and goals.

  • We are offering home-based therapy sessions for now. We are working towards offering centre-based therapy sessions in the future as we are aware not all clients could provide a space for therapy at home.

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