Beyond the Label: Uniting Educators and Professionals for Inclusivity and Autism

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Meet Our Experts

Speakers and Trainers

Discover the experts behind our seminars and training programs. Our speakers are specialists in inclusive education, autism intervention, ABA therapy, and child development advocacy in the Philippines. Explore their comprehensive profiles and see how their expertise strengthens our mission.

Dr. Alexis Socorro L. Reyes, MD, FPPS, FPSDBP

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician

Dr. Alexis Socorro L. Reyes is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician with decades of experience in child development, developmental and behavioral assessment, early identification and intervention, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, dyslexia, developmental delays, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

She serves as Head of the Center for Autism and Developmental Medicine at St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City and has served as Chief of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at UP–Philippine General Hospital and as an Associate Professor at the UP College of Medicine. Her clinical and advisory experience also includes work with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, NORFIL Foundation, Autism Society Philippines, and other child-development initiatives.
Her leadership extends to national and international professional organizations. She is a Founding Board Member and former President of the International Developmental Pediatrics Association and a former President of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
Dr. Reyes earned her Doctor of Medicine from the UP College of Medicine after graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from UP Diliman. Her postgraduate training includes residency in Pediatrics and fellowship training in Developmental Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital, followed by further clinical and research training abroad.

Dr. Marie Grace A. Gomez

Professor II, UP College of Education
Dr. Marie Grace A. Gomez is a Professor at the University of the Philippines College of Education whose work spans Special Education, Guidance and Counseling, disability support, psychosocial services, psychological assessment, career development, teaching, mentoring, and research.
She holds doctoral qualifications in Special Education and Education Guidance from the UP College of Education.
Among her academic distinctions are the UP Presidential Scholarship and Pi Gamma Mu Honor. She has also received UP Professorial Chairs recognizing excellence in teaching, mentoring, and research.
Her areas of expertise include Guidance and Counseling, Special Education and Disability Support, Psychosocial Support Services, Career Counseling and Development, Psychological Assessment and Standardized Testing, Program and Scale Development, and Comprehensive Sexuality Education for Persons with Disabilities.
Her multidisciplinary work contributes to a broader understanding of inclusion—one that considers not only academic participation but also the psychological, social, developmental, and transition needs of persons with disabilities across different stages of life.

Ms. Charlene Faye Agati

Special Education & Inclusive Education Specialist
Ms. Charlene Faye Agati is an educator and specialist with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Special Education, inclusive education, teacher development, curriculum development, and school leadership.
She holds a Master of Arts in Education, major in Special Education, from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has worked extensively as a college educator, Special Education practitioner, teacher trainer, curriculum developer, and educational leader.
Her professional experience includes the development and management of therapy and inclusive education programs, faculty development initiatives, and partnerships with schools, local government units, and educational organizations.
Her academic and professional interests center on learner diversity, inclusive education, special needs education, teacher preparation, and the development of educational environments that enable learners with diverse needs to participate and learn meaningfully. She has also contributed scholarly work in these areas and is pursuing doctoral studies in Educational Leadership.

Ms. Maria Cecilia Q. Jocson

Reading Specialist
Ms. Maria Cecilia Q. Jocson is a Reading Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in literacy assessment, intervention, reading instruction, and teacher training, working with learners from kindergarten through high school.
Her work encompasses direct intervention with developing and struggling readers as well as the professional development of teachers in effective literacy instruction. She has served as a DepEd resource person for reading instruction, remediation, and literacy programs and as a Core Trainer for Basa Pilipinas.
Ms. Jocson is co-author of ABCs of Reading: How to Teach Kids to Read. She holds an M.S.Ed. in Literacy with a Dyslexia Endorsement, a Structured Literacy Educator Certificate from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), and is a Licensed Professional Teacher.
Her areas of professional practice include structured literacy, dyslexia, reading assessment, foundational literacy, remediation, intervention, and evidence-informed reading instruction.
Jenine Precious Catudio-Aguilar

Jenine Precious Catudio-Aguilar

Special Needs Teacher, IEP Coach
Founder, Miss Jenine’s Learning Center

Miss Jenine is a Special Education teacher, IEP coach, inclusion advocate, and founder of a learning center supporting diverse learners and families. With over 12 years of experience in education, she spent eight years in Richmond, California, working as a special needs teacher and IEP coach in under-resourced communities.
Now based in the Philippines, she shares practical, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed strategies that help make inclusion more possible in real-world classrooms. As a mom to a child with global developmental delay and a gifted child, her work is deeply shaped by both professional and lived experience.
Miss Jenine was also nominated as cadre member for the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) and has written articles for EdSource, a California-based media.
Dra. Pauline Camposano-Marquez

Dra. Pauline Camposano-Marquez

Dr. Pauline Camposano-Marquez is an award-winning researcher in pediatrics, recognized for winning Best Research Paper at the 3rd International Developmental Pediatrics Association (IDPA) Congress, and for placing 3rd in the Fellows’ Research Contest at the Department of Pediatrics, PGH Manila. A highly-trained pediatric specialist, she completed her residency and fellowship at the UP PGH Section of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.
She currently serves as Medical Specialist II at the QC Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities, where she provides expertise in developmental and behavioral care. In addition, she practices at her private clinic in Plaridel, Bulacan, Marcelo Padilla Hospital in Plaridel, and De Vera Hospital Inc. in Santiago City, Isabela, extending her care to more children and families in different communities.
With her dedication as a clinician, researcher, and advocate, Dr. Marquez continues to advance inclusive healthcare for children of all abilities through clinical practice, research, training, and community involvement.
Dr. Raymond E. Raguindin

Dr. Raymond E. Raguindin

Dr. Raymond E. Raguindin is a trailblazing force in special and inclusive education, with over two decades of expertise in designing transformative learning systems that empower learners with and without special needs. A renowned educator, he has dedicated his career to advancing inclusive practices and shaping the future of special education in the Philippines.
He holds a PhD in Educational Management and a Master’s in Special Education from UP Diliman. As the Founder and School Head of Big Steps Center for Special Education, Dr. Raguindin has built one of the region’s pioneering centers for inclusive education, championing equitable access and holistic learning.
Dr. Raguindin has presented his work on autism in various international conferences before, during, and after the pandemic. While he does not hold a university researcher post, his presentations remain updated, context-based, and rooted in a transdisciplinary approach. As co-founder of SPED Pilipinas, he continues to lead initiatives that elevate educational standards, inspire educators, and transform communities nationwide.
Teacher Gina Luna Bermudo

Teacher Gina Luna Bermudo

Teacher Gina Luna Bermudo is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®), internationally credentialed as a Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA®), International Behavior Analyst (IBA®), and Certified Autism Specialist (CAS®). She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education at The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
She holds two master’s degrees—one in ABA from the University of Massachusetts, USA (with a perfect GPA), and another in Special Education from the University of the Philippines (with highest honors). She also earned her bachelor’s in Mathematics and Computer Science from Ateneo de Manila University.
Gina serves as the Philippine representative to the QABA International Development Committee. She has published several articles in international scientific journals related to ABA and has presented her research at Harvard University in the USA. She was honored with the 2019 UP Most Outstanding Alumna Award and the Gintong Medalya Award, which celebrates exceptional individuals who have contributed to nation-building and inspired their communities through dedicated service.
She is a globally recognized ABA trainer, teaching and supervising professionals across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. She is also the creator of Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo, inspired by her sons, Niko and Xandi, both with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Teacher Brenda Mendoza-Linga

Teacher Brenda Mendoza-Linga

Teacher Brenda Mendoza-Linga is a seasoned educator with over 23 years of teaching experience, known for her deep commitment to inclusive and impactful learning. She holds a Master of Arts in Education, Major in School Administration and Supervision, equipping her with the expertise to lead both inside the classroom and within school management. Her career reflects a blend of educational leadership and grassroots advocacy for learner diversity.
She is a Certified Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT), a credential that combines her academic foundation with evidence-based strategies in behavior intervention. Brenda uses this certification to support diverse learners, bringing structured, science-backed methods to classrooms and training settings that promote inclusion and growth.
As an autism mom and passionate advocate, Brenda offers a powerful perspective grounded in both professional practice and lived experience. She actively champions neurodiversity, raises awareness, and empowers fellow parents and educators through a message of education, empathy, and empowerment. Her work continues to impact the lives of families and students by fostering communities of understanding and support.
Mrs. Nessie D. Baculo

Mrs. Nessie D. Baculo

Mrs. Nessie D. Baculo is the Center Administrator of the Parañaque City Center for Children with Special Needs, leading programs that provide essential services and interventions for children with developmental challenges. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and is completing her Master in Development Management and Governance at the University of Makati.
She has strengthened her expertise through both local and international training, including the International Conference on Applied Behavior Analysis (2025), QBA Coursework (2025), and the Association for Applied Behavior Analysis International Convention (2024). She has also undergone specialized seminars on disability sensitivity, gender awareness, and child protection, building her capacity to design and manage inclusive programs.
Her work in inclusive governance has been recognized nationally, earning her the Philippines Social Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year for Health Award (2024). Passionate about neurodiversity, equity, and empowerment, Nessie continues to advocate for stronger partnerships among families, educators, and communities to ensure meaningful opportunities for children with special needs.

Championing Early Childhood Development Seminar 2024

Dra. Pauline Camposano-Marquez

Dra. Pauline Camposano-Marquez

Dr. Pauline Camposano-Marquez is a respected pediatric consultant and researcher with a strong focus on developmental and behavioral pediatrics. With a foundation in psychology from UP Diliman and a medical degree from UP Manila, Dr. Camposano-Marquez has been recognized for her contributions to pediatric research, earning awards such as Best Research Paper at the 3rd International Developmental Pediatrics Association Congress and a top-three finish in the Fellows’ Research Contest at PGH.
She has served in various roles, including as a Medical Specialist at the QC Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities and as a consultant at ManilaMed. Her commitment to advancing child development and her expertise in pediatric care make her an invaluable resource in her field.
Dra. Robina Hao-Dy

Dra. Robina Hao-Dy

Dra. Robina Hao-Dy – Dr. Robina Hao-Dy is a distinguished pediatric specialist, educator, and researcher known for her dedication to advancing child health and developmental pediatrics. With a background in psychology from Ateneo de Manila University and a medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Dr. Hao-Dy has contributed valuable research on pediatric health, presenting at international forums such as the World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology in Taipei and the International Digestive Disease Forum in Hong Kong.
She has received multiple awards for her work, including recognition at the 3rd International Developmental Pediatrics Association Congress. Currently, she serves as a Visiting Consultant at The Medical City and mentors future medical professionals at Ateneo School of Medicine. Her expertise, compassionate approach, and commitment to quality healthcare make her an inspiring voice in pediatric medicine.
Mrs. Louisse Crisostomo-Galang

Mrs. Louisse Crisostomo-Galang

Mrs. Louisse Crisostomo-Galang is a dedicated special education specialist and corporate trainer with a passion for inclusive learning and guidance. Graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Special Education from UP tDiliman, she brings expertise in both SPED diagnostics and individualized educational planning, gained through her work at Childfind Learning & Play Center.
Ms. Crisostomo-Galang also served as a Senior High School Teacher and Guidance Associate at Mayfield Montessori Academy, fostering inclusive classrooms and student support. Currently pursuing her MA in Guidance, she combines her academic insights with practical experience, making her a dynamic advocate for accessible education and student well-being.
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Beyond the Label 2026

From Diagnosis to Direction

Bridging the Gaps Across the Lifespan

October 24, 2026 | Saturday
School of Statistics Auditorium
University of the Philippines Diliman

Join parents, educators, professionals, and advocates for a full-day interdisciplinary seminar connecting early identification, inclusive education, literacy, psychosocial wellbeing, and transition to adult life.