Unconditional acceptance
We see the personality in every child first, accepting them with all their emotions, individual pace of development and character.
About us
VALORA Center is an educational and developmental space where academic knowledge meets care for each child’s emotional wellbeing. We believe that together we can unlock every child’s potential — because each child is unique and priceless.
Our name
The name VALORA comes from a verb meaning “to value”, “to recognise importance” and “to appraise with the heart”. It is more than a name — it is our call to action and the guiding principle for every specialist at the lyceum. We believe that together we can unlock every child’s potential, because each child is unique, and each is priceless!
Our values
The foundation of VALORA Center is built on a deep conviction that every child is a unique universe with the right to development, respect and unconditional acceptance.
Professionalism and evidence
We combine sincere empathy with a scientific approach, using only proven and safe methods.
Partnership with the family
We build a reliable support system for the family, acting in synergy: “Lyceum – Parents”.
Growth through strengths
Instead of focusing on deficits, we look for and develop the child’s talents, building on their interests.
Safety and comfort
We create a space where stress is minimised and the joy of discovering the world prevails.
The VALORA Center team
Meet the VALORA specialists — people who love their work and believe that together we can unlock every child’s potential. For our educators, teaching is a calling: they support each child’s development through partnership and unconditional acceptance.
Olena Yakymenko
Lyceum Director
35 years of teaching experience. Philologist of foreign languages (English/French), inclusive-education specialist. Top-category specialist, senior teacher.
Alla Ivanova
Deputy Director for Academic Affairs
PhD in Economics. 7 years in education. Led the YEP project: creating student startups and projects.
Iryna Shteheran
Deputy Director for Psychological & Pedagogical Support
Top-category specialist, 25 years of teaching. Philologist (Ukrainian), speech therapist, education-programme trainer, inclusion specialist.
Daria Terokhina
Deputy Director for Physical Development & Corrective Programmes
Specialist in physical rehabilitation and children’s physical development. Experience in specialised institutions and corrective-rehabilitation programmes.
Dmytro Tkachuk
Deputy Director for Administration & Facilities
3 years of professional experience in warehouse operations. Skilled in procurement, inventory and internal-process organisation.
Olha Zolottseva
Marketing Specialist
Specialist in marketing, branding and communications. Co-organiser of international forums; coordinated the Barrier-Free Council at Odesa City Council for culture and tourism.
Specialists by area
The people who work with children every day. Choose an area to meet the team.
TeachersArea curator: Olena Yakymenko1 specialist
Chichkina Marharyta Andriivna
Teacher, guest specialist
15+ years of professional experience in education and child development. Experience in humane pedagogy, children’s art therapy, integrated lessons, developing creative abilities, career guidance and children’s adaptation.
Psychological and pedagogical supportArea curator: Iryna Shteheran2 specialists
Dymytrova Iryna Viktorivna
Psychologist, art therapist
20+ years of professional experience in practical psychology. Specialises in working with children, teenagers and parents, art therapy, psychological counselling and corrective work with children with developmental differences.
Leushyna Veronika Oleksandrivna
Speech therapist
Experience in education, speech therapy and media. Speech therapist, teacher and speech-development specialist. Experience working with children, teaching, running creative projects and communications in education and media.
Physical development and corrective-rehabilitation programmesArea curator: Daria Terokhina1 specialist
Zhbankova Oleksandra Serhiivna
Physical education instructor
5+ years of professional experience in psychology and working with children. Psychologist, sensory therapist and teacher. Experience with children with special educational needs, early development, psychological support and sensory integration.
Documents and official information
Our partners
“PLATFORM OF EQUALITY — EYWA” Charitable Foundation
The Foundation provides systematic access to quality educational, medical and rehabilitation programmes for children with developmental needs, as well as psychological support and social integration for children affected by the war. The team builds an inclusive society of equal opportunities — where every child has the right to development, protection and a happy childhood.