Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy was born from the personal journey of Zaineb Ghlayem, a mother of two autistic children. When her daughter was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, Ghlayem found herself plunged into an unfamiliar and overwhelming world. "It was a whole new world to me," she recalled, feeling the weight of fear and uncertainty about her daughter's future. The initial diagnosis was a daunting experience, but Ghlayem's determination to understand and support her daughter pushed her to navigate the complexities of autism. As she delved deeper, attending countless appointments, researching therapies, and connecting with other families, she began to accumulate a wealth of knowledge and experience. Over time, she transformed from a worried mother into a knowledgeable advocate, becoming well-versed in the needs and challenges faced by neurodivergent children and their families. Her journey took another significant turn with the birth of her second child, who was also diagnosed with autism at the age of four. This second diagnosis reinforced Ghlayem's commitment to supporting her children and others like them. Realizing the profound impact her acquired expertise could have on the broader community, she decided to take her mission to the next level. Ghlayem founded Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy, a unique learning organization dedicated to promoting inclusiveness through specialized services and support. Unlike typical tutoring or therapy centers, Clever Clogs offers a holistic approach specifically tailored for neurodivergent children. The academy combines inclusive tutoring with personalized one-to-one support, designed to address the unique needs of each child. Driven by her deep understanding and personal experience, Ghlayem has created a sanctuary for families navigating the challenges of neurodivergence. Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy stands as a testament to her resilience and dedication, providing a beacon of hope and support for families who, like her, are seeking a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for their children. Please see the following link for an article about Clever Clogs: https://www.surreynowleader.com/local-business/lower-mainland-mom-starts-academy-for-children-with-autism-7117843

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy is a nurturing educational institution founded with the mission to support families through a holistic and affordable approach. The academy's founder, a dedicated professional with a background in family counseling and a Master of Education, leverages a unique motherly touch to create a comforting and inclusive environment. Her goal is to ease the journey for families of neurodivergent individuals by providing specialized inclusive tutoring and personalized one-to-one support services. With a deep understanding of the challenges these families face, Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy aims to be a beacon of support, ensuring every child receives the attention and care they deserve to thrive academically and emotionally.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy deserves recognition for its exceptional commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and innovative educational environment for neurodivergent children. Founded by Zaineb, a dedicated mother of two autistic children, the academy embodies a culture of warmth and collaboration, treating its team of inclusive educators as family. With an open-door policy that encourages staff to share ideas and make personalized recommendations based on strong relationships with clients, Clever Clogs continuously improves its services. The academy also values work-life balance, offering flexible schedules to ensure educators can provide the best support without feeling pressured. This holistic approach, coupled with a deeply personal commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, sets Clever Clogs apart as a beacon of hope and excellence in the field of neurodivergent education.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy thrives on a culture of warmth, openness, and flexibility. Founded by Zaineb, the academy is more than just a workplace—it's a family. Zaineb considers her team of inclusive educators as integral members of the Clever Clogs family, fostering a friendly and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Zaineb champions an open-door policy, encouraging her staff to speak their minds and actively participate in the decision-making process. She believes that the best ideas come from collaborative efforts, and she values the unique perspectives and insights each team member brings to the table. Educators are encouraged to share suggestions and ideas about their work, continuously improving the academy's approach to supporting neurodivergent children. The relationship between the educators and the families they serve is paramount at Clever Clogs. Staff members are empowered to make recommendations based on the strong relationships they build with their clients, ensuring that each family's needs are met with personalized care and understanding. Flexibility is a cornerstone of the work culture at Clever Clogs. Zaineb understands the importance of a balanced work-life dynamic and ensures that her team members have flexible work schedules. This approach helps to alleviate pressure and allows educators to perform at their best, maintaining their well-being while providing exceptional support to the children and families they serve. Overall, the culture at Clever Clogs Inclusive Academy is defined by its friendly atmosphere, collaborative spirit, and commitment to flexibility, making it a nurturing and empowering place for both staff and clients alike.