DORCAS NDAMBUKI
Nairobi
Summary
A special needs educator and community development professional with a strong foundation in psychology and special needs education. Experienced in driving sustainable social change, advocating for neurodiverse communities, and implementing evidence-based educational and empowerment programs. Passionate about inclusive practices, disability rights, and holistic development, with practical experience in education, social work, and community initiatives. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, program design, and advocacy, with a vision to create meaningful impact at both local and international levels, including through NGO and UN-related opportunities.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
4043
4043
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Tutor, Special Needs Students
Bloom Garden Autism Academy
Nairobi
05.2023 - Current
- Designed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) for learners with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions in alignment with inclusive education principles.
- Delivered structured, evidence-based instruction in literacy, numeracy, life skills, and social development.
- Adapted curriculum and classroom environments to ensure equitable access to learning, incorporating visual supports, sensory regulation strategies, and differentiated instruction.
- Conducted ongoing assessments and tracked learner progress using data-informed approaches to guide instructional planning.
- Promoted social inclusion through peer engagement programs and positive behavior support strategies.
- Prepared detailed progress reports and collaborated with caregivers to strengthen home-school partnerships.
- Maintained accurate records of student achievements and challenges.
- Provided one-on-one assistance with homework assignments, tests, and other academic activities.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, and school administrators to develop strategies for success in the classroom.
- Assisted in developing individualized educational plans for special needs children.
Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Bloom Garden Autism Academy
Nairobi
05.2023 - Current
- Supported the implementation of individualized therapy plans targeting expressive and receptive language, articulation, pragmatic skills, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
- Collected, documented, and analyzed therapy data to monitor developmental progress and inform intervention adjustments.
- Facilitated structured, play-based communication interventions to support functional language development.
- Assisted in developing communication materials, including visual schedules and PECS systems, to enhance accessibility.
- Collaborated within a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, holistic support aligned with each child's developmental needs.
- Provided caregiver guidance on home-based communication strategies to ensure skill generalization.
Communications & Marketing Lead
Bloom Garden Autism Academy
Nairobi
05.2023 - Current
- Led strategic communications initiatives to promote disability inclusion and inclusive education awareness.
- Developed marketing campaigns, scripts, digital content, and promotional materials to strengthen institutional visibility.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement efforts, enhancing relationships with parents, community partners, and prospective families.
- Contributed to institutional sustainability through structured outreach and enrollment growth strategies.
- Represented the institution in public engagement platforms to advocate for neurodiversity and rights-based education.
Sociologist
Safe Environment Consultants Limited
Nairobi
02.2021 - 03.2023
- Planning and executing the entire EIA exercise.
- Organizing and addressing public participation meetings as part of stakeholder Engagement for the EIA in the project area.
- Assisting in preparing and submitting the projects EIA reports to NEMA for Approval.
- Systematically examining if the proposed projects have any adverse impacts on the environment.
- Preparing a detailed environmental Environment Impact Assessment report.
- Assisting submit EIA reports to the National Irrigation Authority and to National Environmental Management Authority for review and issuance of approvals.
Survey Enumerator
Outreach Development Services, Africa
Nairobi
10.2019 - 01.2021
- Conducting door-to-door surveys to collect data from households and businesses in the area.
- Collecting data on the population and demographics of the area.
- Collecting information on the potential economic benefits of the turn-off road.
- Submitted daily field reports summarizing findings, challenges, and recommendations for data improvement.
- Followed all health, safety, and traffic management guidelines while operating in high-movement work zones.
Data Entry Clerk
Outreach Development Services, Africa
Nairobi
10.2019 - 01.2021
- Entering data into a database accurately and efficiently.
- Communicating and coordinating with team members to ensure accurate and timely data entry.
- Verified, cross-checked, and corrected data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Maintained organized electronic and physical filing systems for easy retrieval of records.
- Reviewed source documents for errors and inconsistencies before data capture.
- Generated routine reports and summaries for supervisors and management.
- Ensured confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive information.
- Performed data cleaning and basic analysis to support operational reporting.
- Responded to data-related queries and assisted in record reconciliation.
- Met strict deadlines while maintaining high attention to detail.
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS - SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, KenyaDIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT -
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, KenyaSkills
- Communication and Problem-Solving Skills
- Organizational skills
- Time Management
- Assessment and evaluation
- Organizational and planning skills
- Team-work oriented
- Good listener and communicator
- Reliability
- Decision-making
- Adaptability and problem solving
- Communication materials development
- Data-informed assessments
Certification
- Introduction to Speech and Language Therapy, Alison, 04/27/2024, Online
- Assessment of Children with Speech Sound Disorders, SpeechPathology.com, 01/30/2026, Online
- Co-occurring Communication and Developmental Coordination Disorder, SpeechPathology.com, 02/04/2026, Online
- Stuttering, Cluttering, Atypical Disfluency, and Autism, SpeechPathology.com, 02/01/2026, Online
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Swahili
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Tutor, Special Needs Students
Bloom Garden Autism Academy
05.2023 - Current
Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
Bloom Garden Autism Academy
05.2023 - Current
Communications & Marketing Lead
Bloom Garden Autism Academy
05.2023 - Current
Sociologist
Safe Environment Consultants Limited
02.2021 - 03.2023
Survey Enumerator
Outreach Development Services, Africa
10.2019 - 01.2021
Data Entry Clerk
Outreach Development Services, Africa
10.2019 - 01.2021
BACHELOR OF ARTS - SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY
University of Nairobi
DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT -
University of Nairobi