Author of the method
Olena Khyzhniak
Speech-language therapist and special educator, psychologist, coach.
Many years of experience working with children — both typically developing and those with developmental differences. Olena is the founder of the “Clever Kid” development centers in Ukraine. As director and lead specialist, she ran early-development groups (ages 2 to 5) as well as remedial sessions with children with ASD, ADHD and other developmental differences.
- 2006
After the birth of her son, she became passionate about developmental methods of preschool preparation.
- 2012
She opened the “Clever Kid” early-development center in Ukraine. In the same year, she enrolled at Donbas State Pedagogical University to obtain a professional pedagogical education.
- 2016
Obtained the qualification of Bachelor of Correctional Education — speech pathologist, teacher of children with disabilities of mental and physical development.
- 2017
Obtained the “Specialist” qualification in special psychology. Professional qualification — speech-language pathologist, special psychologist of preschool and school institutions.
- 2023
Continued her professional path in Germany as a coach.
Over the years of practice, hundreds of children have taken part in Olena’s sessions. The work was built on lively communication, play and visual cues — approaches that help a child engage more actively in learning. It was precisely this experience that became the foundation of the LingvaStep game.
Education
Diplomas and qualifications
Bachelor of Correctional Education
Donbass State Teachers’ Training University
Specialization “Corrective Education”. Qualification: speech pathologist, kindergarten teacher of children with disabilities of mental and physical development.
Specialist · Special Psychology
Donbas State Pedagogical University
Program subject area “016 Special Education”, study program “Logopaedics. Special Psychology”. Professional qualification: speech-language pathologist, special psychologist of preschool and school institutions.
Since 2023, Olena has continued her professional path in Germany as a coach. The game LingvaStep became a continuation of her many years of practice — a way to make a proven method accessible to parents and specialists all over the world.