Government
Dr. Anya Malcolm Gibbs appointed as Director of Special Needs
#TurksandCaicos, January 18, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs to the post of Director of Special Needs within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport, and Social Services.
Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the unwavering commitment to enhancing mental health care in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Her journey, spanning across various pivotal roles and accomplishments, echoes a story of relentless passion and expertise.
Born and raised in the Turks & Caicos Islands, Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs’ educational ascent began with a flourish. Excelling as Salutatorian at the Ianthe Pratt Primary School and later as Head Girl and Valedictorian at Clement Howell High, she embarked on a remarkable academic voyage. Awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, she ventured to Howard University in Washington, DC, earning magna cum laude honors in Psychology.
Armed with a Bachelor’s of Science degree, Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs pursued her soul’s passion for mental health, traversing the halls of the American School for Professional Psychology. There, she earned a terminal Master’s and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) degree, driven by a resolute determination to bring transformative change to her homeland.
In 2015, she returned to the Turks & Caicos, joining the public service in the Department of Behavioral Health Services as a Clinical Psychologist. Her impact reverberated through the islands as she spearheaded workshops, addressed conferences, and broke barriers, fighting the stigma shadowing mental health.
A luminary in mental health, Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs embodies resilience, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to
fostering a society where mental well-being thrives. Her accolades, including the prestigious Youth Award for Health & Wellness, reflect the magnitude of her dedication and accomplishments.
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs added, “Gratitude fills my heart as I step into the esteemed role of Director in the newly established Special Education Needs Department within the Ministry of Education. I am thankful to God for allowing me the grace and blessings to continue to walk within my purpose of being a helper. I am truly honored for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of special needs education in our beloved Turks & Caicos Islands. It is with great humility that I accept the responsibility of leading this department. I want to acknowledge my family, especially my husband and parents, for their unwavering support, encouragement, and recognition of my potential, which has been the driving force behind my pursuit for this position. I am eager to bring my diverse experiences and passion for positive change to the forefront, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, receives the education they deserve.
This appointment is not just a job for me; it’s a calling. As a mother, I understand the profound impact education has on a child’s life, especially those with special needs. With that in mind, I will continue to follow the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hands to do so.” I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters growth and success for every student.
My goal as Director is clear – to develop a world-class special education policy and program tailor-made for our unique community. Through collaboration, innovation, and a tireless dedication to excellence, I aim to set new standards in special needs education in the Turks & Caicos Islands. I am excited to work alongside a dedicated team, parents, and the community to make a lasting impact. Together, we will not only meet the needs of our exceptional learners but exceed expectations, creating a future where every child’s potential is recognized and nurtured.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs, stated: “I am delighted to congratulate Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs on her appointment as the new Director of Special Needs within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport, and Social Services.
The Turks and Caicos Government is heavily focused on providing quality learning to students at all levels, in all stages of life; this includes students that have unique learning needs.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has made significant strides in the progression and ongoing care of mental health concerns in our islands. This appointment further develops work that has been done as we now have a dedicated department whose sole purpose is to care for, develop, resolve, and advance concerns and policies for our students with special needs.
We offer our unwavering support to Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs who is a highly qualified professional that we are certain will do well as she takes on the leadership of this significant initiative.
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion, Dr. Malcolm-Gibbs!”
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