Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 1 May 2025: In a strategic move to enhance special education services across the country, the Ministry of Education, through its Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Melisha Williams, owner of Oasis ABA TCI. This partnership allows for the outsourcing of specialised behavioural therapy services, signalling a critical step forward in expanding access and capacity to support children with diverse learning and developmental needs.
As part of the SENS department’s Key Policy Strategy (KPS) to increase and expand therapy services, the MOU enables Oasis ABA to begin offering behavioural therapy support to students currently on waitlists, particularly those in Providenciales, with plans to extend services to Grand Turk in the very near future.
Director of SENS, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, shared that this proactive partnership is a response to the growing number of children being identified for specialised support. “As we anticipate an increase in referrals, it is imperative that we act decisively to meet demand. This MOU allows us to serve more families while ensuring quality, evidence-based interventions. We are especially proud that Oasis ABA is owned by a local professional, further investing in our national human capital.”
Melisha Williams, the founder and lead therapist at Oasis ABA, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to national development through her practice: “It was a lifelong goal of mine to be of service to my country, especially in the area of special needs, as individuals with special needs also have a critical role to play in advancing this great nation. As the government continues to enhance support in this area, I am grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing our journey to ensure that individuals with special needs and their families receive the necessary support to not only function but thrive in society.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, emphasised the significance of this MOU as part of the Ministry’s broader inclusion strategy: “This is more than a contract—it’s a commitment to ensuring that our children has access to quality services. Behavioural therapy is a powerful tool that can improve outcomes and unlock potential, and by working with our local trusted professionals, we are not only meeting immediate needs but also strengthening the foundation of inclusive education for years to come.”
This MOU aligns with the Ministry’s ongoing mission to develop equitable systems that nurture all learners, particularly those requiring tailored interventions. It marks a meaningful milestone in the nation’s investment in its most valuable resource—its children. Together, with partners like Oasis ABA, the SENS department is advancing inclusive education and building a brighter future for all.
For more information about our services, upcoming initiatives, or how to support our work, please contact the Department of Special Education Needs Services at sens@gov.tc.
