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Department of Special Education Needs Services Welcomes First Occupational Therapist  

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, 

YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 3 June 2025: The Department of Special Education Needs Services (DSENS) within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture is proud to announce the onboarding of Milah Behlmaier, its first Occupational Therapist, to its expanding clinical team.

Ms. Behlmaier brings over five years of pediatric clinical experience to the Turks and Caicos Islands. No stranger to the country, she is a proud graduate of British West Indies Collegiate. She later pursued higher education at Pepperdine University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and later completed her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California.

Her professional journey reflects both local roots and international impact. Ms. Behlmaier previously completed a two-week externship in the Turks and Caicos, where she assessed the growing need for occupational therapy services. She also spent six months at a pediatric clinic in Haiti, advocating for children with special needs and providing essential family support.

Ms. Behlmaier specialises in sensory integration, feeding therapy, and early intervention, and has worked in a variety of clinical settings. She is deeply passionate about empowering children to reach their fullest potential and ensuring families receive inclusive, compassionate support. Her commitment to advocacy and her desire to promote equity for individuals of all abilities make her a welcomed addition to the department.

Dr. Anya Malcolm, DSENS Director shared “With Ms. Behlmaier’s appointment, the DSENS clinical team is now more robust than ever. She joins our in-country team of behavioral and speech-language pathologists, and behavioural consultant Oasis ABA. The department also continues to benefit from its partnerships with international visiting teams such as 1 World Foundation and Therapy Abroad, which provide speech therapy camps, multidisciplinary assessments, and audiology assessments, as well as neuropsychological evaluations with BTConcepts throughout the year.”

Commenting on Ms. Behlmaier’s appointment, the Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor noted, “I am pleased to officially welcome Ms. Behlmaier to our education family. Her appointment is a major step forward in our Ministry’s mission to deliver inclusive and equitable education for all. This milestone reflects our investment in building a strong, multidisciplinary support system that meets the needs of every learner. I commend the DSENS team for their leadership in expanding our clinical capacity, and I look forward to the positive impact Ms. Behlmaier will have on our students, families, and the future of special education in these islands.”

This landmark hiring reflects the Ministry’s ongoing investment in strengthening special education services and expanding access to early intervention and therapeutic support across the islands. For more information on the SENS department, you can contact sens@gov.tc.

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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Education

Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Launches Inaugural E-Magazine “Beyond the School Bell”

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 28 January 2026 —The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is pleased to announce the launch of Beyond the School Bell, the inaugural e-magazine of the Social Enrichment Academic Afterschool Programme (SEAP). This groundbreaking publication celebrates the vibrant activities taking place in afterschool programmes across schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Beyond the School Bell offers an exciting glimpse into the diverse activities that keep students engaged, learning and thriving long after the school bell rings. From hands-on cultural and arts activities to sports, environmental initiatives and academic enrichment programmes, the e-magazine highlights the innovative ways the afterschool programme is shaping well-rounded students and building stronger school communities.

Commenting on the launch, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, stated: “This dynamic publication celebrates the creativity, curiosity and community that come alive in our afterschool programme. Through the photos, highlights and presentations, Beyond the School Bell captures how afterschool hours become a powerful space for exploration, growth and connection, reflecting our commitment to supporting our students academically, socially and creatively.”

The e-magazine showcases the meaningful difference the afterschool programme is making in the lives of children and young people across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

To view the inaugural issue of Beyond the School Bell, please visit:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/49423d4d63.html

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Beaches Turks & Caicos Invests in Youth Development  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos is reaffirming its commitment to national youth development through ongoing initiatives that mentor and train young people to reach their full potential.

The resort’s management believes that every young person deserves the tools and guidance for turning potential into purpose. Managing Director James McAnally said the resort’s philosophy is grounded in providing opportunity for growth, regardless of background.

“We create an environment where, with the right disposition, the team members’ start does not determine where they will end up,” McAnally said.

Through its learning and development department, Beaches Turks & Caicos offers training, mentorship and exposure to different career paths. Phildreka Mayham, manager of the department, explained that the resort actively recruits young, motivated individuals and helps them develop both personally and professionally.

“We take in bright, driven individuals with no prior experience and give them the chance to prove themselves, grow and level up,” Mayham said. She noted that the Sandals Corporate University, an educational arm of the Sandals group, provides accredited training and degree-level study through partnerships with regional and international universities.

The success of the resort’s youth development approach is evident in stories like that of Deandra Astwood, a front desk agent who joined the resort shortly after completing secondary school. Recently named Diamond Team Member of the Month – a prestigious monthly recognition at Beaches – Astwood credited the resort’s supportive environment for her success.

“I am truly humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It motivates me to continue growing and giving my best every day.”

Her manager, Shaneque Grant, described her as one of the youngest yet most dedicated team members in the department. “Deandra’s journey shows what’s possible when young people are given the chance to learn and shine,” Grant said.

Beaches Turks & Caicos, through the Sandals Foundation, continues to expand its investment in education and career development. The resort views its role in youth empowerment as more than corporate responsibility; it is a national commitment to preparing the next generation for leadership.

Photo Captions:

Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort shares with students and educators from the Clement Howell High School in a fine dining training experience at the resort

1st Insert: Oseta Jolly Primary School Guidance Counsellor Carane Hall-Brodber (standing left) shares in a conversation with Beaches Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan while students enjoy a chill time on one of the chairs in the green space at the school as the resort continues to invest in youth

2nd Insert: Clement Howell High School students receive fine dining etiquette training led by Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Food and Beverage team leader Claude Williams at one of the 22 dining outlets on the resort

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