Educational leadership guided by empathy, science, and innovation.
This is the principle that guides my work as an educator, childhood development specialist, and future leader in educational technology. 

My name is Karla Proaño, and I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, where my passion for education began at the age of 15. I started working as a tutor and caregiver, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the Equinoctial Technological University (Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial - UTE). Motivated by the desire to better support children with learning challenges, I pursued a Master of Science in Neuropsychology of Education from the International University of La Rioja (Universidad Internacional de La Rioja - UNIR) in Spain, where I gained a deeper understanding of how the brain works and how to support children without labels or limitations. 

After moving to the United States, I embraced the challenge of adapting to a new educational system. I began as a classroom assistant in early childhood centers, but quickly realized that I had the knowledge and experience to offer more. I went on to work with neurodiverse children, serve as a Spanish teacher, lead teacher, and later as an early intervention specialist. These experiences led me to obtain key professional certifications, including the prestigious Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

I have worked as a Childhood Development Specialist in Passaic and Bergen Counties, New Jersey, providing support and counseling services for children and families from diverse backgrounds. I am also the author of a bilingual interactive workbook, “My Magic Guide to Conflict Resolution,” a resource designed to help children build cognitive and social-emotional skills. The book is inspired by my personal motto: “Happy Kids, Happy World.”

Currently, I serve as a Clinical Supervisor at The WonDIRful, where I coach and support a team of professionals implementing the DIR®/Floortime model for children ages 2-8. I lead in - actions and on- actions support, staff coaching, and guide neurodevelopmental strategies tailored to each child’s individual needs. 

I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Technology, with the vision of integrating innovative digital tools into the socioemotional and language development of bilingual Neurodiversity. My long-term goal is to design inclusive, neuropsychology-informed resources that empower educators, therapists, and families, bridging the gap between research, practice, and technology. 

I am committed to building a new kind of leadership, one that embraces diversity, respects the science of human development, and creates real opportunities for all children to thrive.

• Early Childhood Development (Ages 0–8)

• Bilingual Education (Spanish-English)

• Consulting Head Teacher

• Educational Neuropsychology

• DIR®/Floortime

• Family Coaching & Inclusive Practices

• Early Intervention

• Professional Development Specialist and Leadership in Educational Equity

• Technology Integration (Emerging Focus)