Welcome

Neurodevelopmental Educational Therapist Valerie MacLean, a Certified HANDLE^® Practitioner and Instructor, is the Director of the Phoenix Centre for Neurodevelopment, and the Phoenix Centre for Osteopathy.

The Phoenix Centre for Neurodevelopment is a clinical setting, specializing in the HANDLE approach. Clients from across Canada are serviced by the Neurodevelopmental Evaluation and Gentle Enhancement^® Therapeutic Program. Additionally, Valerie is an instructor for the "Get a HANDLE on Neurodevelopmental Challenges" course and the "Get a HANDLE on the Autism Spectrum" course. Valerie is Canada's first Certified HANDLE Practitioner and only Instructor.

Although new to Canada, HANDLE is known worldwide, and is based on neurodevelopmental science. Clients and communities have benefitted from HANDLE services in countries around the globe since 1996. Currently there are Affiliates in 18 countries.

HANDLE is an acronym for "Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency". The HANDLE Institute International LLC, is an organization that provides community information professional training and clinical services.

The program identifies and targets the root causes of learning, social and behavioural disorder for people across the lifespan who present with labels of Learning Disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Brain Injuries, Seizure Disorders, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Down Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Global Developmental Delays, Sensory Integration Disorder, or perplexing behaviours.

Fundamental to HANDLE is the appreciation of the role of the Autonomic Nervous System, and an awareness that stressed systems cannot strengthen. This program addresses underdeveloped, disorganized, inefficient or challenged systems. The Gentle Enhancement therapeutic program is custom-designed to address each individual's particular systems through neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis.

Valerie is a frequent speaker at local, national and international conferences. She has written several articles, and is currently involved in various international projects.