Intellakids was founded in 2016 on the belief that education is not one-size-fits-all. Children have an incredible potential that isn’t always fully nurtured with standardized schooling alone. Education Starts at Home – This means that children’s relationships, environment, and educators have a huge impact on the brain’s development, and that together these factors have the power to tap into a potential that most tend to underestimate in children.
Intellakids integrates this philosophy with our approach to education. In addition to academic achievement, we know that children can be taught skills for emotional awareness and intelligence at an early age. We teach in the comfort of the student’s home, incorporating the child’s interests, individuality, strengths, and personality to foster learning, healthy relationships, and a thriving academic career.
In addition to private teaching, Intellakids is creating tools and resources to help families navigate this exciting journey with their children. Intellakids has established an amazing clientele of incredible parents and children in Houston, TX, and to reach more families, Ayşen is now building a team; training new educators who believe in the capability of children as much as she does.
Ayşen Fehime Doğan is an accomplished educator and Founder of Intellakids. Ms. Doğan has worked with hundreds of children to inspire them to be who they are, build self-confidence, and prove that learning is fun. Ayşen is known for her ability to connect with every child she meets, and she understands their aptitudes & challenges almost immediately. She is able to come up with custom lesson plans to encourage their strengths while resolving their struggles in ways that are engaging to that specific child. Today, Ms. Doğan has 10+ years of experience working with children ranging in ages from 2 to 12 years old.
Ms. Doğan’s love for childhood development began when her younger sister was born. Observing her younger sister’s first words, movements, and overall growth was fascinating to her; this sparked a curiosity and passion for childhood development and education. In 2011, after finishing her Bachelor’s degree of Early Childhood Education in Turkey, Ayşen accomplished one of her biggest dreams by moving to the United States, becoming fluent in the English language, and receiving her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. During her time in graduate school, Ms. Doğan studied and was inspired by the works of philosophers and researchers, Regio Emilia, Howard Gardner, and Maria Montessori.
Ayşen has had the opportunity to work with children in a number of ways. She did an internship in K-1 classrooms in the Houston Independent School District that included teaching literacy to students in the Pre-K program and working one-on-one with students after school. She also taught homeless preschool children at the House of Tiny Treasures. She has worked as a volunteer at Texas Children's Hospital with children who are cancer survivors, allowing them to tell their stories through writing, music, and lyrics. She taught poetry to high school students in the Juvenile Courts and Community Schools of San Diego, California. Ayşen also co-founded two professional development summer institutes for teachers. Through her effort and dedication, Ayşen continues to create strong relationships with her students; encouraging, supporting, and guiding their personal and academic achievement.
What inspires me to teach young children is the profound impact I can have on their lives. I have the opportunity to shape their perspectives and foster a sense of self-confidence. The time I spend with them, though seemingly brief, can make a significant difference. It motivates me to know that I can contribute to positive change in a child's life. Even if the initial changes appear small, over time, the results become evident and meaningful.
I’ve been working for Intellakids for 4 years and previously i worked in Vietnam teaching English to local kids.
What I appreciated most about working with IntellaKids was the opportunity to engage in one-on-one interactions with each child. This allowed us to build meaningful relationships founded on love, trust, and respect. I believe that spending quality time with a child enhances their learning experience while also making it enjoyable for them.
In my free time, I enjoy attending yoga and Zumba classes, which help me stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I also cherish spending time with my husband, taking walks with our dog, and watching Netflix together.
Hello! My name is Emma Russell and I am a vocal music education student at Sam Houston State University. Prior to working with Intellakids, I worked at School of Rock for about a year teaching voice, piano, and music theory to children. I also worked as a teaching assistant and tutor for college students in several history courses at SHSU. I have had the pleasure of working with Intellakids for about eight months now and hope to continue cultivating a career in education for many years to come.
Working with children has always been part of the plan when deciding what I want to do for a career and this opportunity has only solidified my love for the profession. There is something so special about the learning process in children from their innate curiosity to the moments when they finally accomplish that difficult task or concept they have been struggling with. My hope is that through learning, playing, and practicing social skills I can help your child to be the best they can be, both academically and emotionally.
Outside of teaching, I am a lover of all things living! I have a passion for plants and animals and have filled my home with them. I have two dogs, two cats, a ball python, and a crested gecko, as well as a near innumerable number of houseplants and cacti. I love spending time outdoors whenever I can, which can include activities like camping, hiking, swimming, or even just sitting on my patio to relax and read a book.
My name is Aybuke, and I am passionate about supporting children’s communication and language development. What inspires me most about working with children is witnessing their growth and celebrating each milestone they achieve, no matter how small. I love creating a warm, engaging, and supportive environment where children feel confident to learn and express themselves.
I have experience working with children through speech and language therapy sessions, educational activities, and play-based interventions that support communication skills and social development. I was also a member of the Geleceğe Adımlar Association in Turkey, where I helped provide one-week educational programs for 6th and 7th grade students in underprivileged schools, focusing on topics such as empathy, emotions, and children’s rights.
What I love most about working at IntellaKids is being part of a caring and collaborative team that is dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential.
In my free time, I enjoy reading books, taking walks in nature, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
Hello! My name is Nisa, and I have been working at Intellakids for the past 2.5 years. Before that, I have four years of experience as a preschool teacher in Turkey, where I discovered my passion for early childhood education and supporting young learners as they grow.
I love working at Intellakids because being around children brings me so much joy. It makes me incredibly happy to be part of their journey and growth. I see each child as a little treasure chest, full of curiosity, creativity, and endless potential. Every day, they teach me something new, and I feel grateful to learn and grow alongside them.
In my free time, I love going on road trips, skateboarding, and having picnics by the lake or ocean. I also enjoy taking peaceful walks in nature with my friends. These moments help me recharge and bring positive energy back into my work with children.
I believe that kindness, patience, and enthusiasm make a big difference in a child’s life, and I am always excited to continue learning, growing, and making meaningful connections with the children and families I work with.
