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About Rescuing Potential

                                                                                                is to identify, nurture, and empower children and young people whose potential may be hidden by learning barriers, educational challenges, or neurodevelopmental differences.

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Whether you're looking to strengthen literacy instruction, build staff capacity, support neurodiverse learners, or create a more inclusive school community, Rescuing Potential is ready to partner with you.

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Together, we can ensure that no child's potential goes unnoticed.

OUR MISSION

OUR STORY

Rescuing Potential was founded to bridge the gap in timely, high-quality neurodevelopmental support and education services for children and families.

OUR VISION

A world where every child is understood, supported, and given a chance to thrive.

A word from the founder

At Rescuing Potential, we are passionate about unlocking potential, building confidence, and creating opportunities for lasting change.

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When we invest in a child's potential, we transform the future.

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OUR CORE VALUES

Compassion - We lead with kindness and empathy.

Inclusion - We value diversity and champion equity.

Excellence - We provide high quality, evidence-based services.

Empowerment - We build confidence and independence.

Integrity - We are honest, transparent and accountable.

Collaboration - We work together with families, professionals and communities.

Meet The Team

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Dion Baptiste, Founder & CEO at Rescuing Potential
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Dion Baptiste

Founder & CEO

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Kirsha Dillon, Director of Literacy & Learning Support​ at Rescuing Potential

Kirsha Dillon

Director of Literacy & Learning Support​

Kirsha Dillon is a literacy leader with twenty years of experience helping children who have been overlooked, underserved, or left behind become confident, capable leaders. Her work across New York City has centered on one core belief: reading is a life-changing gateway, and every child deserves access to it. As a District Achievement and Instructional Specialist for Manhattan High Schools, Kirsha oversees evidence-based English Language Arts curriculum implementation across dozens of schools and leads targeted reading intervention initiatives designed specifically for striving readers. She builds the capacity of school leaders and teachers to deliver high-impact literacy instruction, ensuring that students who need the most support receive instruction that is structured. She holds two master's degrees earned summa cum laude - in Reading & Literacy and Special Education - along with New York State Professional Certification in Special Education. Her early career as a television reporter in Trinidad and Tobago adds a storyteller's lens to her work, helping her connect with families, educators, and communities in meaningful and human ways. Across two decades, Kirsha has remained guided by purpose, fueled by passion, and committed to ensuring that every child - especially those who have been underserved - receives the reading instruction they need to succeed in school and in life.

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Shinel Stoute-Ochoa, Director of Community Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement at Rescuing Potential

Shinel Stoute-Ochoa

Director of Community Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement

I am a dedicated and accomplished educator with over 21 years of experience in the field of education, currently serving as a Secondary School Principal. Throughout a distinguished teaching and leadership career, I have remained committed to fostering academic excellence, student development, and a positive school culture. I am passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential through quality education, mentorship and guidance. My student centered approach, combined with strong leadership skills, have enabled me to create supportive learning environments where students are encouraged to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe that every student can succeed when provided with the right guidance, encouragement, and opportunities. Educational Qualifications - Master of Education (Emphasis in Youth Guidance) - Postgraduate Diploma in Education - BSc in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry Education is more than a profession, it is a calling. Working with students has always been one of the greatest joys of my career. I am deeply passionate about helping students learn, grow, and develop the confidence and skills needed to become responsible, successful individuals. As an educational leader, I am committed to inspiring excellence, nurturing positive relationships, and creating learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

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Dr. Avion Henry, Director of Strategic Operations at Rescuing Potential

Dr. Avion Henry

Director of Strategic Operations

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Dr. Avion Henry is an accomplished educator, special education professional, university instructor, and educational leader whose career has been dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities and creating opportunities for children and families to reach their full potential. Her professional journey began in human services, where she worked directly with individuals with disabilities and their families. Over the years, she advanced into supervisory and leadership positions, developing extensive experience in advocacy, transition planning, programme coordination, staff development, and community-based support. These experiences established the foundation for her commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to meaningful opportunities, appropriate resources, and systems that recognise their strengths rather than focusing solely on their challenges. Dr. Henry later transitioned into education, specialising in Special Education and working with students with diverse academic, behavioural, social, and developmental needs. Her career has expanded from classroom teaching into educational and departmental leadership, where she has supported teachers, strengthened instructional practices, facilitated professional development, and promoted inclusive approaches to teaching and learning. In addition to her work in K–12 education, Dr. Henry serves as an assistant adjunct university professor, preparing future educators to understand special education, inclusive practices, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), differentiated instruction, and the importance of providing equitable educational opportunities for all learners. Educational Qualifications - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement - Master’s Degree in Special Education - Master’s Degree in Public Health - Professional certifications and experience in Special Education and Health Education - Certification in School Building Leadership Her doctoral research explored the lived experiences of immigrant women entering the United States workforce, further strengthening her expertise in leadership, equity, inclusion, resilience, and the ways systems can either create barriers or opportunities for individuals. Leadership & Rescuing Potential Dr. Henry brings her professional and academic journey to Rescuing Potential, where she is committed to helping transform how children with Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, and other neurodiverse needs are understood and supported. Her experience across human services, special education, educational leadership, higher education, and research provides a unique perspective on the importance of early identification, appropriate intervention, inclusive education, family advocacy, and educator development. Dr. Henry believes that a child’s difficulties should never define their potential. When educators and families understand how a child learns and provide the appropriate support, children can develop confidence, independence, and the skills necessary to succeed. For Dr. Henry, Rescuing Potential represents more than an organisation—it represents a commitment to seeing possibilities in children who may have been misunderstood, overlooked, or underestimated. Through education, advocacy, professional development, and stronger support systems, she is committed to helping create a future where every child has the opportunity to be understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.

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Hafsa Abdirashid, Administrative Support​ at Rescuing Potential

Hafsa Abdirashid

Administrative Support​

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