Dayshah Sutton

Growing up as a child, I have always wanted to be a nurse. However, life had a different plan for me. Somehow I developed the need to care for young children, so much so that I sometimes refer to it as my calling. Not special needs children specifically, but children. Nevertheless, when applied to be an instructor for the kids at Osana, I never thought it will be this fulfilling.

I obtained my secondary education at SWAHA Hindu College in Sangre Grande and went on to SERVOL institute. Therefore my qualifications when I started at Osana were as follows, I had successfully completed a computer literacy program, I had a certificate of training in Home Health Aid, I participated in the Ministry of Health, Aides to Nursing program, I held a certificate in Health Care Assistance, (level 2), which I acquired while working at (Eastern Regional Health Authority)-ERHA as an Aid to Nursing trainee. I also possessed a certificate in First Aid and CPR, which I gained at the (North Central Regional Health Authority)-NCRHA, in February of 2016.

Furthermore, as I continue to work at Osana, I felt the need to advanced myself as an instructor, as I am of the belief that there is always room for improvement and development in everything we do. With this in mind, I went on to obtained certificates in Learning Disabilities, Special Education, and Child Psychology, all in the year 2022, I then completed a Basic First Aid/CPR course in 2023. I also did a YTEPP, Early childhood Care and Education course in 2022/2023, which I have yet to receive my certificate. I have been an instructor for the past 5 years now, and continue to enjoy it tremendously. I believe I have contributed in a very positive way, in that I continue to care for the children and is always looking for ways to improve their development. I teach them, I promote their learning, we read together, we play together. Their growth and development continue to be extremely important to me and as a result I am always searching for new ways to assist in their continuous progress.
In conclusion, I think, the future looks very promising, since I plan to further my studies academically, in order to gain the knowledge and education needed. This in turn will benefit myself, the children and Osana.

I, Shyan Johnson, started working at the OSANA Foundation in January 2023. Before joining the team, I earned qualifications in English, Agricultural Science, and Art and Craft, which have helped shape my skills and creativity. I also have hands-on experience as a babysitter and domestic worker, which taught me patience, responsibility, and care. In 2018, I became certified in paper jewelry craft, and earlier on, I participated in the Carnival Arts and Life Skills Vacation Camp held on August 23, 2013, which helped develop my artistic and interpersonal skills even further.

​During my time at the OSANA Foundation, I have accomplished several important milestones that have helped me grow professionally. In addition to successfully potty training two participants, a key milestone in their personal development, I received a Certificate of Completion in Basic First Aid through the Ministry of National Security Lifeguard Services Division in 2023. Later that year, I earned a Level 1 Certificate in Cosmetology from the Ministry of Sport and Community Development. In 2024, I successfully completed a Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education and also earned a Certificate in Makeup Artistry with Synergy Training. Additionally, I received a Certificate of Participation in Lesson Planning through the OSANA Foundation, which has improved my ability to prepare and deliver meaningful learning experiences. In 2025, I completed a Basic Sign Language course and am currently awaiting my certificate.

​Looking ahead, I am committed to improving myself both personally and professionally. One of my goals is to obtain Mathematics as a subject, which will strengthen my academic foundation and open up more opportunities for growth. I also plan to advance further in Sign Language so I can better communicate with and support the participants I work with. By continuing to build my skills, I hope to become a more effective team member at the OSANA Foundation and provide even greater assistance to those in my care.

Bernice Jacques, Program Director:

Education & Training:

St. Joseph’s Convent: St. Joseph: {Trinidad}

San Juan Secondary: {Trinidad}

Kingsborough Community College: {Brooklyn, USA}

Long Island University{Brooklyn, USA}

Teaching Experiences:

Chinapoo Government Elementary School: {Trinidad}

Lady Hochoy School: Cocorite: {Trinidad}

Horace E. Greene Day Care Center: {Brooklyn, USA}

Open Door Day Care {Brooklyn, USA}

Osana Day Training Program: {Trinidad}

I am a mother who has an adult son, with autism. I have been an educator for several years and because of Almighty God, love and compassion Osana was founded. Our special children have been left behind, yes but they are not forgotten. So, by the grace of God, dedicated staff, a competent board and supporters, we try to provide a safe, nurturing and learning environment for our differently abled children. With hard work and dedication our children continue to thrive and for this we are so thankful.