In November, Dana Moldovan introduced to us Dr. Maria Derevenco, a Romanian-American psychologist, who became a volunteer for our Association. Following are a few words from her.
“On behalf of Mia’s Children, I feel compelled to offer an introductory opinion.
I am a US-trained Doctor of Psychology, and an Assistant Professor at Columbia University. I have worked with my share of underprivileged children, and have tried to implement policies for this population. The only successful ones were family and home-based interventions. This is exactly what Mia’s Children has managed to implement, against all odds.
What Mia & Costel Scarlat, the hearts of the program, have brought to life is truly extraordinary and unprecedented, to my knowledge, in Romania.
In my professional opinion, what has been accomplished so far with regard to the social integration of these children, their participation in education, discovery and cultivation of their special abilities (music, art), assumption of responsibility for self and for others, respect and gratitude for their “parents” & for all who take part in their care, is beyond outstanding.
What has impressed me to the core of my soul is how these kids have been taught to love, to express their love, and to ask, uninhibitedly, to be loved back.
Respectfully, with best regards,
Dr. Maria Derevenco
e-mail: mrd3@columbia.edu