Founder
Vladislava Tsolova
Vladislava Tsolova is the chairperson of the Autism Today Association and the director of the ABA Centers for Behavioral and Comprehensive Therapy “Autism Today” in Bulgaria. She is a financier and lawyer with over 15 years of experience in banking and is a PhD candidate in the doctoral program "Finance, Insurance, and Social Security" at the Department of Finance and Insurance.
She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, a Master’s degree in Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Educational Management.
Vladislava Tsolova has substantial organizational and managerial experience, including conducting campaigns and training, managing projects, and creating and developing childcare facilities. She has been a member of the Public Council to the Committee for Interaction with Civil Organizations in the National Assembly (since 2013). She is a member of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum, NASO, and the European Autism Europe, among others. As of March 18, 2023, she has been elected Chair of the National Patient Organization (NPO), an alliance of over 65 organizations in Bulgaria, and was re-elected at the annual general meeting in June 2023.
Vladislava Tsolova founded the ABA Centers for Behavioral and Comprehensive Therapy “Autism Today” in 2015, making Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) a reality in Bulgaria and fulfilling a long-standing dream for generations of parents of children with autism in Bulgaria.
She is also the initiator and creator of the Autism Today Association, an organization of parents, specialists, and public figures founded in 2014.
For eight years, Autism Today has dedicated every day to supporting, developing, and improving the lives of children with autism through professional educational assistance, care, and love. Autism Today is a symbol of high professional standards in working with children with autism, offering hope and support to parents, and providing high-quality services that ensure an independent and dignified life for children with autism in Bulgaria.
Currently, the association has four specialized centers for professional assistance (two in Sofia, one in Pleven, and one in Burgas) for children with autism, where more than 200 children monthly and over 1,000 children annually and their families receive the highest quality therapeutic support.
Vladislava Tsolova is also the founder of Montessori Kindergarten Planet Bulgaria, which aims to create a completely new and innovative educational institution in Pleven, operating according to the standards and requirements of the Ministry of Education, fully compliant with the educational plans and programs of the Ministry of Education, but using the principles and golden rules of Montessori pedagogy, so that in a playful, free, and completely innovative way, all children, including those with developmental issues, acquire life skills while meeting state educational requirements and gaining the necessary knowledge and skills for school readiness, for which they receive a certificate from the kindergarten, licensed with License from the Ministry of Education 269/2.07.2020.
Vladislava Tsolova was born in Pleven and graduated from Geo Milev Mathematical High School in Pleven. She is a financier and lawyer with over 15 years of experience in banking, a master’s degree in human resources, and a psychologist.
She is a PhD candidate in the doctoral program "Finance, Insurance, and Social Security" at the Department of Finance and Insurance and has significant organizational and managerial experience in organizing campaigns, training—professional, qualification, and certification, project management, and building and managing childcare facilities.
She is a specialist in crisis management and handling crisis situations.
- Member and active participant in the working group for drafting the Law on School and Preschool Education since 2010, appointed by the Minister of Education, which has been in effect since August 1, 2016.
- Member of the Public Council to the Committee for Interaction with Civil Organizations in the National Assembly since 2013.
- Member of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum since 2015.
- Member of Autism Europe since 2016.
- Member of the National Patient Organization since 2015.
- Alternate member of the Children's Treatment Fund since 2017.
- Member of NASO.
- Chair of the "Mental Health" section in the National Patient Organization since 2022.
- Chair of the National Patient Organization since April 2023.
Psychologist / Behavioral Therapist
Velislava Petkova
My name is Velislava Petkova, and I work as a psychologist at the "Autism Today" association. I hold a master's degree in Public Relations from the University of Economics – Varna, as well as a qualification in Psychology from the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius."
I have participated in student internship programs for intercultural exchange in India and Sri Lanka. I have completed certified training in the energy system "Reiki" up to the third level.
I believe that in our collaborative work with children, one of the most important prerequisites for progress is building trust and acceptance, as well as emotional support and mutual understanding from the parents.
I feel fulfilled when I see how all the small steps into the inner world of children lead to positive results in their emotional and behavioral development.
Psychologist / Behavioral Therapist
Lilian Marinova
My name is Lilian Marinova, and I work as a psychologist at the "Autism Today" association.
I completed my bachelor's degree in psychology at Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" and a postgraduate qualification in child and adolescent psychology at the Medical University of Plovdiv.
My motivation to study psychology was driven by my desire to help those in need. Children have always brought me joy and satisfaction. What could be better than working in a field that makes you happy?
To me, children are like suns that deserve a chance for a bright future. Being part of the team at the "Autism Today" association brings me fulfillment and inspiration.
Psychologist
Teodora Dimova
I am happy to have the chance to be part of the wonderful and sunny team of the association. I am happy to be part of the team at the "Autism Today" Association.
It is a true pleasure for me to connect with and work with wonderful, sunny children!
My primary motivation is to help, support, and contribute to the success of every child. With small steps, we discover great possibilities!
Social pedagogue
Marina Nikleva
My name is Marina Nikleva and I am a social pedagogue in the association "Autism Today". I graduated in "Pedagogy of Bulgarian Language and History" at "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" University, Burgas. I am married and a mother of three children.
I believe that every child is different, special and deserves love, care, dedication and personal attention. Entering the association, I saw exactly this in the work of colleagues and realized that I had found the place for me. The opportunity to work, develop, build together with them and the children makes me happy!
Occupational Therapist
Sevdalina Pavlova
My name is Sevdalina Palova, and I am an occupational therapist at the "Autism Today" Association. I completed my bachelor's degree in Kinesitherapy at the University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and earned my master's degree at the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski," specializing in Kinesitherapy for musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
I am grateful to the team at the "Autism Today" Association, and it is an absolute pleasure for me to work with such wonderful professionals and truly genuine people.
I am happy to have the opportunity to learn, grow, help, and inspire hope for a better future for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
I believe that with consistency and a structured approach, we can support development and unlock the potential of every child.
And what could be more inspiring and fulfilling than growing while playing and doing sports—with love and positive emotions!
Social Pedagogue
Stanislava Golemanova
My name is Stanislava Golemanova, and I am a social pedagogue at the “Autism Today” Association – a place that has given me the opportunity to connect with the strength, purity, and unique world of children with autism.
For me, it is an honor and a deep responsibility to be part of this cause – a cause that changes lives, inspires, and teaches us to become better people. My work is not just a profession – it is a calling that guides me every day with heart and purpose.
I graduated in Social Pedagogy from the “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” University in Burgas, as well as postgraduate qualification in Modern Aspects of Education in Kindergarten and Primary School. I believe that knowledge and humanity go hand in hand – especially when it comes to working with children with special needs.
I am a creative person – inspired by the world of children, by their sincere smiles and the small victories that sometimes say more than a thousand words. I believe that if I manage to be the helping hand that offers support, security, and love – even for just one step forward – then I have fulfilled the purpose of my work.
Psychologist
Antonia Krasteva
My name is Antonia Krasteva and I work as a social worker at the Autism Today association.
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Radboud University in the Netherlands. Driven by my desire to direct my professional path towards working with children and youth, I continued my education with a master's program in Youth Development and Social Change in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
After graduating, I decided to return to Bulgaria, where I could apply the acquired knowledge and continue my professional development. I am glad to have this opportunity as part of the Autism Today team.
The work, although challenging, brings me satisfaction and inspiration. Every child is unique and every working day is different. I believe that with patience, dedication and an individual approach we can reach every child and support them on their path of development.
