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.
Speech Therapist / Behavioral Therapist
Gergana Bachvarova
My name is Gergana Bachvarova, and I have the honor to work as a Speech Therapist and Behavioral Therapist at the "Autism Today" association.
I completed my higher education with a bachelor's degree in Social Pedagogy and a master's degree in Social Pedagogy and Speech Therapy.
For me, working with children on the autism spectrum and their parents is a personal cause and a challenge.
In my work, I strive to contribute to the successful development and overcoming of barriers in the socialization and adaptation of children on the autism spectrum.
My motivation and satisfaction come from seeing the desired results achieved in the long term through small steps.
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!
