Founder
Vladislava Tsolova
Dr. Vladislava Tzolova, PhD
Founder and Chairperson, Autism Today Bulgaria
Founder, Autism Today ABA Centers – Bulgaria
PhD in Economics | Finance, Strategic Management and Corporate Social Responsibility
Dr. Vladislava Tzolova is a Bulgarian nonprofit leader, researcher, and executive with extensive professional experience spanning finance, law, organizational management, education, and social policy. She is the Founder and Chairperson of Autism Today Bulgaria and the founder of its network of specialized ABA centers for behavioral and multidisciplinary therapeutic support.
Her professional career reflects an interdisciplinary approach that brings together financial and managerial expertise, psychological knowledge, strategic leadership, and a sustained commitment to social responsibility.
Academic Background and Research
Dr. Tzolova has an educational background in finance and law and holds Master's degrees in Human Resource Management, Psychology, and Educational Management.
In 2026, she successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in Economics, within the doctoral programme in Finance, Insurance and Social Security, entitled "Managerial and Financial Aspects of Activities Related to Corporate Social Responsibility in Bulgaria," under the academic supervision of Professor Yulia Dobreva, DSc.
Her research interests focus on corporate social responsibility, sustainable governance, the relationship between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, social impact, and financial mechanisms supporting long-term societal development.
A central principle of her academic perspective is that corporate social responsibility should be understood not merely as philanthropy, but as an integral component of strategic management, institutional sustainability, and the creation of measurable social value.
Executive Leadership and Professional Experience
Before dedicating her efforts to the development of social and educational initiatives, Dr. Tzolova accumulated more than 17 years of professional experience in banking, finance, and management.
Her executive expertise encompasses strategic planning, human resource management, organizational development, project governance, multidisciplinary team leadership, and institutional partnership building.
She previously served as Chairperson of Bulgaria's National Patients' Organization, contributing to public dialogue on healthcare policy, patients' rights, and the development of sustainable mechanisms for protecting the public interest.
Her professional activities also include participation in expert and consultative initiatives addressing education, social inclusion, disability rights, and cooperation between civil society and public institutions.
Founding and Development of Autism Today Bulgaria
In 2014, Dr. Tzolova founded Autism Today Bulgaria as a public-benefit nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional support for children with autism and their families.
In 2015, she established the first Autism Today ABA Center in Sofia, laying the foundations for a sustainable model of specialized behavioral and multidisciplinary therapeutic support.
Under her leadership, Autism Today has expanded into a network of six specialized centers across Bulgaria.
The organization's services combine individualized, evidence-informed approaches with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), psychological support, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and family-centered collaboration.
A defining element of Dr. Tzolova's leadership philosophy is the continuous development of professional capacity through ongoing training, structured supervision, international expert exchange, and a strong organizational commitment to ethical responsibility, quality, and measurable progress.
Public Leadership and International Engagement
Throughout her career, Dr. Tzolova has consistently advocated for the rights of autistic people, access to high-quality therapeutic support, and inclusive education.
Her work involves cooperation with national and local authorities, educational institutions, international professionals, civil society organizations, and representatives of the business community.
She approaches institutional and cross-sector partnerships as essential instruments for sustainable social development, bringing together professional expertise, institutional responsibility, and financial resources to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Strategic Vision
Drawing on more than a decade of practical experience supporting children with autism and their families, Dr. Tzolova is expanding her strategic focus toward a broader, lifelong perspective on human development.
Her vision encompasses conscious and responsible parenthood, early childhood development, adult independence, meaningful participation in society, and long-term security for autistic people.
At the heart of this approach lies a fundamental principle: autistic people must not be perceived solely as recipients of care, but recognized as individuals with rights, abilities, preferences, aspirations, and the capacity to participate in shaping their own lives.
Her forward-looking priorities include international cooperation and the development of sustainable, interdisciplinary models that bring together human expertise, scientific knowledge, the responsible use of technology, and social responsibility.
"Sustainable social change begins when human compassion becomes professional responsibility — and responsibility is translated into consistent, measurable action."
Social educator
Irina Ivanova
My name is Irina Ivanova and I graduated in pedagogy in the city of Pleven. I work as a social pedagogue in the "Autism Today" association, where I support the development of children through an individual approach tailored to their needs. I believe that every child has the potential to achieve good results for their future development.
Occupational therapist
Daniela Veleva
My name is Daniela Veleva and I am an occupational therapist at the Autism Today Association.
I graduated from the specialty "Medical Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy" at MU-Pleven: educational and qualification degree "bachelor" in 2023, and the OKS "master after higher education" in 2024. My professional qualification is "Medical Rehabilitator-Occupational Therapist".
The mission of all "Autism Today" centers is high, extremely noble, specific and socially significant, having a universal beneficial influence on our society and enlightening it. The fact that the Association is the leader and monopoly in Bulgaria for this delicate mission is a gift from God for our homeland!
For me, the honor of starting work here appeared as a ray of hope, a welcome and the feeling that I had found my place! Here I feel supported, inspired and motivated to be myself, to be of benefit to the children and the team, and to develop! The responsibility is very great, but I feel the activity in my heart and believe that I can help every child! As for the children - they often teach the "grown-ups" and make us think, humble, awaken and believe... They are all kind-hearted, but also quite often misunderstood by a part of society (which learns and grows through them) and therefore they need to be accepted with all their diversity - and that is why they like being with us so much - because we all see the hope and potential in each of them!
Occupational therapist
Danny Ahmad
My name is Dani Ahmad and I am part of the team of the Autism Today Association as an occupational therapist. I have completed my education in "Medical Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy" in the city of Pleven.
I believe that children are the most innocent creatures and each of them carries incredible potential. I strive for every child to discover their independence and feel successful in their actions in a safe and supportive environment. With the right support, we make their everyday life easier, and their future brighter and full of opportunities.
Occupational therapist
Suzy Mary Todorova
Hello! My name is Suzy Mary Todorova and I am an Occupational Therapist at Autism Today.
I completed a Masters in Occupational Therapy at the University of Cumbria and worked for two years in the National Health Service (NHS) in Manchester, UK. There I supported people to develop skills that improve their independence and their everyday well-being.
I have a strong motivation to help children overcome challenges and build confidence through supportive and engaging therapy. I believe that every child has unique strengths and with the right support can make significant progress.
I strive to create a warm and positive environment in which children feel safe, supported and motivated to try new things. Through occupational therapy and collaboration with families and colleagues, I hope to help children develop skills that will support their daily lives and their future opportunities.
