The AD/HD Society of the Philippines, established in 2000, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Initially formed as a parent-based group, the Society has since evolved into a diverse and balanced collective of medical practitioners, academicians, Special Education (SPED) professionals, parents, and adults with ADHD.
Our mission is to empower these individuals and their families, fostering a robust network of stakeholders to advocate for their needs. We strive to be an accessible, compassionate, and responsive organization, promoting the well-being of persons with ADHD through various programs, projects, and activities.
Our notable achievements include raising ADHD awareness in the Philippines and emphasizing the significance of early identification and treatment. Our steadfast commitment to the welfare of individuals with ADHD propels our continuous efforts to ensure that everyone with this condition can access the necessary support and resources.
Meet the ADHD Society of the Philippines - Officers and Board of Trustees
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Juan Carlo “Teacher JC” Saquin brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as President of the Board of Trustees at the ADHD Society of the Philippines. Diagnosed with ADHD-Combined Type, his personal experience with the condition enhances his commitment to the society's cause.
JC is a registered occupational therapist, specializing in pediatrics for over a decade. He received his Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna in Binan, Laguna. His commitment to furthering his expertise led him to acquire a Master of Arts in Education with a major in Communication Disorders from the University of Visayas in Cebu.
Committed to honing his professional skills, JC secured a postgraduate certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills Practice from the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy, based in East Sussex, United Kingdom. This specialized knowledge equips him with a unique understanding of child psychology, essential to his therapeutic practice.
JC is not just an advocate for children's rights, but also a voice for them. His active involvement in advocacy work has led him to participate in various initiatives, including attending Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and NGO meetings in 2022. These engagements enable him to contribute significantly to societal issues.
Outside of his professional sphere, JC is a passionate gamer and soon-to-be father. His diverse experiences, personal connection with ADHD, and dedication to advocacy work make him an invaluable leader at the ADHD Society of the Philippines.
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Amrei Dizon enhances her role as Vice President and Board of Trustee of the ADHD Society of the Philippines with a rich blend of professional expertise and personal understanding of ADHD. Diagnosed with ADHD-Combined Type, Amrei's personal experience informs her dedicated advocacy and enhances the support she provides to those facing similar conditions.
Amrei is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Vitalstrats Creative Solutions, an Independent Creative Agency with a 19-year record of success in Digital Content Production. As a Certified Professional Marketer, Video & Event Director, and Content Strategist, her diverse skillset and industry knowledge infuse her professional activities with depth and breadth.
Her commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified in her role as a Go Negosyo Mentor, and she contributes her valuable insights as a Resource Speaker and Evaluator at the renowned University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries.
Notably, she is a Founding Member of the International Small Business Council - Philippines and serves as the Director for Research, Learning and Development at the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, showcasing her dedication to inclusivity and development within the business community.
Amrei also dedicates her time and expertise to the professional growth of marketers in her role as Chair of Continuing Education at the Philippine Marketing Association. Her significant contributions to the advertising industry have been recognized with honorary life membership in the Advertising Foundation of the Philippines.
Furthermore, her previous role as the Public Relations Officer for the ADHD Society of the Philippines' Board of Trustees and leading the PR and Creatives of "Metamorphosis," the first national conference on adult ADHD, demonstrates her long-term commitment to the society's mission.
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Patis Famador serves as the diligent Corporate Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the ADHD Society of the Philippines. As a mother to a 12-year-old daughter diagnosed with ADHD, Patis's personal connection to the cause fuels her dedication and commitment to the society.
Currently, Patis manages E-Commerce for Robinsons Department Store, demonstrating her adeptness in navigating the digital business landscape. Her academic background further solidifies her business acumen; she holds a degree in Commerce, majoring in Business Management, as well as an MBA from the esteemed De La Salle University.
Patis's leadership skills were on full display during the ADHD Society of the Philippines' National Conference entitled "Metamorphosis" in October 2022. As the head of logistics, she ensured the smooth execution of the event, demonstrating her capabilities in managing large-scale projects.
Her unique blend of professional expertise, educational background, and personal understanding of ADHD make Patis an invaluable asset to the ADHD Society of the Philippines.
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Ana Carmela "Teacher Barbie" Urgino is more than just a seasoned Licensed Professional Teacher and a devoted mother of four—she is a passionate advocate for children with special needs. Her advocacy was ignited nearly two decades ago when her son was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, which further deepened when two of her other sons were also diagnosed with ADHD.Teacher Barbie's educational journey started at the University of Santo Tomas, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts. She then transitioned into the advertising world, serving as an Accounts Manager for five years, managing prestigious clients such as Unilab, Toyota, Petron, Ayala Malls, and Ayala Land.
Following her heart, she made a career shift, pursuing a Master of Arts in Education, majoring in Special Education. This transition marked the beginning of her remarkable 15-year teaching career, a period during which she touched many lives, particularly as a Special Education (SPED) Coordinator at COJ Catholic Progressive School.
In her new role as Treasurer of the ADHD Society of the Philippines, she brings her robust experience from her previous roles in the society, which include leading Parent Support Group Meetings, hosting monthly seminars, and being a crucial part of the ADHD School Caravan. Most recently, she spearheaded the activities during the 2022 ADHD Awareness Week, further underlining her dedication to the cause.
Outside her professional life, Teacher Barbie is an active member of the Ligaya ng Panginoon (LNP) Catholic community, where she volunteers as a teacher in the Children’s Ministry of Pathways COJ. In her spare time, she loves to express her creativity through cooking and baking for her family and friends.
As a resilient cancer survivor, she extends her advocacy to health and wellness through her business, sharing her personal journey to inspire and support others. Her personal experiences and professional expertise make her a valuable addition to the ADHD Society of the Philippines' Board of Trustees.
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Sheena Peña lends her extensive experience in communications and digital media to her role as Public Relations Officer of the ADHD Society of the Philippines' Board of Trustees. Diagnosed with ADHD-Combined Type, her personal journey with the condition enhances her advocacy and dedication to the society's mission.
Sheena holds a degree in AB Psychology from the prestigious Ateneo de Manila University. She put her academic training to good use during her tenure as a Social Media Specialist at GMA Network, where she made significant contributions to boosting its digital media presence.
Currently, she serves as a Program Officer for Strategic Communications for one of the largest coalitions of NGO Networks in the Philippines. Her role allows her to leverage her professional expertise in promoting impactful societal causes.
As a passionate advocate of mental health, Sheena took on volunteer roles in promotions and tech during the ADHD Society of the Philippines' National Conference titled "Metamorphosis" in October 2022. Her dedication to raising mental health awareness extends to her personal creative pursuits, as she produces comics for her online channels.
In her free time, she enriches her skills as a Teacher Assistant at the Third World Improv School. With her personal experience, professional expertise, and commitment to advocacy, Sheena is an invaluable asset to the ADHD Society of the Philippines.
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Xandrino Mangunay, diagnosed with ADHD, skillfully utilizes his creative talents and personal understanding of the condition in his role as Public Relations Officer for the ADHD Society of the Philippines' Board of Trustees.
As a freelance video producer and editor, Xandrino has cultivated a distinctive voice in the media landscape. He gained significant professional experience as a Spot Producer for CBN Asia from 2014 to 2019, and as a Cinematographer and Editor for Every Nation Philippines in 2014.
Further testament to his talents is his award-winning thesis film "Laum," which garnered recognition at the Manhattan International Film Festival, an event hosted by the World Youth Alliance. This achievement exemplifies his exceptional storytelling abilities and his skill in communicating complex narratives through the medium of film.
Xandrino completed his Bachelor of Arts in Filmmaking from the highly regarded De La Salle - College of St. Benilde. His fusion of professional expertise, personal experience with ADHD, and dedication to the society's mission make him an invaluable asset to the ADHD Society of the Philippines.
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Nina Caldona brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to her role as the Membership Director for the ADHD Society of the Philippines' Board of Trustees. Recently diagnosed with ADHD, Nina's personal insight into the condition informs her passion for raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting compassion.
Nina's professional journey took her from being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) hotelier brand ambassador to becoming a Financial Advisor. This transition testifies to her adaptability and versatility in diverse roles and sectors.
Her personal interests are as varied as her professional ones. An animal lover and dog mom, Nina's compassion extends beyond her human connections. As a competitive tennis player, she demonstrates determination and a commitment to excellence, traits that undoubtedly enrich her work with the society.
Her diagnosis with ADHD has sparked a deep interest in learning more about the condition. Her hyperfocus on reading and understanding ADHD further informs her role in the society, where she is keen on making a difference, one person at a time. Nina's unique combination of personal experience, professional background, and deep-seated dedication makes her an invaluable member of the ADHD Society of the Philippines.
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Pamela Rivera-Magno, RND, enhances her role as the Membership Director for the ADHD Society of the Philippines' Board of Trustees with a rich professional background and personal understanding of neurodiversity. As a member of a neurodiverse family, with conditions including ASD, ADHD, anxiety, and language delay, Pamela's personal experiences provide a profound insight into her advocacy.Pamela is a licensed Nutritionist-Dietitian and a respected educator who has been imparting her knowledge in Nutrition, Food Chemistry, Basic Foods, and Food Safety since 2006. Her students in Manila Doctors College Pasay, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Manila, Far Eastern University Manila, and MAPUA Institute of Technology Makati, range from nursing to culinary arts scholars.
She currently holds a full-time teaching position at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Manila, in the TVL Culinary Arts strand, and will soon join the STEM strand. Her extensive teaching experience lends depth to her involvement in the society's activities.
Pamela and her family are active participants in the Parent Support Group, testifying to their commitment to the cause. Moreover, her contribution as a speaker at the ADHD Society of the Philippines National Conference, "Metamorphosis," in October 2022 further underscores her dedication. The topic of her talk, the inclusion of students with ADHD in the college setting, showcased her commitment to inclusivity in education.
With her unique blend of professional expertise, personal experience with neurodiversity, and dedication to advocacy, Pamela is an invaluable asset to the ADHD Society of the Philippines.
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Irene Kirchhoff utilizes her professional skills and personal experiences in her role as Auditor for the ADHD Society of the Philippines' Board of Trustees. As the mother of a 14-year-old teen with ADHD, her personal understanding of the condition profoundly influences her dedication to the society's cause.
Irene currently works as a German Language Specialist at Ernst & Young Global Consulting Services, a role that showcases her linguistic capabilities and professional acumen. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the prestigious University of Sto Tomas, equipping her with a strong foundation in business processes that she brings to her role as Auditor.
Irene's commitment to the ADHD Society of the Philippines extends beyond her role as Auditor. During the society's National Conference, "Metamorphosis," in October 2022, she served as the Zoom/Online host, ensuring the seamless delivery of the virtual event.
Her combination of professional expertise, personal experience with ADHD, and dedication to advocacy work make Irene an invaluable member of the ADHD Society of the Philippines.