A European Foundation for a Global Impact
Valeriia Manchuk, a clinical psychologist with a decade and a half of experience, exemplifies the emerging class of mental health professionals blending rigorous scientific training with forward-looking innovation. Originally from Ukraine, Manchuk completed her master's degree in Clinical Psychology at the prestigious University of Belgrade, one of the leading academic institutions in Southeastern Europe. Her career includes deep work in forensic and clinical psychology, along with extensive training in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) at the Albert Ellis Institute in New York.
Over the years, she has accumulated a portfolio of advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), artificial intelligence applications in healthcare (Stanford), and digital project management (Google). These programs, she notes, helped her "develop not only as a psychologist but as a strategist working across healthcare and technology."
Recognition and Professional Success
Valeriia Manchuk has earned widespread respect in the psychological and behavioral science communities for her holistic, data-informed approach and her ability to bridge traditional therapy with cutting-edge digital tools. Her contributions have been recognized by colleagues, academic mentors, and therapy centers both in Europe and the United States. She is a member of multiple professional associations, including the Virginia Association for Behavior Analysis and the Ukrainian Psychological Association. Her initiative, ABA Connect, has already attracted support from investors, nonprofit organizations, and clinical professionals, validating both the urgency and the viability of her work. “Valeriia combines technical innovation with true clinical empathy—a rare and powerful combination,” notes one of her former clinical directors.
From War to Reinvention: A Purpose Reimagined in the U.S.
When the war in Ukraine disrupted millions of lives, Valeriia was among those who came to the United States. Settling in Virginia, she began working at a behavioral therapy center supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Immersed in hands-on clinical work, she guided children through ABA programs, helped them improve communication skills, and supported their socialization.
"Every conversation with parents showed me how desperately families need broader, more accessible support," Valeriia shares. "It became clear that we needed a way to extend behavioral therapy beyond clinical walls."
"Working hands-on with children with autism and their families in the U.S. helped me see the practical gaps that still exist—even in the world’s most developed healthcare system," she recalls. According to the CDC, ASD affects 1 in 36 children in the United States. “This is not just a private family issue. It is a public health challenge with implications for schools, workplaces, and entire communities.”
This frontline experience became the seed for ABA Connect, an AI-powered autism therapy platform designed to support behavioral development in children regardless of location or access to traditional services.
Global Experience, Local Impact
Valeriia Manchuk brings a rare international perspective to her work, shaped by years of multidisciplinary experience in clinical and behavioral psychology. This background has enriched her ability to see patterns across systems, cultures, and treatment environments—making her especially effective in the diverse context of the U.S. healthcare system. Since relocating to the United States, she has applied this insight in real-world clinical settings, translating global best practices into locally tailored behavioral strategies. Her depth of vision allows her to design therapeutic approaches that are not only evidence-based but also inclusive, scalable, and deeply human.
ABA Connect: A New Model for Behavioral Therapy
ABA Connect is a digital platform that helps parents implement individualized therapy programs developed by BCBA-certified specialists. It was born from Valeriia’s dual understanding of behavioral science and digital mental health.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach widely recognized as the gold standard for autism treatment. It focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as communication, social skills, and learning through structured interventions and reinforcement strategies.
With families in mind—especially those living in underserved or rural areas—the platform delivers custom content, learning activities, and real-time AI-based adjustments based on the child’s progress. “What we’re building is not a replacement for traditional therapy,” Manchuk emphasizes. “It’s a scalable, affordable way to extend its reach.”
The platform also enables interaction. Parents can exchange experiences, stay informed on the latest autism research, and feel less isolated. One of the platform’s distinguishing features is that it helps not only to correct problematic behaviors but also to nurture individual strengths and talents.
AI algorithms assist with timely data processing and progress tracking, making it easier for specialists to fine-tune therapy plans and families to remain engaged.
To learn more, visit the platform’s website: www.abaconnectcenter.com
Scientific Contribution and Professional Vision
In parallel to her clinical and entrepreneurial work, Valeriia Manchuk remains a committed researcher. Her recent academic publications focus on the intersection of autism therapy and artificial intelligence, including:
- The application of AI to individualize educational programs for children with autism
- Innovative technologies to develop communication skills in children with ASD
- AI tools for developmental monitoring in ASD therapy
Each of these contributions supports her broader mission: bringing scalable, science-based, and emotionally intelligent care solutions to families that need them most.
Looking Ahead: Post-War Healing and Global Advocacy
While Valeriia Manchuk plans to continue building her professional life in the United States, her long-term vision remains globally anchored. “I see myself contributing to volunteer-based rehabilitation efforts in Ukraine, especially for children affected by trauma, suicidal ideation, and PTSD,” she says.
For her, mental health care is more than a profession—it’s a form of national service. “Wars end, but the psychological scars remain. We must be ready to help people rebuild from the inside out.”
