Our Team

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Zuhal Odabaşı

Zuhal Odabaşı

Founding DirectorPera Ankara

I was born in Sivas, a cold yet beautiful city. I completed my primary education in Sivas, my middle school education in Aydın Söke, and my high school education in Muğla Yatağan. After graduating from Hacettepe University Faculty of Education with a degree in Chemistry (German) Teaching in 2001, I continued my postgraduate studies in Secondary Science and Mathematics Education at the same university, completing my master’s degree in 2004. I began my doctoral studies at Gazi University in 2010 but decided to continue at Hacettepe University Institute of Educational Sciences in 2012. I completed my doctoral education in 2021, focusing my dissertation on e-learning and metacognitive awareness. My area of expertise is science and mathematics education. Since 2002, I have been working as a teacher and administrator. In 2007, I founded Vona Education, where we provide special education and rehabilitation services as well as various educational and consultancy services. In 2018, we combined the knowledge and experience we had accumulated as Vona Special Education since 2007 with the PERA Culture. As the founder of PERA Ankara, I have been working with children who develop differently and are at risk. Additionally, we continue teacher training within our organization. Between 2018 and 2019, I served as the Vice President of the Ankara Business and Professional Women’s Association (BPW-Ankara), of which I was a member. Between 2015 and 2019, I also served as Vice President of the Private Education Institutions Association, a sectoral organization. I continue my advocacy for ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all and for achieving gender equality through various projects and initiatives. I am married and the mother of Çınar and Derin. With the hope that my passion for learning never fades… Certifications • IVO-ODS Autism Spectrum Disorder Comprehensive Assessment Set • Autism ABA Applications Introductory Training • From Body to Play: Music and Movement Education - Level 1 • Preverbal Milieu Teaching Method • PASS Cognitive Intervention Program • SOBAT (Silent Reading Skills and Reading Comprehension Test) • Dyslexia Educational Interventions - Reading (DEM-OKU) • AD-IP Program (Attention Deficit & Information Processing) (Psychology-Based Cross-Sectional Studies on ADHD and Learning Disabilities) • ATTENTIONER – ADHD Practitioner Program • Gender Equality Certificate Training Program (KASAUM)

Celal Odabaşı

Celal Odabaşı

FounderPera Ankara

After completing the Primary School Teaching program at Giresun Faculty of Education, I worked in various provinces across our country. Later, in 1996, I started working as a teacher at Doğan Çağlar Orthopedic Disabled School, which was part of the first special education complex in Turkey. In 2004, I changed my field and transitioned into special education teaching. Since then, I have served as a teacher, administrator, and founding principal in private special education schools. Additionally, I participated in studies within the Ankara Provincial Directorate of National Education’s Special Education Coordination Group. Some of these included organizing an airplane tour over Ankara for special children with Türk Kuşu, a picnic and entertainment event at Hasanoğlan Village Institute for 3,000 special children and their families, and a charity event involving all special education institutions across Ankara. At the schools I worked in, I collaborated on numerous joint projects with European countries within the scope of EU-supported projects. In 2019, I retired and joined Pera Ankara as the coordinator of the institution’s Early Intervention and Autism Unit. I have attended and continue to attend training programs, congresses, and seminars where I can update my knowledge in the field and share my experiences. Starting the day with play alongside the little ones in our institution and watching them progress step by step is my greatest joy. With the hope that my energy for play never fades, I welcome each new day with excitement. Certifications • DIRFloortime 101 Beginner Level • DIRFloortime 201 Basic Certificate • DIRFloortime 202 Certificate • Autism ABA Applications Supervision • Theory of Mind Tests and Theory of Mind Skills Training • From Body to Play: Music and Movement Education - Level 1 • Preverbal Milieu Teaching Method • Routine-Based Communication Functions Intervention Program • IVO-ODS Autism Spectrum Disorder Comprehensive Assessment Set • Developmental Tests

Afra Bardakçı Ünal

Afra Bardakçı Ünal

PsychologistPera Ankara

I was born on July 5, 1996, in Istanbul. I graduated from Hacettepe University with a degree in Psychology in 2019. During my undergraduate years, I worked as a research assistant in psychology laboratories. Throughout this period, I wrote academic articles and conducted experimental research analyses using the SPSS program. During my psychology studies, I actively participated in congresses and symposiums, taking on significant roles in organizing committees. I completed my internship as a forensic psychologist in children’s and family courts, where I conducted individual sessions with children, families, and couples. In 2020, I had my first professional experience at a private institution, conducting individual sessions with adolescents and their families and developing structured personal programs. In 2021, I completed my master’s degree in “Family and Marriage Counseling” at Yıldırım Beyazıt University. I earned the title of Specialist Psychologist after completing my research project titled “Sexual Dysfunction in Married Couples.” In 2022, I attended the “Partner Violence Panel” organized by Psikoloji İstanbul and presented by Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman. In 2023, I received the “Play Therapy Practitioner Training and Supervision” under Specialist Psychologist Hülya Üstekidağ at Başkent Psychology Workshop, earning the title of Play Therapist. As part of the “Technology Leaders 100 Mentorship Program,” a six-month project by the Women in Technology Association, I volunteered as a mentor in 2024. In December 2024, I expanded my field applications by completing the “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Applications for Children and Adolescents” training led by Dr. Nevin Dölek at Başkent Psychology Workshop. Since September 2021, I have been working as a Specialist Psychologist at Pera Ankara.

Aybüke Uğur

Aybüke Uğur

Child Development and EducatorPera Ankara

I was born on February 14, 2000, in Erzincan. After completing my primary and secondary education in Erzincan, I moved to Ankara in 2019 for my university education. I began my undergraduate studies at Ankara University and graduated in 2023, ranking fourth in my department. Throughout my undergraduate years, I had the opportunity to take courses from esteemed professors and gain internship experience in various fields. During my internships in preschool education, special education, and city hospitals, I worked closely with children in different settings, gaining hands-on experience and developing the ability to approach situations from multiple perspectives. To further enhance my knowledge during my student years, I attended various conferences and participated in the “Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing” course offered by Yale University. This three-month online program helped me better understand international approaches to child development, which I successfully completed. In my personal life, I enjoy playing tennis, reading books, and exploring new places. After starting my professional career, I pursued training to become a DIR Floortime therapist, believing it would contribute significantly to my clinical development. In 2024, I became a certified Floortime therapist. I am currently continuing my professional career at Pera Ankara.

Ayça Pinar Kalkanlı

Ayça Pinar Kalkanlı

Special Education TeacherPera Ankara

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Ayhan Ağbuğa

Ayhan Ağbuğa

Managing DirectorPera Ankara

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Parent Opinions

Lives Transformed with Pera!

Kevser SARAÇ

When I first came to Istanbul, I felt like a fish out of water, not knowing where to start. After a lot of research, I met Mr. Hakan. On the advice of Academic Dyslexia and Ms. Yeliz, our meeting with Mr. Hakan was very productive, and I said, “Yes, this is exactly what I was looking for.” We started training in dyslexia education with proper programming, correct teaching methods, and in the right environment. Our training sessions are going very well and productively. Ahmet Bilal quickly adapted to his teacher. I would like to thank Mr. Hakan and the PERA team for establishing such an institution. I believe they will achieve great things in the field of dyslexia in Istanbul and will become a brand in the field. PERA Campus is like a dream place, hosting many activities. I cannot comment on the future, but I am sure Mr. Hakan will tailor the program to whatever our children’s needs in the field of dyslexia. Once again, I extend my gratitude to PERA and the PERA family.

Emine YAŞAV

Hello, I was referred to your institution by Hakan Mutlu, and I am so glad they made this possible. I sincerely thank them. I would also like to thank all the staff and teacher friends individually for introducing us to you and ensuring we move forward together. They are all so kind and friendly. I wish them continued success. Not to forget, my son Rüzgar Ulaş Yasav especially loves his teacher Mr. Emrah and says he has so much fun. We are grateful for their care and affection. I feel lucky to be a part of the PERA Campus institution.

Eda İLHAN

Although we have just started, I am very satisfied with the interest and care shown. All the teachers are very cheerful and attentive. I hope we have years full of happiness.

Azime YAMAN

We have been receiving education from PERA institutions for 2 years. Thanks to the discipline of the institution and the dedication of our teachers, we have made great progress in terms of my child’s development. I hope this effort benefits many more children.

Gül BARDAKÇI

From the moment we first arrived at PERA Campus, I have been very pleased with the warm attention and care of the teachers. I would never consider going to another institution.

Nuray POLAT

Hello, I have been bringing my 4-year-old twins to the Vona Special Education Institution for about 2.5 years. Among the twins, Aylin, the girl, had issues with walking, but thanks to Ms. Gül, she returned to normal in just one year. Additionally, she learned many things thanks to Ms. Şükran. Among the twins, Çınar, the boy, had trouble following commands and had behavioral problems. We worked so diligently with Ms. Sevgi and Ms. Müge that we are in a much better place now. I would like to thank all the staff and teachers, especially the institution owner Zuhal Odabaşı.

Barış ŞİMŞEKER

My son Umut, diagnosed with Joubert syndrome, was 11 years old when he met the Vona Special Education Institution. Before coming to this institution, I met with many other institutions. What caught my attention at Vona was their sincerity and realism. My son needed physical therapy and speech education. When we arrived, his vocabulary was very limited, and he couldn’t form sentences. Thanks to the dedicated work of our teachers, Ms. Nevin Tansel and Ms. Sevgi Gençer, we overcame these problems. Now, our letter and word count has increased. He forms sentences more understandably and has gained confidence. There have also been significant improvements in his physical development. I sincerely thank Ms. Nevin Tansel, Ms. Sevgi Gençer, and Ms. Gül Şentürk for their efforts to bring a new individual into society by working hand in hand.

Arzu TÜRKER

When my daughter Ecrin, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome, was just 15 months old, I met Vona Special Education Institution. We started physical therapy and individual education at the institution. Thanks to our physiotherapist’s appropriate treatment methods, she started taking her first steps at 18 months. My daughter Ecrin can now independently meet all her needs. Through individual education programs, there have been noticeable improvements in her personal and academic development. We are very happy. We would like to thank all the teachers who contributed.

Şengül AKCAN

The environment where my angel with Down syndrome has been happy to come since she was 6 months old, just like coming to her own home. She attends her lessons with joy. Thanks to the efforts of her physiotherapist and individual teachers, as well as their guidance for me, we are achieving very positive results. She started walking at the age of 2 years and 2 months. Now, at 3 years old, she plays games with her peers and has even started creating her own games at home. The best part is that my daughter has learned how to learn. On behalf of my daughter Ebrar and myself, I would like to thank the teachers of Vona Special Education Institution and its friendly staff.

Hale LALECİ

After my son was diagnosed with dyslexia, we started his education at Vona Special Education Institution. Due to the negative experiences he had at the public school he attended, my son didn’t want to see any school or teacher. However, he grew to love his teachers at Vona Special Education, and he formed a special bond with them. The institution’s psychologist was always there for us to answer all our questions and address our concerns. The administrative assistant welcomed us with a smile at the door and resolved all our problems. I would like to sincerely thank the institution’s director and the entire Vona family for their efforts and support.

Soyal DEĞİRMENCİ

Although we started our journey with Avcılar PERA only 6 months ago, the progress we made in 6 months was something we couldn’t achieve in 1.5 years at another center. The noticeable changes in my child have reached a level where both we and those around us can clearly see them.Thank you very much, PERA.

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