Supporting young children during their crucial early years requires leaders who combine visionary clarity with genuine compassion. Their dedication not only shapes the future of individual children but also impacts the health and prosperity of entire communities. This vital work blends innovation, expertise, and heartfelt commitment, continually raising the bar for what early intervention programs can achieve.
Amelia Zephyr, CEO of Creative Foundations LLC, exemplifies this kind of leadership. At the helm of a New York State Department of Health Approved Early Intervention Agency, she is passionately focused on delivering tailored applied behavior analysis (ABA) services across New York City. Under Amelia’s leadership, Creative Foundations has become a trusted partner for families, recognized for its specialized care and steadfast dedication to helping every child reach their full potential. Amelia’s professional skills combined with her deep empathy for each child’s unique developmental journey make her a standout visionary in the early intervention community.
Leading with Purpose, Compassion, and Dedication
Bringing over eleven years of dedicated experience in education, Amelia has cultivated a specialized expertise in Early Childhood Special Education. Fueled by a clear and purposeful vision, she founded Creative Foundations LLC to build meaningful communication and lasting relationships with the families the agency serves. This approach guarantees that each child receives impactful and personalized support through the Early Intervention Program, leading to positive developmental progress.
Amelia’s pursuit of excellence is also reflected in her daily practices designed to nurture inspiration and resilience. Each morning begins with uplifting meditation, setting a hopeful and focused tone for the day’s leadership work. Additionally, she revitalizes her creative clarity by immersing herself in the soothing sounds of ocean waves, a calming ritual that sharpens her mindset and renews her commitment to supporting children and families. These daily habits continuously fuel her unwavering dedication and innovative leadership in early childhood intervention.
Inclusive Early Intervention Services Across NYC
Creative Foundations LLC is proud to be a New York State Department of Health Approved Early Intervention Agency, based in the heart of New York City. The agency is committed to delivering collaborative, top-quality early intervention care for children aged zero to three who experience developmental delays or disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome. Its mission centers on providing personalized ABA therapy and specialized support in familiar, natural environments such as homes, childcare centers, and community spaces.
These comprehensive services empower children to achieve key developmental milestones and ease their transition into preschool settings. Creative Foundations embraces diversity and inclusion, serving families from all racial, socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. By collaborating closely with families, healthcare professionals, and community organizations throughout the city’s five boroughs, the agency helps each child unlock their full potential and achieve positive developmental outcomes.
Core Services at Creative Foundations LLC
Who It Serves:
- Children aged 0 to 3 years
- Children with developmental delays and disabilities, including Autism and Down Syndrome
Key Services Offered:
- Special Instruction: Play-based, individualized teaching embedded in everyday routines
- Language Therapy: Diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and social communication challenges
- ABA Therapy: Evidence-backed behavioral and social skill development support
- Family Support: Coaching and resources designed to empower caregivers
Overcoming Challenges and Earning Global Recognition
Amelia consistently prioritizes understanding and valuing the diverse perspectives within her team, recognizing that one of the most significant leadership challenges is ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. Her leadership philosophy centers on fostering a culture where team members approach challenges constructively, collaboratively, and with mutual respect.
Her impactful leadership was recently celebrated on an international level when she received the prestigious “Excellence in Education Award” at the Education 2.0 Conference held in Las Vegas in March 2025. This honor highlights her exceptional contributions to advancing inclusive, innovative early childhood education, particularly for children with diverse developmental needs.
With over a decade of experience, Amelia has successfully steered Creative Foundations LLC to become a trusted name in early intervention. Her leadership, grounded in kindness and authenticity, has helped nurture a positive, cooperative workplace culture. This distinguished award not only celebrates Amelia’s influence in her field but also reinforces her steadfast dedication to fostering academic growth and positive change for children across New York City and beyond.
Innovation and Compassion in Equal Measure
Though still relatively young as an organization, Creative Foundations LLC has rapidly earned a reputation as a committed and forward-thinking leader within the early childhood and human services landscape. The agency strives to create a stable, supportive, and nurturing atmosphere not only for the families it assists but also for the staff who drive its mission forward.
At the heart of its approach is the cultivation of authentic, meaningful relationships, not just with families, but also across a broad network of professional partners. This focus on genuine connection has become a hallmark of the agency’s culture, promoting trust, collaboration, and ongoing innovation.
Looking toward the future, Creative Foundations actively incorporates technology to enhance both its service delivery and outreach. The agency leverages digital platforms, including engaging short-form video content like “reels,” to connect with broader audiences and share its mission compellingly. Additionally, it employs secure, specialized applications to manage sensitive information efficiently, ensuring accuracy and seamless communication. This harmonious blend of empathetic care and cutting-edge technology positions Creative Foundations as a compassionate yet modern leader in early intervention.
Balanced Leadership for Sustainable Success
Amelia views leadership as a collective journey, one that involves the entire team in all aspects of the organization’s work. She champions the practice of carefully listening to diverse viewpoints before making decisions, always striving to find solutions that best serve the entire group. By fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and represented, Amelia cultivates an environment grounded in respect, inclusivity, and shared purpose. This collaborative approach is a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy and shapes her daily decision-making.
When offering advice to fellow leaders, Amelia emphasizes the importance of focus and intentional action. She recommends identifying three to four key priorities each day, dedicating focused energy to completing those before shifting attention to activities that support mental wellness. For her, these include mindfulness exercises, quality time with loved ones, and carving out moments for personal reflection and self-care. By balancing productivity with self-nurturing, she believes leaders can maintain their effectiveness and resilience over the long haul.
Building a Legacy of Empathy and Equity
Looking forward, Amelia aspires to inspire the next generation of leaders to embrace their authentic selves confidently. She envisions a future shaped by diverse, inclusive leaders united through a commitment to collaboration and equity. Through her example, Amelia hopes to contribute to the creation of a more just and compassionate society, leaving a legacy that transcends her industry and inspires those who follow.
Advice for Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs
Leadership can often bring feelings of anxiety and pressure, which is completely natural. Her advice is to create intentional opportunities to openly address and manage these challenges. Don’t hesitate to seek out conversations and support systems where you can share your experiences and learn effective coping strategies.
Building a network of trusted peers who understand the demands of leadership will strengthen your resilience and help you maintain clarity and confidence as you navigate your professional journey. Remember, acknowledging the stresses of leadership is a strength, not a weakness, and fostering mutual support is key to long-term success.
By embracing openness and collaboration, emerging leaders can develop the tools needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced and demanding environments.
