Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Atanu.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The business journey I am currently on, is beautiful, although unexpected. When I was a teenager, I was certain I would grow up to be a world known fashion designer to the biggest celebrities, or a winning contestant on Americas Next Top Model, a movie director, a famous singer and even a world renowned hair stylist. But, my oh my, God had other plans. During my college career, after graduation and while experiencing life as a young adult, I truly felt pulled away from the life I thought that I would lead, to a life of a different purpose, compassion and blessings beyond what I could have even imagined.
If you would have asked me 20 years ago, “Michelle, what do you want to be when you grow up?” Never in a million years would I have thought that I would say for my career, “I am a pediatric occupational therapist and I absolutely love the work that I get to do for children with neurodiverse needs and their families!” Now, what is fascinating, is that I get to use all of my greatest gifts and talents, my creativity and the things I love, to help every child I serve. The gifts I had as a kid are still there, and I just use them in different ways now.
Today I am an occupational therapist and the Founder & CEO of Avilo Pediatric Solutions & Consulting. I am the founder of Occupation In Motion(OIM), 501(c)(3). I am also the creator of Neurodiversity Children’s Magazine, Neurodiversity Children’s Conference and the Minutes with Michelle Podcast. I am on a mission to build platforms and programs that inspire and educate professionals and caregivers alike on ways to support young children with diverse needs. I recently published my first book called, 23 Questions: 23 Answers to the Top Questions Many Adults Ask About Children.
My trust in God, my amazing husband, my 2 beautiful daughters and a community of friends, family and the believers in the vision helped me to get to where I am today. For this, I am grateful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, No, No! LOL, it has not been easy. When I decided to go into business and entrepreneurship (with the encouragement from my husband) back in 2012, for some reason I thought it would be easy! I thought clients would fall from the sky in abundance and right into my business, that my bank account would immediately reflect all of my hard work, that all the kids I worked with would be healed of whatever they were challenged with, that everyone would believe in what I was doing and follow me. Talk about a miscalculation! The discomfort at times, even sometimes daily, of walking in faith because I believe in this vision to inspire champions for children so much, puts knots in my stomach. However, I see the vision, it is very clear, even if it gets blurry at times. I am confident in the path forward and am proud of my accomplishments so far.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Avilo Inc., was established in 2012 with a mission to help young children with neurodiverse needs meet their highest potential. We help the early childhood sector overcome challenges they may face when working with this population by providing programs, services and solutions that empower this beautiful population of children.
Since 2012 we are proud to have worked with thousands of children and families, we have completed more than tens of thousands hours of pediatric therapy sessions, have trained and certified more that 4,000 early childhood professionals and caregivers and collaborate with more than 20,000 people who are advocate for children across our networks and community partners.
From our certification and mentorship program called the Integration of Children with Special Needs in the Preschool Classroom Certification, to our early childhood CHAMP Programs(Children Having Accessibility to Meet their Highest Potential), Our pediatric therapy services, our community labs, our early childhood provider professional development workshops, our partnerships with university, city and statewide organizations, The Neurodiversity Children’s Magazine that specializes in providing the community on how to serve children with neurodiverse needs, our parent and caregiver empowerment programs and as of February 2026, The Neurodiversity Children’s Conference, by the grace of God, I have a lot to be grateful for.
Our vision is to be the trusted leader and partner in supporting and empowering young children with special needs and other differences in development.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I always loved the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays with my parents and siblings as a kid. My favorite Christmas Day back then was when my parents got us a Super Nintendo. We even got the Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat and Mario Kart games to go with it! We played those games almost everyday for several months. It was the best! I still have a special place in my heart for Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat and Donkey Kong. Fun times!
Contact Info:
- Website: Avilopeds.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.atanu
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleaotr/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@minuteswithmichelleatanuth7970
