Velerie Wheelervon Primus

Velerie Wheelervon Primus is a pioneering Special Education teacher from rural Sabah, Malaysia, whose work has transformed the lives of neurodivergent students and their families. A dedicated educator with a Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education Management, Velerie has created groundbreaking teaching models—MIRACLES and HOPE—that integrate multisensory therapy, nature-based interventions, and individualized academic support. Her holistic approach addresses both sensory needs and cognitive development, ensuring students with diverse abilities reach their full potential. 

Velerie’s innovative work began with a deeply personal motivation: her own child’s autism diagnosis. This experience propelled her to leave mainstream classrooms and dedicate herself to Special Education. She transformed a dilapidated teacher’s quarters into a Multisensory Learning Centre, creating spaces that combine therapy, academic learning, and emotional support. These innovations have been adopted by schools nationwide, providing inclusive education frameworks that empower students, families, and teachers. 

Her students have achieved extraordinary outcomes. Non-verbal students have learned to communicate, children who required walking aids now walk independently, and students have developed academic, social, and emotional skills once thought unattainable. Velerie’s holistic model also emphasizes entrepreneurship, sustainability, and global citizenship through initiatives such as the Miracles Garden, a sensory learning garden built entirely from recycled materials that teaches environmental stewardship. 

Beyond the classroom, Velerie advocates for special needs children nationwide. She established parent support groups, trained over 1,000 parents and teachers, and led the ROADTOUR Project to raise awareness on inclusive education, reaching tens of thousands of community members. She has received numerous awards, including the Malaysia Teacher Prize (2024), Distinguished Special Education Teacher Award (2024), Premier Youth Award (2024), and recognition from the Ministry of Education Malaysia and state leaders. 

Velerie plans to establish the “MIRACLES OF HOPE” Hub in rural Sabah, a center that will provide therapy, early intervention, family support, and inclusive education. Over the next decade, it will grow into the Rural Autism Museum of Sabah, showcasing inclusive education, community-driven innovations, and global best practices. Through her vision, expertise, and compassion, Velerie embodies the transformative power of education to create opportunities, change lives, and nurture inclusive, empowered, and environmentally responsible global citizens.