Mangaluru: Novara Grace Center for Child Development and Family Welfare, a new therapy centre offering evidence-based developmental services for children with neurodevelopmental conditions, has opened in Valencia, Mangaluru. The centre was blessed and inaugurated on June 28 and officially commenced therapy sessions on July 1.
Founded by developmental psychologist and behavioural therapist Sheldon Amanna, the centre aims to combine professional therapeutic intervention with a family-centred approach, ensuring that parents and caregivers actively participate in a child’s developmental progress.
Family-centred approach to therapy
Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Sheldon Amanna said therapy should not be limited to what happens during scheduled sessions.
“Therapy in the room is only one part of it. We spend just as much time with parents, understanding what’s happening at home, so progress does not stop the moment a session ends. That’s what I wanted to build here, close to home: a space that brings together therapy for the child and real guidance for the family,” he said.
The centre places equal emphasis on empowering parents and caregivers with practical strategies to support their children’s development beyond the clinical setting. By involving families throughout the therapeutic process, Novara Grace seeks to create a consistent and supportive environment across home, school and community settings.
Founder brings international experience
A native of Mangaluru, Sheldon Amanna completed his undergraduate studies at the School of Social Work, Mangaluru, before pursuing a Master of Science in Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
After completing his postgraduate studies, he worked with children and individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities in the United Kingdom. On returning to India, he continued practising during the COVID-19 pandemic before moving to Bengaluru, where he gained an additional two years of clinical experience.
With nearly nine years of professional experience in the field of developmental psychology and behavioural therapy, Sheldon returned to Mangaluru six months ago with the goal of establishing a specialised centre that would serve children and families in his hometown.
Range of therapeutic services
Novara Grace offers a multidisciplinary approach to developmental care by providing:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Behavioural therapy
The services are designed for children and individuals diagnosed with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Other developmental and neurodevelopmental conditions
Therapy programmes are tailored to the individual needs of each child, with interventions planned to support communication, behaviour, sensory integration, motor development and daily living skills.
A welcoming space for children and families
Located on Sutarpete Road in Valencia, the centre has been designed with a warm, home-like atmosphere intended to help children feel comfortable while learning, playing and developing new skills.
According to the centre, the objective is not only to provide professional therapeutic services but also to create a supportive environment where families feel understood, guided and empowered throughout their developmental journey.
By integrating evidence-based clinical practices with ongoing family involvement, Novara Grace hopes to contribute to improved developmental outcomes while strengthening the confidence of parents and caregivers.
The centre is currently accepting consultations and appointments for children requiring developmental assessments and therapeutic support.
For consultations, the centre can be contacted at +91 91089 67334.