About the Program
The inclusive educational and cultural NGO "Side by Side", together with the Yerevan City Center for Children's and Youth Creativity, announces the launch of Armenia’s first extracurricular informal educational platform.
The program is designed for children aged 4 to 12 with developmental differences.
The main goal of the program is to work through art, sports, and music—alongside essential developmental therapies—to identify and nurture each child’s strengths. This, in turn, will facilitate their smoother integration into various social environments.
Specialists will develop individualized programs for each child. The types of therapies will follow one another in a way that ensures smooth adaptation within extracurricular groups, which is our primary objective. The groups at the Yerevan City Center for Children's and Youth Creativity will also be prepared to welcome children who have completed the program.

Our specialists are
I am a musician and psychologist by education. I graduated from RAU with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree with a specialization in Special Education (PM). I have completed supervision at the AMT School.
I am an organizer and program manager of various cultural, inclusive, and social projects. I also serve as the president of the public organization Side by Side. My work is dedicated to supporting people through music, psychology, and social initiatives.
Naira Sargsyan
Music Therapist
7 years of experienceձ
I graduated from the Faculty of Psychology at Yerevan State University and completed retraining as a behavioral therapist.
Since 2016, I have been working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental differences. I regularly participate in professional development courses and supervision sessions.
Karine Seyranyan
Behavioral Therapist / Psychologist
9 years of work experience
I graduated from the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports, trained as a behavioral therapist, and also trained as a specialist in sensory integration and am proficient in the neurosensory stimulation method.
Arman Hovhannisyan
Adaptive Physical Education Specialist/Kinesiotherapy
7 years of work experience
I received my education at the Yerevan State Specialized Medical College, Khachatur Abovian Armenian State Pedagogical University (Faculty of Special Education, Department of Speech Therapy), and Haybusak University, specializing in Pedagogy and Psychology.
For my master’s degree, I studied at Khachatur Abovian Armenian State Pedagogical University, Faculty of Special Education. I have completed several professional development courses.
Since 2011, I have been working as a speech therapist.
Arpine Tsakanyan
Special Educator
14 years of work experience
I graduated from the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports, trained as a behavioral therapist, and since 2018 I have been working with various professional centers as a physiotherapist and adaptive physical education specialist. During that time, I have also participated in numerous trainings that have helped me improve in my profession.
Marina Mkhitaryan
Adaptive Physical Education Specialist/Kinesiotherapy
7 years of work experience
I graduated from the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan with a master's degree in Opera Singing.
Since 2020, I have been studying and specializing in teaching using the music therapy method. I have worked as a volunteer music therapist in various organizations and obtained a qualification in music therapy.
I have also participated in numerous specialized seminars.
Lusya Karapetyan
Music Therapist
7 years of work experience
I graduated from the Yerevan P.I. Tchaikovsky Music School. I am the artistic director of the “Hope For Dreams” inclusive project. I have worked in various rehabilitation centers as a music therapist. I continue my work at “Koqq Koqq”.
Konstantin Abgaryants
Music Therapist
7 years of experience
I finished Kh. Department of correctional pedagogy and special psychology of Aboyan State Pedagogical University. I have been practicing behavioral therapy since 2013, regularly undergoing training and supervision. In my work, I value cooperation with the family and loyalty to my own principles (where the child and the family are the main interests).
Ayvazyan Tatevik
Behavioral Therapist/ Special Educator
12 years of work experience
In 2013 I graduated from the Terlemezyan College of Fine Arts in Yerevan. I trained at the AYB Psychological Center and Recovery College as an Art Therapist. Since 2024 I have been studying at the Moscow State Pedagogical University as a special educator. I have been working since 2020 and have 5 years of work experience as an Art Therapist and Special Educator.
Gohar Ayvazyan
Art Therapist / Special Educator
5years of work experience