Maoris Foundation
Many children have disabilities that will affect them throughout their lives. The community that surrounds these children includes the parents and families who continue to raise and watch over them as well as educators and health professionals in many fields. Maoris was founded to create a space where all members of this community can connect with each other, find support and contribute to the collective wisdom about inclusive education.
In the same way that a tree grows taller and taller over time, sharing the forest with other plants and organisms, Maoris creates a “forest of wisdom.” Everything you find here offers some added wealth of knowledge and understanding for children’s growth and development. Out of this abundance of wisdom comes a feeling of comfort and hopefulness to the adults as they watch their children grow. Each person contributes to the creation of society where human individuality and diversity are recognized.
We gather and share all of the most up-to-date information related to special education.
We offer specialized support to help businesses and organizations become inclusive.
We introduce trusted professionals in relevant fields to build community connections.
Origin of the company name
When our family moved to Australia we learned that, by a coincidence, our daughter’s name is pronounced the same as the name for the indigenous people of New Zealand- Maori. The Maori used the word to describe themselves as ‘normal,’ as opposed to ‘different.’ We were very moved by this coincidence because this is how we think of our daughter Maori, not as ‘different’ but as a normal and equal human being. For this reason we decided to name our foundation, Maoris.
Corporate Logo
The Maoris logo was created by combining two different symbols. The first is the twist of a fern leaf, a symbol of the Maori people. This symbol includes the meaning of “life’s journey,” “love,” and “friendship.” It signifies brining people and cultures together. And the second symbol, an infinity symbol, represents continual growth.
Maoris Members
Karen Pryor PT, DPT, Maoris Advisor
Has been working as a PT doctor specializing in brain development and neuroplasticity in the United States for over 43 years.
Has developed an original method to improve physical skills through the rewiring of the brain’s nervous system
Has trained students in these methods at the University of Tennessee Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Has given lectures and treated patients with neurological disorders throughout the U.S. and around the world
Received the Obama Presidential Volunteer Award in 2010
Aya Takemura
Graduate School of Education,
Columbia University, M.Ed.
MBL(Movement Based Learning) Instructor
Ensemble in Yokohama; private & group therapy sessions for children with developmental delays
Providing workshops and consultations for professionals.
Keven Schnadig
Graduated with a B.A. from St. John’s College,
majoring in philosophy
M.A. in Language and Literature,
University of Chicago
General background in the history of thought in Western Civilization
Mano Mitomi
B.A. in English Literature,
Kobe College
After returning to Japan from Australia with my family, I have worked as an administrator and translator for Maoris, and also do work as a natural flower therapist. Member of Japan-Australia Society of Wildflower.
Takashi Mitomi
Graduated from Meiji Gakuin University, Faculty of Law, Department of Political Science. MBA from Griffith University, Australia. President of Maoris Organization.