Name: Dr. Nehama Baum, Ph.D., C. Psych

Background: Nehama was born and educated in Israel. During her youth, Nehama volunteered at an institution for children with Cerebral Palsy. She completed her undergraduate studies in Social Work in 1958, with a specialization in family therapy for families who had a child with Cerebral Palsy.

Twist of Fate: In 1959, Nehama gave birth to her son, Michael (Muki) Baum, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and deafness.

Silver Lining: When Muki was 8 yrs. old, Nehama was able to return to school. She acquired an undergraduate and graduate degree in Special Education and Counselling.

Nehama was also able to use her expertise as a psychologist and a mother of a child with Cerebral Palsy to enable her son Muki to learn and develop. She was also able to help other families in similar situations and to mobilize the educational system in Israel and then Canada to help other children like Muki.

Her Legacy: After moving to Canada in 1976 with Muki in search of better life opportunities, Nehama received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Toronto. In 1979 she founded MukiBaum Treatment Centres because children with such challenging complex disabilities frequently fell between the cracks of the system.

Dr. Nehama Baum and MukiBaum Treatment Centres have become internationally known for their pioneering work in the psychotherapeutic treatment of people with dual diagnosis (developmental disabilities and emotional / psychiatric disorders).

Over her professional career Nehama and MukiBaum Treatment Centres have significantly impacted the quality of life of hundreds of children and adults with disabilities, their families and the community.