The TEN Academy

IMREN GUVENER

Co-Founder London, UK

Imren Guvener is a Co-Founder of The TEN Academy. She started her professional career in the financial industry and has recently ventured into e-commerce with online retail in high-end fashion jewellery. She is now expanding into manufacturing her own shoe brand.

She co-founded The TEN Academy to create a better future for individuals with autism and their family members. Having an autistic Nephew herself, she knows too well the difficulties faced in education and individualism. Being very sensitive, her ethos of ‘NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND’ led her to create this platform to provide impactful support for each individual with autism as well as support for their families around the world, giving them a chance to express, grow, and reach their full potential.

info@thetenacademy.com

IMER TAYFUN

Co-Founder London, UK

Imer Tayfun is a co-founder of The TEN Academy. She graduated from The Near East University in Cyprus as a Geography Teacher in 2014. After graduation, she became a customer experience specialist at a Telecommunications Company in North Cyprus and, after three years, a manager. The same year, Imer realised her dream and had the opportunity to become a Geography teacher at The Near East College.

In 2018, she moved to the UK and became a teaching assistant at a SEN school specialising in Autistic Children. It was here that she knew her calling: to do more for individuals with autism.

This has led Imer to co-found The TEN Academy, which aims to create a better future for individuals with autism and their family members.

info@thetenacademy.com

ALANIESE BREEN

Operations Manager London, UK

Alaniese Breen is the Operations Manager at The TEN Academy. Alaniese earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Portsmouth and her PGCE at the University of St Mark & St John. Since the age of 15, when she chose to do her work experience in a SEN secondary school, she became interested in learning more about autism. Alaniese has several years of experience with children and teenagers with autism and has recently joined The TEN Academy to create a better future for individuals with autism.

info@thetenacademy.com

KADRIYE OZBAY

Head of TRNC and Turkey Nicosia, TRNC

Kadriye Ozbay is head of TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) and Turkey at The TEN Academy. She graduated from The Near East University as an Interior Designer in 2010. With a passion for design and creation, she founded her own company, IKS Design, in 2011. Kadriye had a very creative side, so she qualified as a cake maker. She established Makaron Cake & Coffee in North Cyprus, which was very successful in procuring Wedding Cakes and Bespoke Birthday cakes and confectioneries.

Kadriye has two sons, one of whom was diagnosed with high intelligence in maths, which took her to the world of SEN. She also has friends and relatives with Autistic children, which sparked the need to join The TEN Academy to create an impact for individuals with autism.

AYNUR OZBAY

Teacher Nicosia, CYPRUS

Aynur graduated in preschool teaching in 2018 at the European University of Lefke. She has excellent communication skills with children, and she decided to improve her skills with SEN people and started her MA degree in SEN. She worked at a nursery while she was studying for an MA. Aynur also has ABA and play therapy training. We are lucky to have Aynur as our teacher at TTA’s physical centre in Nicosia, North Cyprus.

LETIFE MEHMET

Tutor & Author London, UK

Letife has over 23 years of experience working with children and young people, with a particular focus on supporting those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). She holds a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree from The Open University, alongside a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Childcare & Young People’s Workforce, and additional training in Understanding Autism. With extensive knowledge of child development and practical experience across EYFS, KS1, and KS2, Letife has dedicated the past 15 years to supporting individuals with autism in both early years and school settings. Her work involves helping children improve their academic abilities, develop essential life skills and build confidence. She strongly believes that with the right guidance and support, every child can reach their full potential. This belief inspired Letife to create the “Why?” book series—resources designed to help people understand the importance of daily activities and routines in a clear, accessible way. Driven by a deep passion for making a positive difference, Letife continues to focus her career on supporting children with SEN, fostering inclusion and empowering young people to flourish academically, socially, and personally.

info@thetenacademy.com

RUKAN DÖNEKLİ

Teacher Nicosia, TRNC

Rukan studied early childhood education at Near East University in 2014 for two years. After that, she followed her passion and decided to study Special Educational Needs Teaching at the European University of Lefke. She did her internship during her studies and enjoyed it so much. After her graduation in 2018, she continued for her MA degree.

We are lucky to have Rukan as our teacher at TTA’s physical centre in Nicosia, North Cyprus.

Team