Jenine Catudio-Aguilar—known simply as Miss Jenine—is a mom, educator, speaker, and passionate advocate for children with disabilities. A mother to two wonderful boys, Jacob, 5, and Jared, 2, she shares her parenting journey and educational insights with over 30,000 Facebook followers and 19,000 TikTok fans.
“I’m just a mom who wants all children to feel included, understood, and celebrated,” she says.
From the US to the Philippines: A Journey That Shaped Her
Jenine spent nearly eight years living in the United States, and she credits that time with shaping her perspective on parenting and education. “Those years really shaped how I see parenting and education,” she explains.
![Miss Jenine Advocates for Every Child to Belong: Schools [Are Mostly Focused on] Academics, Grades, and Compliance. And That Hurts the Most.](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Hazel-PH-WEB-93.png?width=450&quality=10)
Her life in the US provided stability—owning a home, traveling, and living comfortably—but moving back to the Philippines brought challenges. “We had to let go of a lot when we came home. But in that loss, I found something deeper. I found purpose,” she shares.
She is also a writer, enjoys reading, quiet family moments, making videos, and hosting workshops to help parents and teachers support learners of all kinds.
Parenting Through Joys and Challenges
For Jenine, the most rewarding part of parenting is watching her children grow emotionally as well as academically. “You start out thinking you’re shaping them into a certain kind of person, but then you realize they already are their own person, with their own thoughts, feelings, and unique personality,” she says.
Yet parenting hasn’t always been easy. Jared, her youngest, was a high-needs baby. “He cried constantly. I’d feed him, he’d cry. I’d bathe him, still crying. I’d try to put him down, and he’d cry even more. It felt like nothing I did could soothe him,” she recalls.
![Miss Jenine Advocates for Every Child to Belong: Schools [Are Mostly Focused on] Academics, Grades, and Compliance. And That Hurts the Most.](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Hazel-PH-WEB-94.png?width=450&quality=10)
Diagnosed with postpartum depression, Jenine sought therapy and realized she needed support. “Eventually, I knew I needed to come home—to be with my mom and to be surrounded by family. That decision was one of the most healing things I did for myself,” she shares.
Her experience inspired her to start sharing her parenting journey. “You can turn pain into something beautiful. When we begin to heal, our story can become someone else’s strength,” she explains.
Preparing Children for Life, Not Just School
A central concern for Jenine is how schools often prepare children for academics rather than life. “A lot of times, schools prepare them for school, not for life. We teach kids to sit still, follow rules, finish worksheets, get good grades… but we forget to teach them how to understand themselves, how to regulate, ask for help, communicate boundaries, and navigate life in a world that isn’t always kind,” she says.
![Miss Jenine Advocates for Every Child to Belong: Schools [Are Mostly Focused on] Academics, Grades, and Compliance. And That Hurts the Most.](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Hazel-PH-WEB-95.png?width=450&quality=10)
She emphasizes that life skills matter more than compliance, especially for neurodiverse learners. “Sometimes the most important skill is simply knowing they are not broken. Because when a child feels safe to be who they are, that’s when real learning happens. That’s when life skills finally stick.”
Inclusion Isn’t Optional
Even with inclusion policies in place, some children are still left behind. Jenine points to systemic challenges. “Inclusion depends too much on teacher willingness, and not enough on system support. I’ve met so many teachers, and I know how hard they’re trying. But many are burned out, under-trained, and often spend out of pocket to support learners with disabilities,” she says.
She stresses that inclusion must be built into the school’s DNA. “Kids get left behind when support is optional. Inclusion only works when it’s systemic. Everyone has a responsibility for inclusion to truly happen.”
Societal mindset also plays a role. “As human beings, our default response is… when someone is different, we think they don’t belong. But difference isn’t bad. In fact, it’s exactly what society needs. We move forward when we understand each other, and innovate when we listen to people who think differently from us.”
Turning Experience Into Advocacy
Miss Jenine runs Miss Jenine’s Learning Center in Antipolo City, which offers play-based sessions, academic and special education tutorials, and support with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) using evidence-based, neuroaffirming practices. She also provides training on IEPs and inclusive strategies for teachers and families, both locally and within Filipino communities overseas.
Her advocacy extends beyond her learning center. “Inclusion shouldn’t be niche. Everyone benefits from a more inclusive world, not just those with disabilities. When we teach children to be kind, patient, and accepting of others’ differences, we create spaces where all kids can thrive,” she explains.
![Miss Jenine Advocates for Every Child to Belong: Schools [Are Mostly Focused on] Academics, Grades, and Compliance. And That Hurts the Most.](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Hazel-PH-WEB-96.png?width=450&quality=10)
Being part of theAsianparent’s TAPfluencer community has also enriched her work. “I’ve met so many amazing parents from different walks of life. We may have different parenting styles or stories, but we each have something to offer—and something to learn. That kind of diversity is a gift.”
A Message to Parents
Her advice to other parents is heartfelt and clear: “You don’t have to be perfect to create real impact. Parenting teaches us love, patience, and showing up even when it’s hard. Whether you’re navigating a learning difference, healing from a hard season, or figuring things out day by day, you’re not alone. When we choose empathy and make space for every kind of child, we help build a kinder, more inclusive world for all.”
![Miss Jenine Advocates for Every Child to Belong: Schools [Are Mostly Focused on] Academics, Grades, and Compliance. And That Hurts the Most.](https://static.cdntap.com/tap-assets-prod/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/12/Hazel-PH-WEB-97.png?width=450&quality=10)
For parents seeking hands-on support for neurodiverse learners, Miss Jenine runs Miss Jenine’s Learning Center in Antipolo City, offering play-based sessions, academic and special education tutorials, and guidance with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) using evidence-based, neuroaffirming practices. She also provides training for teachers and families locally and overseas, ensuring that every child has the tools and environment to thrive.
Through her work and advocacy, Miss Jenine continues to inspire families—not just to survive parenting—but to transform it into a journey of empathy, inclusion, and hope.
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