Sen. Kevin Parker honors Mildred Marie Lovell as woman of distinction

Haitian-born Mildred Marie Lovell, founder, and operator of Garden of Knowledge Day Care & Learning Center has been recognized as a “Women of Distinction” by Senator Kevin Parker and the New York State Senate, for her commitment to education and advocacy.

Lovell was also honored for her outstanding contributions to her community and dedication to special education serve as an inspiration to many, during a ceremony, on May 16 in Sen. Parker’s New York State capital office, Albany.

Lovell, born in Port-au-Prince, and a longtime resident of Brooklyn, is a dedicated educator, advocate, and therapist. She opened Garden of Knowledge in 2007, providing services to children with autism spectrum disorders and parent coaching services to needy families. Her commitment to special education stems from her personal and professional experience.

As a mother of four children, one of whom had a speech impediment, Lovell learned how to navigate the public school system and advocate for her child. After years of working as a dietitian she obtained a Master’s in Bilingual Special Education from City College, City University of New York, and became a teacher and administrator with the New York City Department of Education.

Lovell’s expertise in applied behavior analysis therapy through the Early Intervention Program allowed her to work with countless children on the autism spectrum, fine-tuning her skills and treating each child as if they were her own. Sixteen years after opening Garden of Knowledge, she continues to operate the center, providing children with the necessary fundamentals as early as two years old and offering guidance to parents on tapping into other resources when they notice developmental delays.

Sen. Parker’s Annual Women of Distinction celebration honors local women who have significantly contributed to their communities to improve the lives of others.