Hi, I am Makay

Special Education Professional, Executive Functioning Coach, and Founder

From a childhood filled with transitions, from country to country, to personal experiences with neurodiversity within her family, Makay Davis’s life has been a journey of adaptability, curious perseverance, and a heartfelt commitment to learning. With a background in special education and a deeply personal connection to neurodivergence through her own and her loved ones’ experiences, Makay has honed a unique approach to learning and development.

The Makay Method is more than a teaching technique; it’s the culmination of years of professional expertise, compassionate insight, and the bold belief that every child can shine when their learning journey is aligned with their true selves.

Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and having witnessed the challenges and triumphs of neurodivergent family members, Makay Davis brings empathy, patience, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference in education. With The Makay Method, learning transcends boundaries, embarking on a path of discovery, growth, and empowerment.

Education and Research
Special Education and Teaching Completed grad work at Cal State East Bay while teaching at Education for Change Charter School in East Oakland Full Inclusion Specialist in Oakland Special Education teacher in Marin County
Bachelor's of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Cal State East Bay
Pathological Demand Avoidance certification
Research Assistant on the Screening and Narrative Intervention Project with Bilingual Preschoolers
Research Participant in the AAC Device Study focusing on AAC device retention of new concepts.

Our Approach

Why The Makay Method Matters

In a world that often overlooks the vast potential of neurodivergent minds, The Makay Method is rooted in the belief that every child possesses unique strengths and abilities waiting to be unlocked. Neurodiversity isn’t just acknowledged here—it’s celebrated.

How We Make a Difference

The Makay Method thrives on co-creation and collaboration, engaging children in child-led activities that resonate with their intrinsic interests and passions. This personalized strategy ensures learning is not just effective but joyful. By aligning activities with each child’s natural curiosity, we foster a deeper connection to the learning process, building confidence, independence, and agency. Our method extends beyond traditional education, embracing real-world experiences and social interactions that prepare children for a fulfilling life.

Our process involves:

Individualized Learning Plans: Tailored to align with each child’s interests and strengths, promoting engagement and enthusiasm in their learning journey.
Real-World Engagement: Providing opportunities for children to apply their learning in real-life situations, enhancing their understanding and skills.
Community and Social Interaction: Encouraging children to connect with their peers and community, fostering social skills and a sense of belonging.

What Sets Us Apart

Our uniqueness lies in our commitment to higher expectations and a profound belief in every child’s capability. Through a combination of tailored strategies, including exposure to new experiences and supportive community engagement, we provide a holistic learning environment. Our process not only educates but also empowers, guiding children to take ownership of their learning journey and develop practical life skills alongside academic knowledge.

Our process involves:

Individualized Learning Plans: Tailored to align with each child’s interests and strengths, promoting engagement and enthusiasm in their learning journey.
Real-World Engagement: Providing opportunities for children to apply their learning in real-life situations, enhancing their understanding and skills.
Community and Social Interaction: Encouraging children to connect with their peers and community, fostering social skills and a sense of belonging.

What Sets Us Apart

Our uniqueness lies in our commitment to higher expectations and a profound belief in every child’s capability. Through a combination of tailored strategies, including exposure to new experiences and supportive community engagement, we provide a holistic learning environment. Our process not only educates but also empowers, guiding children to take ownership of their learning journey and develop practical life skills alongside academic knowledge.

Makay Method

Philosophy

At the core of The Makay Method lies a belief system rooted in empowerment, connection, and the transformative power of genuine engagement. Our philosophy transcends traditional boundaries, embracing neurodiversity not just as a concept but as a vibrant spectrum of potential that every child possesses.

A Belief in Every Child: At the heart of our philosophy is an unwavering belief in every child’s innate worth and capabilities. This belief is not just a sentiment; it’s the foundation of our approach, motivating us to provide the support, encouragement, and guidance each child needs to flourish.

Co-Creation and Collaboration: We believe in the magic of working hand-in-hand with our students and their families. Each journey is a partnership. Together, we set goals and celebrate victories as well as embracing mistakes. Through co-creation, we harness the unique strengths of every child, crafting a path that respects their individuality while promoting resilience and a growth mindset.

Alignment: Our method aligns with the natural tendencies and interests of each child. By attuning to their rhythms and preferences, we create an environment where learning feels like exploration, not an imposition. This alignment ensures that every lesson, activity, and interaction is imbued with relevance and joy.

Exposure and Engagement: Learning is not confined to the classroom; it’s a vibrant, ongoing interaction with life. We provide safe, supportive spaces for children to explore new hobbies and interests, facilitating exposure that broadens their horizons and deepens their understanding of themselves and their environment.

Higher Expectations: We challenge the societal tendency to underestimate neurodivergent children. By holding higher expectations, we inspire our students to reach beyond perceived limitations. We help guide them as they discover their potential and reshape the narratives of what is possible

Confidence, Independence, and Agency: We nurture self-belief and autonomy in every child. By setting higher expectations and believing in their capabilities, we encourage them to take ownership of their learning, fostering a sense of agency that propels them toward independence.

We’d love to learn how we can help your child. Click below to set up a consultation with Makay.

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“Makay Davis has been more than a teacher to our son, she’s been his guiding light. Her dedication to autism spectrum children is evident in every heartfelt interaction. Makay combines firmness with warmth, making every child feel valued. She recognizes and nurtures individual interests, transforming education into an empowering journey. Beyond academics, her genuine care has given him confidence and security, allowing him to flourish. Her impact on our family is immeasurable—Makay is not just a remarkable educator but a beacon of hope, demonstrating the incredible power of patience, understanding, and passion.” – Matthew and Sandra L, parents

“Ms. Makay’s work with my son, during his middle school years in East Oakland, was transformative. Her exceptional teaching and personalized one-on-one sessions have been a cornerstone of his development. He is autistic and faced significant challenges, but under Ms. Makay’s guidance for a year and a half, he made remarkable strides. When they started, he needed extensive support; now in the 11th grade, he’s an honor roll student and was recently named student of the month. This journey from needing a lot of help with a lot of things to academic recognition is a testament to Ms. Makay’s profound impact. Her dedication and skill have not only supported my son’s growth but also instilled in us a sense of pride and gratitude. Ms. Makay is truly the best educator he had in his Junior High School years, and we’re thankful for the new beginnings she’s helped usher in.” – Rhonda W, Parent

“We are so happy that we found Ms. Makay! She brings an energy that is essential for engaging with our boys. My eldest son has special needs and is hyperactive, making it crucial to match him with someone understanding and resilient to his specific needs and behaviors. Makay not only prepares lunch for them after school but has also taught them to meditate and encouraged them to connect with our neighbors and community. She transforms hiking adventures in our area into enriching learning experiences. They adore her and always look forward to spending time with her. We completely trust her and value the expertise and knowledge she brings. Ms. Makay is a gem!”

– Kirsten D, parent

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