Oksana Shelest was a kindergarten teacher in Nova Kakhovka, Kherson Oblast. Due to the temporary occupation of her hometown, her family relocated to Zaporizhzhia.

The city has several programs and organizations to support those displaced by the war. Oksana found out about a ‘Safe Space for Women and Girls Affected by War’ event through a telegram channel.

Oksana initially attended the classes as a regular participant. Later, she was offered a position working with children. This was due to her 25 years of experience as a teacher in a specialized kindergarten for children with speech impairments.

Oksana is now working with children again and studying art therapy for children. She also conducts joint classes for displaced mothers and their children on this topic.

Oksana plans to continue her studies. She intends to take a course in art therapy for adults and maybe even become a psychologist.

She encourages IDPs and children attending her family therapy classes to develop and live a full life, just as she does.