Behind every confident trainee is someone who chooses to see potential — even before the trainee sees it in themselves. For Jing Xiang and Carol, that person is Ms Shirlene, a dedicated Job Coach at APSN who believes that growth begins with patience, encouragement, and trust.

Each day, Ms Shirlene walks alongside her trainees as they navigate the realities of the workplace — from mastering daily tasks to handling challenges with resilience. She celebrates every milestone, no matter how small. A kind compliment from a customer, a smile of pride after completing a task, or a successful day on the job — each moment reminds her of the power of belief and opportunity.

Her approach goes beyond job readiness. Ms Shirlene nurtures confidence, communication, and independence — helping trainees not only succeed at work, but also believe in their own worth. To her, every success story is a shared one, built on empathy, consistency, and the joy of watching potential unfold.

Ms Shirlene’s story embodies the heart of APSN’s mission: empowering persons with special needs to live fulfilling, meaningful lives — and reminding us that when support meets opportunity, transformation truly happens.