Welcome to Cho Empowers Official.

My name is Chotimanee (Cho) Guandique, and I believe that education, compassion, and knowledge have the power to transform lives.
 

I am an educator, parent advocate, digital safety educator, and former humanitarian dedicated to empowering children, families, and communities through education, advocacy, and service.
 

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. John's University. I am also a Level 6 Early Childhood Educator, verified by New York Works for Children (NYWFC), and a former childcare owner and director. Leading an early childhood program strengthened my experience in child development, curriculum support, family partnerships, and creating nurturing learning environments for young children.
 

Today, I am a dedicated K–12 Teaching Assistant with experience supporting students in general education, special education, Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classrooms, learning disability programs, and individualized 1:1 paraprofessional support. I work alongside teachers and multidisciplinary teams to strengthen instruction, reinforce positive routines, and help students build the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed.
 

My passion extends beyond the classroom through family advocacy. I support parents in understanding special education services, navigating the educational system, preparing for IEP meetings, and becoming confident advocates for their children's success.
 

Before beginning my educational career in the United States, I served as a Refugee Coordinator with UNHCR in Asia, where I supported displaced children and families by promoting protection, education, and dignity. That humanitarian experience strengthened my commitment to serving others with compassion, cultural understanding, and respect for every individual's potential.
 

Earlier in my career, I also worked as an HSSE & ISO Administrator in the energy industry, developing strong organizational, leadership, and compliance skills that continue to influence my professional approach.

I am the founder of two initiatives that reflect my commitment to serving others:
 

Parents of Brave Hearts : A community dedicated to supporting families through special education advocacy, parent encouragement, and practical educational resources.
 

HerCyberSafe : A digital safety education initiative that empowers women and families with practical knowledge about online privacy, scam awareness, cyber safety, and digital identity protection.
 

Through Cho Empowers Official, I combine my education, professional experience, humanitarian service, and passion for advocacy to share trusted resources, practical guidance, and encouragement for families, educators, and communities.
 

At the heart of everything I do is one simple belief:

Working with children is not just a profession. It is a responsibility to guide, support, and empower them to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.
 

Educate • Empower • Inspire