Edith Molinier

Edith Molinier, PhD, has been working for the California Autism Foundation since she moved to the United States in October 2004. As the Director of Special Education and Trainings at CAF, Dr. Molinier has created exciting and challenging programs for students at the ABC School. Her passion for working with students with developmental disabilities is evident in her classroom, as she helps students develop emotional intelligence, compassion, mindfulness, strong ethics, and team spirit, all while providing the best clinical care.

In 2009, Dr. Molinier received a Moderate to Severe Teaching Credential, Level 2, from California State University Sacramento. And after six years of research on Emotional Intelligence at ABC School, she received her PhD with Honors.

Before becoming the Director at ABC School, Dr. Molinier was the lead teacher of Classroom 5 where she taught non-verbal adolescents diagnosed with severe autism. These students also displayed significant health-related issues and complex developmental delays, which induced challenging behaviors.

Much of Dr. Molinier’s success in the classroom can be attributed to her blend of holistic philosophies with cutting-edge therapies. Her educational approaches are inspired by a myriad of therapies, including ABA, sensory integration, music therapy, nature therapy, and even art and music therapy. Dr. Molinier pioneered a unique guitar and percussion therapy, and a transitional program, which helps bridge the School and Adult Day program.

Outside of her work for CAF, Dr. Molinier is an Adjunct Professor at California State University, Sacramento and teaches classes in the Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Severe Teaching Credential Program at the College of Continuing Education. She has published several research articles and collaborates regularly with Dr. Benedicte Gendron, who developed the concept of Emotional Capital© in Europe. A passionate international scholar, Dr. Molinier teaches seminars on Autism, Special Education and Emotional Intelligence in the U.S., South America, Thailand, and Europe.