Meet Mikayla Oko

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikayla Oko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikayla, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I have been on quite the journey which led to starting UnmaskEd. I have worked and volunteered in the disability space since I was a child. This field is really where my heart lives. I regularly reflect on how lucky I am that my passion is something that transfers into a career. I won’t ever have to work a job that is just a job to me. I started my career as a special education teacher in elementary schools where I worked with students identified as intellectually and/or developmentally disabled. I knew going into my career that education is an increasingly difficult field. I believed that my passion would get me through it, though. I really underestimated how broken the public education system is. When I saw the opportunity to do more, and a need in the community not currently being met, I decided to take the jump. I launched UnmaskEd in April of this year, and just recently left the traditional classroom.

I am able to use my extensive background and experience to support students and their families in a much more impactful and meaningful way than I could in the classroom. I provide educational therapy services to help my clients break through barriers to their own learning. I support their parents through caregiver coaching and IEP advocacy services. I am uniquely qualified as an advocate, as I typically work with the student so I have a strong sense of their needs, I know special education law like the back of my hand, and I know what is reasonable for the classroom.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

UnmaskEd’s name is derived from the strong belief that children should not have to mask their true selves in order to learn. We cannot control the mask they wear in school, in social settings, or elsewhere– but we can be their safe space where they can be themselves while learning.

Educational therapy is a lesser known support for disabled individuals. I only personally know of one other educational therapist in Colorado. I have also found that academic supports are more available to some students than others– while some students may receive adequate support from their IEP (individual education program) or 504 Plan at school, from a tutor, or extra support from their parents, there is a significant population that does not have access to the academic supports they need. Students with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) often need targeted instruction/interventions from a highly qualified instructor to fill the gaps and punch through the barriers blocking them from learning. That is what sets UnmaskEd apart. We are making learning accessible regardless of disability and learning needs.

What I am most proud of is that I have been able to single handedly build UnmaskEd as a neurodiversity affirming practice. To be neurodiversity affirming means to accept disability as a natural form of diversity in the ways that humans exist and function (Sonny Wise, 2024). Being a neurodiversity affirming practice means we strive to a be a safe space for all people, regardless of neurotype or ability. We use play- and interest- based approaches and we always prioritize connection over compliance so that learning can happen naturally.

Building UnmaskEd has not been easy, as we really are still a start-up, but I love what I do so much that I am able to enjoy it even when it is hard. I have met so many wonderful members of the community and providers who have been so supportive in UnmaskEd’s growth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My entire family lives outside of Colorado. When they come to visit, I make sure to take them for a day in Estes and the Rocky Mountain National Park. We make a full day of it. We say hi to the chipmunks at the “Welcome to Estes” sign, breakfast at The Egg of Estes, a full day exploring the park, then dinner at Ed’s Cantina back in town. I love just watching animals exist peacefully in the park, but the options for hiking and sight seeing are nearly limitless in the park, so we really change it up based on our guests or mood.

Gardens of the Gods is also a must visit in Colorado Springs. I love to take guests to Pearl Street in Boulder or to Golden for dinners and shopping. My favorite place to get coffee and hangout is Bitty & Beau’s coffee off of Pearl in Boulder.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is a never ending list of people who have made it possible for me to be where I am today. However, it all started with my cousin, Gianna. She has been my inspiration and my best friend since the day she was born. She has taught me what natural born strength, resilience, and love looks like. I wouldn’t be who I am without her, so I would like to dedicate my shoutout to her – I love you, Gigi.

Website: www.unmaskedtherapy.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/unmaskedtherapy/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/unmasked-llc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558926851814

Other: https://pin.it/3mb91X9R7

Image Credits
artwork by @drawntoaac