When careers take an unexpected turn, they often lead to something even more meaningful. For Princess Acosta–Martinez, what began as a straightforward path in nursing transformed into a purpose-driven mission to empower children with developmental differences—sparked by a deeply personal experience.
Princess, a Registered Nurse from the Philippines, has spent the last decade in the UAE helping children with autism and developmental delays thrive. She currently serves as the Program Director of Georgetown Early Intervention Center in Dubai and the newly opened Georgetown Rehabilitation Center in Abu Dhabi, where she leads an all-Filipino team of behavior therapists.
A personal journey that shifted her path
Her move abroad in 2015 was initially fueled by the typical goals of many Filipino nurses: financial stability and career advancement. But shortly after arriving in Dubai, Princess encountered a twist in her story. Her nephew, who was also in the UAE, was diagnosed with autism. It was this diagnosis that would change the course of her professional life.
“I wasn’t planning to become a behavior therapist,” she recalls to TGFM. “I just wanted to learn how to connect with him and support his journey. But the universe had other plans.” What began as a personal mission soon became a passion. “I fell in love with the field, especially the joy of seeing progress in children and the hope it brings to their families. After all, my own family was walking a similar path.”
She started from the ground up as a behavior therapist, working one-on-one with children. Through the years, her empathy, resilience, and leadership led her to supervisory roles and eventually to her current directorial position. “The highlight of my career isn’t a title,” she shares. “It’s hearing a child say their first word or seeing a parent cry tears of joy after months of hard work. That’s the kind of success I strive for.”
Leading with heart and cultural pride
Princess now manages two leading intervention centers in the UAE, providing evidence-based programs for children with developmental needs, particularly autism. She oversees clinical programs, staff development, parent collaboration, and upholds ethical standards in practice. Her work is rooted in evidence-based care—but also in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity.
“What I love most about my work is that it’s rooted in hope,” she explains. “ABA is more than a science—it’s a way to give children a voice, and to empower families to truly connect with them.”
One of her greatest sources of pride is leading an all-Filipino team of ABA therapists. “It brings me great joy to see their talents shine on an international stage. They are hardworking, nurturing, and deeply committed to their work,” she says. “Guiding them is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.”
Her rise through the ranks hasn’t come easy. Like many overseas Filipino workers, Princess battled homesickness, culture shock, and imposter syndrome. “Settling abroad was far from easy. I faced cultural barriers and the kind of homesickness only OFWs truly understand. But I relied on my faith, values, and the support of my family and mentors who reminded me that leadership is about service, integrity, and heart.”
Giving back and dreaming forward
Now with 10 years of international experience, Princess is a certified International Behavior Analyst and a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the International Behavior Analyst Organization, representing both the Philippines and the UAE. Her long-term vision, however, extends far beyond titles and credentials.
“My dream is to establish a culturally sensitive intervention center in the Philippines—one that offers both quality services for children and training for professionals,” she shares. “I want to make high-quality ABA accessible, especially in the provinces where such services are still scarce.”
She also wants to see the field evolve ethically, placing children’s dignity at the center. “Every child, regardless of background or diagnosis, deserves to be treated with respect and given the opportunity to grow and connect.”
To her fellow kababayans working abroad, Princess offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t measure your worth by titles or salary. Measure it by the lives you impact and the peace you carry at night. Stay grounded in your purpose, especially during hard days. And protect your peace—build relationships that uplift you, not drain you.”
Her message also extends to how overseas workers are perceived. “Being an OFW isn’t just about remittances—it’s about bringing ideas, skills, and heart into every space we step into,” she says. “Whether it’s in a classroom, a clinic, or a Zoom training with a parent, we carry with us the resilience and warmth of the Filipino spirit. That’s something I will always be proud of.”
