Built from experience. Rooted in understanding.
We believe every child deserves to feel welcomed, understood, and supported. Inspired by a foster parent’s personal journey, our program brings together care, education, tutoring, and individualized support for children with different strengths and needs.
I’ve been the parent searching for somewhere my children belong.
Passionate Hands of Mercy was born from Annie Mkoma's personal calling: to care for children with consistency, dignity, and love — especially when life has been hard.
Those experiences inspired me to create a different kind of learning environment—one with time to understand each child, space for their sensory needs, and support when learning or behavior becomes challenging. Through smaller classrooms, one-on-one attention, and tutoring, we help children build skills and confidence at their own pace. Supporting children also means listening to their families, including foster and adoptive parents who know how difficult finding the right care can be.
"I know the pain of another call asking you to pick up your child, and the worry of wondering who will take the time to understand them. I created this program because I’ve been that parent. I wanted children to have a place to belong—and families to know they’re not alone."
Every child understood. Every family supported.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a welcoming, sensory-friendly place where children of different abilities can learn, grow, and belong. Through smaller classrooms, tutoring, and one-on-one support, we help children build academic and everyday skills, develop confidence, and grow at their own pace. We partner with families to understand each child’s strengths and needs, including children on the autism spectrum and those with learning, developmental, sensory, or behavioral challenges.
Love
Every interaction is rooted in genuine care and compassion for each child.
Character
We build confidence, respect, and responsibility from the earliest ages.
Integrity
Honesty and faith-based values guide our curriculum and relationships.
Excellence
We pursue the highest standard of early childhood education and care.
Who Will Be with Your Child Every Day
At PHM, every staff member is chosen for their patience, professionalism, and genuine love of children. Here is who you will meet.
Annie Mkoma
Founder & Director
Annie founded PHM Academy after years as a DCF social worker and mother of 4. Her conviction: every child deserves intentional care — especially those the system overlooks. She brings warmth, structure, and deep advocacy for children with diverse needs to everything PHM does.
PHM Teaching Team
Classroom Staff
Our classroom team brings a mix of early childhood education degrees, RBT training, and genuine love for children. Every staff member at PHM goes through sensory awareness training and is prepared to support children with autism, sensory differences, and developmental delays.
What Your Child's Day Actually Looks Like
Predictability is a form of safety — especially for children with autism or sensory differences. Here is the rhythm we hold every day.
Warm Welcome & Breakfast
Children arrive to a calm, consistent greeting. A hot breakfast is served. Visual schedules are reviewed so every child knows what to expect.
Structured Learning Block
Phonics, early literacy, and math concepts taught in small groups. Pace and presentation adapt to each child's needs. No child is left sitting in confusion.
Sensory Break & Movement
A scheduled regulation break — outdoor movement, sensory room access, or structured play. This is not optional free time; it is intentional co-regulation.
Lunch
Hot lunch served at the classroom. Mealtimes are peaceful and social — practicing table manners, conversation, and community.
Creative & STEAM Activities
Arts, crafts, music, science exploration, and imaginative play. Children choose their focus within a prepared environment.
Snack & Wind-Down
Afternoon snack followed by quiet centers, reading, or free choice. A calm end to the day prepares children for a smooth pickup transition.
PHM Academy is located in Sanford, FL and serves families from across Seminole County and surrounding areas.
Looking for autism-friendly child care near you? Contact us to check availability.
You know your child best. We’re here to listen.
- ✓Your child will be welcomed warmly — every single day.
- ✓Your family will be treated with respect, not judgment.
- ✓Structure and genuine care work together here.
- ✓Children who need extra patience and support are met with dignity.
- ✓Foster and adoptive families are not just accepted — they are cherished.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Finding the right support for your child can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for care, a smaller learning environment, tutoring, or support for sensory and developmental needs, we’ll take time to understand what matters to your family. Share your questions, your concerns, and your hopes—we’ll explore together whether our program is the right fit.