Meet Sabrina Avants And Mariam El-kalay | Co-Founders/Executive Directors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabrina Avants And Mariam El-kalay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabrina Avants and Mariam El-Kalay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When we started Explorer Development Center nearly nine years ago, our decision was deeply rooted in our shared commitment to providing high-quality services for children with developmental delays. We saw a need in the community for an organization that prioritized quality over quantity—focused on individualized care and meaningful progress rather than simply trying to serve as many families as possible.

We wanted to create a company where families felt truly seen, supported, and empowered, and professionals could work collaboratively to provide the best possible outcomes. This vision drove every decision, from designing tailored intervention programs to fostering a team culture built on expertise, compassion, and respect.
At its core, Explorer Development Center was born out of our desire to make a real difference in the lives of children and families, and that remains our guiding principle to this day.

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?
At Explorer Development Center, we provide individualized support for children with developmental delays and their families. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to building meaningful relationships and ensuring every child and family we serve feels truly seen and supported. From day one, our focus has been on making a lasting impact through personalized care, and we’re incredibly grateful for the trust families have placed in us.

Looking back on the past eight years, we’re humbled by the growth we’ve experienced—not just as a business, but as a community. Hearing about a child reaching a new milestone or seeing the joy on a parent’s face when their child achieves something they once thought impossible is what fuels our passion and dedication. These moments remind us why we started this work and keep us motivated to do even more.

It hasn’t always been easy. There were times we had to navigate challenges we didn’t anticipate, from learning the intricacies of running a business to balancing growth with staying true to our values. But every challenge taught us something valuable, and for that, we’re grateful. We’ve learned the importance of perseverance, the power of collaboration, and the incredible rewards of staying committed to our mission.

What we want the world to know about Explorer Development Center is that we’re more than just a service provider—we’re a partner, an advocate, and a source of support for families. We’re proud of what we’ve built, but even more so, we’re grateful for the families, team members, and mentors who have been part of our story. We look forward to continuing this journey and making an even bigger difference in the years to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo
Explore the iconic Balboa Park and visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Day 2: La Jolla
Hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve and enjoy brunch at The Cottage.

Day 3: Ocean Beach
Stop at OB Donuts on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Stroll along Newport Avenue and go to the OB Pier for stunning ocean views. End the day with a sunset at Sunset Cliffs and dinner at the famous OB Noodle House.

Day 4: Coronado
Take a leisurely trip to Coronado Island. Wander around the historic Hotel del Coronado. For dinner, enjoy delicious cuisine at Swaddee Thai Restaurant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We couldn’t talk about our journey and success without acknowledging two incredible individuals who have played pivotal roles in our story—Samantha Jones and Jessica Hertel.

Samantha has been a constant source of inspiration and support from the very beginning. Her mentorship and guidance have helped us navigate challenges and stay focused on our mission. She believed in our vision for Explorer Development Center and encouraged us to stay true to our values.

Jessica has been equally impactful, offering invaluable advice and unwavering encouragement. Her insights and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the foundation of our business. Jessica’s dedication and passion have not only motivated us but have also helped us grow both personally and professionally.

Their contributions to our journey are immeasurable, and we’re deeply grateful for their influence and support. Samantha and Jessica truly deserve this shoutout for the incredible roles they’ve played in our success.

Website: https://www.explorerdevelopmentcenter.com