Merve completed the PAR Practitioners Program in 2025–2026. Drawing on her background in social work and youth services, she has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families. In August 2025, she earned her master’s degree in play therapy, with a focus on children’s emotional development.
During her master’s research, Merve conducted qualitative research on barriers and opportunities regarding awareness and accessibility of play therapy among first- and second-generation parents. Creating connections and making support accessible are central to her work.
In March 2025, Merve began working as a citizen researcher in the Liendert neighborhood (Amersfoort), where she became involved in a participatory action research project. This research focused on valuing the contributions of residents and professionals in the neighborhood and on finding a fair and widely supported balance between different forms of contribution, ranging from volunteer work to paid employment. Her involvement in this process strengthened her enthusiasm for participatory action research and for shaping change together with residents and stakeholders.
Since March 2026, Merve has been working as the coordinator of Familieschool De Zonneparel in Liendert, where she is dedicated to strengthening the connection between school, family, and the neighborhood. In all her work, she seeks ways to bring different perspectives together and create space for development and reciprocity.