My Story

Growing up in Texas, I was always a very creative person. I studied dance and drama throughout my years growing up. I danced my way through Southern Methodist University before heading off to New York City. I worked professionally as a dancer and actress in New York City for several years in my twenties and thirties. I then raised two boys in Los Angeles and started looking for another career. I found myself teaching 3rd grade for 15 years. It was during this time that I discovered a passion for my current profession. I love working with students with learning challenges and helping them realize their full potential. 

The road to being an educational therapist has taken me in and out of the classroom as both a lead teacher in 3rd, 6th, & 7th grades as well as a Learning Specialist in two independent schools in the Los Angeles area.  As a classroom teacher, I always differentiated instruction so that I could reach all my students at their academic level.  My goal was to support the struggling student, motivate the capable student, and challenge the gifted student. Realizing that working one on one was a much more effective way to achieve these goals, I joined an all school support team which was my introduction to working with students who have learning challenges. Our team worked with teachers so that they could provide more effective strategies to help a struggling student.  I already had a Masters in Education, but this field required many more hours in special education, so I went off to school again and earned my status as an AET professional educational therapist.   

I gained valuable training working with Barbara Hoskins & Ass. and The Kelter Center. I have worked with students, K-12th, in all areas of intervention: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, auditory and visual processing issues, ADHD, executive function, and organizational issues. I have recently achieved AET Board Certification which I am very proud of.

Education

Southern Methodist University-Bachelor in Fine Arts

Pepperdine University-Masters in Education

California Multiple Subject Credential

National University-Special Education

Association of Education Therapist-Board Certified Educational Therapist