Los Angeles

Sherman Oaks & Surrounding Area - Educational Therapy Team

Saima, M.A., Associate ET

Saima earned her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge in 2012. Her passion for teaching children K-6 literacy and math led her to become a Sunday School teacher and volunteer at the Child Development Institute. She found her passion in teaching, but soon discovered that she enjoyed working with students in one-on-one settings. She felt inspired to reach every student and understand individual Learning profiles to aid academic success. In 2015, she graduated with a Master's degree in Special Education, with an emphasis in Educational Therapy, from California State University, Northridge. Saima believes that the level of connection makes growth possible. She draws on her own experience as a struggling learner to connect with her students and demonstrate that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. These skills make her a highly sought-after educator in a field that addresses students with various needs to help them find academic success. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham Reading and Step-Up to Writing programs. Saima is an Associate Member of the Association of Educational Therapists (ET/Associate).

Sarah, M.A., Associate ET

After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Education from George Washington University, Sarah joined the traveling circus to fulfill her lifelong dream. After spending a few years on the road, she switched careers from entertaining children to teaching them. While student teaching, Sarah noticed many children struggling to access the material in class. She returned to school to learn how to support these struggling learners, and in 2011, she earned her Master's degree in Education and Secondary Teaching credentials from Pepperdine University. Sarah has been a classroom teacher for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at a private school in West Hills, CA. After nearly 15 years of working with student aged 3-50, she has the adaptability and skill to assist others in their specific growth and development. She is an Associate Member of the Association of Educational Therapists and is trained in the Orton-Gillingham method, the Barton System, and Lindamood-Bell's Talkies program.

Craig, Specialist

After graduating with a B.A in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, in 2000, Craig worked as a counselor in outpatient and inpatient settings. His calm, helpful demeanor eventually led him on a path to helping students with learning disabilities. Craig earned his Master’s degree in Special Education in 2004. He has worked as a special day class teacher for students with learning disabilities and as a resource specialist in the general education setting. He is currently a Special Education Coordinator overseeing the IEP process. Craig’s vast experience and collaboration with teachers from various academic areas have given him abundant tools for helping students learn.

Cayla, M.A, M.Ed. ET/P

Cayla earned her B.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and her M.Ed. in Special Education/Learning Disabilities from American University in Washington, D.C. She also received a second M.A. degree in Curriculum and Supervision from Point Loma University. Soon after, Cayla began her teaching career with LAUSD as a Special Day Class teacher and then as a Resource Specialist. She holds both the Multiple Subject Credential and the Special Education Mild/Moderate Credential, as well as the Resource Specialist Certificate. Cayla loves to help students become more confident learners and to achieve success in the classroom. She specializes in working with all students K-6. She is trained in Lindamood-Bell's Seeing Stars, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and the Wilson Reading Program. Cayla is a Professional Member of the Association of Educational Therapists.

Travis, Specialist

Travis is a Southern California native, but he ended up in Northern California to earn his bachelor's degree in classical civilizations from the University of California, Davis, in 2002. Following graduation, Travis's passion for learning and education carried him along a 15-year journey with Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. During this time, he accumulated extensive experience and mastery in sensory-cognitive programs designed to develop essential language and literacy skills, primarily with students who have learning challenges or are diagnosed explicitly with learning disabilities. He is a master teacher in all of Lindamood-Bell's programs. Travis is also skilled in administering and analyzing diagnostic tests, providing research-based instruction for diverse learners, and implementing positive behavior management strategies. Travis works as a Learning Specialist for 9th and 10th graders at a local Los Angeles independent high school, focusing on the development of executive functioning and providing content-specific support. When not working with students, Travis thoroughly enjoys culinary artistry, spending time with his wife and two daughters, and using his telescope to explore the cosmos.

Cynthia, Executive Functioning Specialist

Cynthia has helped students reach their full academic potential since 1999. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Education from California State University, Northridge. She has a Master's in Teaching from National University and is a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist, trained through the National Institute of Learning Development. Cynthia has spent over 20 years providing Educational Therapy to students in grades K-12. For the past five years, she has served as the Assistant Principal of Academics, assisting all types of students, including those with exceptional abilities. She specializes in working with twice-exceptional students, students with reading disabilities, ADHD, and poor executive functioning skills. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham method for reading remediation and in Lindamood-Bell's Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing program. When not working with students, Cynthia can spend time with her family, crocheting, reading, or camping.

Dana, Associate ET

Dana thrived as a theater and television director before becoming an educational therapist. After the birth of her second child, Dana delved into the most current research in special education, earning her Special Education credential and Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, with an emphasis in Educational Therapy. Dana was previously a resource teacher before transitioning to private practice. Dana is trained in the Orton-Gillingham, the Writing Revolution method, and the SONDAY reading program. She specializes in working with students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, executive functioning disorders, and ADHD. She specializes in working with all learners in K-6 and incorporates kinesthetic learning into her lessons. She celebrates the beauty of children's neurodivergent differences and how to nurture and celebrate them.

Samantha, Specialist

Samantha is a reading specialist dedicated to helping students unlock the power of literacy. She specializes in Sensory-Cognitive reading remediation and implements evidence-based programs such as Lindamood-Bell’s Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing to strengthen skills and build confidence. With extensive experience supporting students with diverse learning profiles—including Dyslexia, ASD, APD, and ADHD. Samantha brings both expertise and empathy to her practice. Her work with the J3 Foundation enabled her to deliver high-impact literacy interventions to underserved schools across Los Angeles, where she successfully implemented the scripted reading program SIPPS. Guided by the belief that every child deserves access to reading success, Samantha creates instruction that is inclusive, individualized, and empowering.