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 2012. Her passion for teaching children in 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 quickly learned that she enjoyed working with students in a one-on-one setting. She felt inspired to reach every student and understand individual Learning profiles to aid in academic success. In 2015, she graduated with her 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 uses her past personal experience as a struggling learner to connect with her students to show them that they can do anything they set their minds to. These skills make her a highly sought-after educator in a field that addresses students with a variety of needs to help them find academic success. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham Reading program and the Step-Up to Writing program. 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 West Hills, CA private school. After nearly 15 years of working with student ages 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 Orton-Gillingham, the Barton System, and Lindamood-Bell's Talkies program.

Craig, M.A.

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 the American University in Washington D.C. She received her M.A. in Curriculum and Supervision at 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, the Special Education Mild/Moderate Credential, and 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 - 8. 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

Travis is a SoCal native, but he ended up in Northern California to earn his bachelor's degree in classical civilizations from UC Davis in 2002. Following graduation, Travis' passion for learning and education carried him along a 15-year journey with Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. During this time, he accumulated tremendous experience and mastery in sensory-cognitive programs designed to develop essential language and literacy skills, primarily with students with learning challenges or specifically diagnosed learning disabilities. He is a master teacher in all of Lindamood-Bell's programs. Travis is also skilled in diagnostic test administration and analysis, research-based instruction for diverse learners, and 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 executive functioning development and 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, M.Ed.

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 18 years providing Educational Therapy to students in grades K-12. For the past five years, she has served as the Assistant Principal of Academics and has assisted all types of students, including gifted ones. 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.

Dominique, M.A., Ed Psych

Dominique is an educational therapist and social and emotional counselor. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and is affiliated with The Association of Educational Therapists. Additionally, Dominique holds a California credential for multiple-subject teaching.

She has worked for ten years in private and school practice, helping students between the ages of 4-22 in the 1:1 setting. Dominique specializes in assessment for various learning needs, executive functioning skills building, reading and writing intervention, behavior planning, IEP consultation, and social and emotional counseling. Through her experience as an Educational Therapist and counselor, Dominique understands and values that all students have unique needs. She is trained to recognize this and do all she can to meet each student’s goals. Dominique is organized, kind, creative, and dependable.

Nicola, M.A.

Nicola Meyer was born in South Africa and moved to Los Angeles when she was in high school. Her parents were educators, and becoming a teacher was always her dream. Nicola has a bachelor’s degree and multiple subjects–Clear credentials from UCLA. She also has a Masters degree in Education from Pepperdine University. Nicola taught in public and private schools for over 20 years. In 2018, Nicola received her post-master's certificate in Educational Therapy from CSUN. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham program, the Wilson Reading Program, Singapore Math, and Step-Up to Writing program. She specializes in working with students with a variety of learning differences as well as with executive functioning. She is an Associate Member of the Association of Educational Therapists. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, and spending time with her two labradors.

Shelley, Associate ET

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Shelley holds a BA in English and Education from the University of Southern California. She completed her Educational Therapist certification from the University of California, Riverside. Shelley has worked extensively as a 1:1 specialist and a classroom teacher since 2009. She works with preschool through 8th-grade students, specializing in working with students with learning differences and twice-exceptional learners. Shelley discovered her love of reading early and is certified in the Orton-Gillingham reading program. When she isn't working, Shelley spends time with her college-aged daughter her dog, and attends as many Dodger games as possible. She is an Associate member of the Association of Educational Therapists.

Hannah, M.A.

A native of Los Angeles, Hannah is deeply committed to empowering students with diverse learning needs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and holds two master’s degrees from USC: one in Teaching and another in Special Education, along with an Autism certificate. With over 14 years of experience in education, Hannah currently serves as an education specialist at a private high school in Los Angeles. In addition, she runs a private practice supporting K-12 students facing challenges in reading comprehension, written expression, and executive functioning. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling with her family, and spoiling her nephews with ice cream.