Meet Our Staff

• Licensed Educational Therapist – In Progress

• M.Ed from Southeastern University in Educational Therapy – Graduating June 2024

• B.S. from Slippery Rock University in Special Education and Elementary Education

• B.S. from Utah State University in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education

• Wilson Level 1 Certified, earning recognition as a Wilson Dyslexia Specialist.

• Certified teacher in PA and AZ

• Licensed Speech Language Pathologist Assistant in Arizona

Specialties: Wilson Reading System, Multi-sensory Instruction, Applied Behavior Analysis

Prior to joining LJL, Kayla spent over a decade as a special education teacher. Kayla has also served children as an SLP-A, Instructional Coach, Behavioral Coach, and Structured Literacy Coach. Kayla says her biggest accomplishment is learning and understanding the strengths of her son, who was identified with dyslexia in 2nd grade. This is what she remains most passionate about – helping parents understand that their child’s reading or spelling ability does not determine how smart they are, in fact, they have some incredible strengths that just need to be understood!

• M.A. in the Teaching of Writing from San Diego State University

• B.A. in Philosophy and Literature from U.C. Santa Cruz

• Completed Wilson Reading System and Seeing Stars Introductory Courses

Specialities: College and High School Reading, Writing, and Executive Functioning, Reading and Reading Comprehension Interventions

Bree has extensive experience with high school and adult students. She has worked at several colleges and also has experience implementing accommodations to students with IEPs. Over the past few years, she has started teaching reading strategies to students of all ages with Dyslexia. Bree is inspired to help students appreciate their own learning process and find joy in what they can discover about themselves and the world through learning.

• Doctorate in Mathematics and Science Education, University of Massachusetts at Lowell

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mathematics

• LJL Training Completed: Math Fundamentals

Specialties: Mathematics Education

Led hundreds of professional development workshops and conference presentations, conducted several large educational research projects, and has numerous publications in academic journals.

One of her favorite things to do is supervise student projects. She has helped K-16 students do projects on algorithmically-generated music, the “perfect” shuffles problem, Pick’s Theorem, Mathemagics, and tracing the historical development of mathematics concepts. Dr. Goodwin is also an avid reader, singer, and lover of holiday movies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, San Diego State University

• Master’s degree in Elementary Education, University of Phoenix

Misty has helped a variety of students with ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and auditory processing disorder. Misty values the importance of developing the whole child and supports each child’s individual strengths, abilities, interests and needs.

• Master’s degree in Literacy Education, Missouri State University

• Teaching credential in elementary education.

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy

Specialties: K-12 literacy interventions, trained in LJLW Executive Functioning, Orton-Gillingham methodologies, and Visualizing and Verbalizing

Taylor’s helped a variety of students with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and visual processing disorders. She engages students using a variety of research-based techniques that align with their learning style and by emphasizing their interests, in efforts to make student’s learning applicable to the world around them.

• Bachelor of Arts, San Diego State University

• California teaching credentials in Special Education and Single Subject English

• Currently pursuing a certificate in Social Emotional Learning from UC Riverside

• Special Education teacher for over 20 years

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy, Reading Comprehension, Executive Functioning, ISEE Test Prep

Lois loves incorporating drama into her classroom as a reading supplement and aid to building young people’s self esteem. “Si, se puede”, “Yes, we can” is her teaching mantra.

• Speech and Language Pathologist – in progress

• M.S. from California State University of Northridge in Communication Disorders – Graduating May 2024

• B.S. from Stern College for Women in Speech Pathology and Audiology, graduate on Dean’s Honor Roll

• Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance via Reach Yoga, Basic Life Support Provider (CPR and AED) via American Heart Association

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy, Math Fundamentals

Specialties: Orton-Gillingham methodologies, Seeing Stars Sight Words, High Noon Reading Fluency, OnCloud 9, and Visualizing and Verbalising

Prior to joining LJL team, Dina was an Audiology Aide for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population and a Private Tutor for children learning English as a Second Language. She has worked with individuals with hearing impairment, auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, mild cognitive deficits, anxiety, and depression. Dina believes that no one is ever too old to be a student since there is always more to learn!

• Extended Learning Program: Speech Language Pathology- Bachelors of Science expected Spring 2023

• Bachelor’s in Fine Art, California State University, San Marcos

• 200 Hr. RYT from Vinyasa Arts and Lifeguard certifications through the Red Cross

• LJL Training Completed: Executive Functioning, Reading Comprehension, Math Fundamentals, ISEE Test Prep, Admissions Advising, Structured Literacy

Specialties: working with children and adolescents in various fields which include coaching swim, private tutoring, and serving as a peer mentor.

Cheri has helped a variety of students with ASD, ADHD, DS, depression, and supported those who needed a boost in confidence and self esteem. Cheri’s philosophy in a teaching role is to emulate positive practices and engage with students with enthusiasm, creativity, patience, and sincerity.

• BA in English Literature and a minor in Humanities, University of Louisville

• LJL Training Completed: Executive Functioning, ISEE Test Prep, Admissions Advising, Structured Literacy

Krystal has helped a variety of students with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, depression, trauma disorders, auditory processing disorder, visual processing disorder, HOH/Deafness, and total blindness. Krystal is devoted to the process of Information Literacy, and loves engaging with students based on their interests – especially helping readers explore different avenues of reading opportunities such as through graphic novels, visual novels, or choose your own adventure novels.

• Master’s in Educational Administration from San Diego State University

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester

• Credential in Mild/Moderate Special Education

Specialties: Phonics and reading comprehension, developing writing skills, improving math skills, executive functioning, test prep, and college prep. Experienced with students with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, depression, specific learning disabilities, auditory processing disorder, visual processing disorder, and various emotional needs.

Before joining the team at LJL, Rubyat worked for San Diego Unified School District for 20 years. He also taught at California Pacific Charter School, a California based online school, for 2 years. Rubyat believes all students are capable of learning and achieving great things and it is the responsibility of the educator to ignite the passion in the student and help them find the motivation to take ownership of their learning.

• M.S. in Educational Psychology from Oklahoma State University

• B.S. in Kinesiology from San Diego State

• LJL Training Completed: Executive Functioning, ISEE Test Prep

Prior to joining LJL, Taylor spent 6 years in educational classroom settings including special education in North County San Diego. During Taylor’s time in the school, he helped students with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, depression, auditory processing disorder, and visual processing disorders. Taylor embraces a growth mindset and looks to improve each day as a person.

• Associate’s Degree in Child Development from Theoria Technical College

• Certified in early childhood educational administrative program management, preventative health, and nutrition.

• LJL Training Completed: Executive Functioning, Reading Comprehension, ISEE Test Prep

Prior to coming to LJL, DeAnna lead classrooms in multiple preschools and kindergartens. DeAnna has been mastering the art of virtual learning since the pandemic started and successfully worked with children as young as 4. She has experience helping students with ADD/ADHD and sensory processing disorders. DeAnnas passion for education stems from the philosophy “I do, we do, you do” teaching adults or children has always been just as rewarding for her as it is for her students.

• B.A. in Theatre Arts – Rollins College, Winter Park FL

• Masters in Elementary Education – George Washington University, Washington DC

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy, Executive Functioning, Math Fundamentals, Reading Comprehension

Prior to joining LJL, Jody spent over a decade helping start and run a parent volunteer reading program – Everyone A Reader – in her children’s school and working one on one with struggling readers. Before that, Jody taught both first and third grade. Jody has also worked tirelessly to advocate for her own daughter who was finally diagnosed with Dyslexia in 6th grade. This experience is why she decided to work with LJL– helping students feel more confident and understand that although they have struggles, they also have incredible strengths.

• Loyola Marymount University Bachelor of Arts in English

• 10+ years experience in education

• Elementary Education Certification – In Progress

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy, Early Literacy

Prior to joining La Jolla Learning, Mahogany worked with a variety of students with learning challenges such as ADHD and dyslexia at The Academy Virtual. Her life goal is to “invest in people.”

• Interior Architecture degree, San Diego Mesa College – in progress

• Academic AVID tutor for 4 years

• LJL Training Completed: ISEE Test Prep, Executive Functioning

Specialties: College readiness, AP and general academic help, and test prep

Abril believes that when working with young minds, it is not only important to guide them towards academic success but also to instill inspiration in them and a positive mindset that will assist them in achieving their future career and personal goals.

• B.S. in Cognitive Science w/ Specialization in Machine Learning, University of California, San Diego – in progress

• LJL Training Completed: Early Literacy, ISEE Test Prep, Executive Functioning

Through overcoming her own learning challenges, Neha has discovered a passion for providing the same educational breakthrough for other students. She believes in positive encouragement and incremental learning goals to strengthen students’ confidence in their own abilities.

• M.ED in Special Education, George Mason University

• M.S. in Biology, Georgetown University

• B.A. in Biology, Denison University

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy, ISEE Test Prep, Admissions Advising, Executive Functioning, Math Fundamentals, Reading Comprehension

Specialties: Dyslexia, dysgraphia, emotional challenges, reading, ELL strategies, and reading comprehension

Pattye loves the challenge of finding the perfect key to help a student succeed by using a series of multi-sensory strategies.

• Bachelors of Science in Mathematics with a secondary emphasis in teaching

• Professionally trained in ACT/SAT study prep

• Professional experience teaching K-6 American Sign Language (ASL)

• LJL Training Completed: ISEE Test Prep, Admissions Advising, Executive Functioning

Specialties: A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a secondary emphasis on Teaching, Trevor Farrell has several diverse years of tutoring behind him, in subjects ranging from standardized testing, (ACT/SAT) geometry, calculus, humanities, and special interest curriculum. He believes that, at its core, the process of discovery in learning is nearly synonymous with fun.

• B.S. in General Biology and Global Health, University of California, San Diego – in progress

• LJL Training Completed: Early Literacy, Executive Functioning

Specialties: Science and Math

Yvanna believes learning should be done in a fun and interactive way to motivate and increase students’ confidence. All it takes to master a topic is practice and support and she aspires to be that support for all her students.

• Special Education Mild/Moderate Credential, San Diego State University

• Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies/Elementary Education, Biola University

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy, Reading Comprehension, Math Fundamentals

Specialties: Reading/Writing support. Trained in LIPS, Seeing Stars, Orton-Gillingham methodologies, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and Framing Your Thoughts.

Danielle has worked as an educational specialist in the special education field where she has taught students with special needs K-12 for 17+ years. She feels inspired in creating an environment that instills joy, motivation and care. She loves supporting each student’s own unique way of learning and enjoys teaching in various modified ways to help students reach a better understanding of what they are learning.

• PhD in Sociology – in progress

• Masters degree in Sociology

• Bachelors degree in Sociology

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy, Reading Comprehension, Math Fundamentals, Executive Functioning

Prior to joining the LJL team, Olivia worked as a response to intervention (RTI) specialist for grades K-8. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in sociology with an emphasis in education. Olivia values educators’ impact on students’ learning experiences and aspires to work within the educational administration system to guide future educators.

• B.S. in Special Education and Elementary Education

• Special Education Mild/Moderate Credential

• M.A. in Social Emotional Learning- graduating August 2023

• Orton Gillingham: Comprehensive IMSE Orton-Gillingham & Morphology Plus

• LJL Training Completed: Structured Literacy

Joelee has taught students with a variety of disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and emotional/behavioral disabilities. She loves working with students to help them reach their full potential and strongly believes that all students are capable of making growth and meeting their goals. Joelee prioritizes building relationships with her students and encourages students to take ownership of their learning by setting goals for themselves and advocating for their needs.

• M.A. in Early Childhood Education from New York University
• M.A. in Special Education from New York University
• B.A. in Performing Arts and a minor in Educational Studies from UC Irvine
• Specialties: Literacy Education, Phonics and reading comprehension, developing writing skills, improving math skills, executive functioning, test prep, college prep, private tutoring and peer mentor. Experienced with students with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, specific learning disabilities, auditory processing disorder, visual processing disorder, and various emotional needs.
• LJL Training Completed: Executive Functioning

Christy has been a lead teacher and literacy specialist in the classroom for over 8 years. Christy believes in learning through play and unique creativity. Following her mom’s teaching footsteps, her passion is to help all students discover and advocate for their passion and love of learning.

• B.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from San Francisco State University
• M.S. in Museum Studies: Learning & Engagement – In Progress

Specialties: Orton-Gillingham methodology, Visual and Verbalizing, Seeing Stars, Lips, Pride Learning

Prior to joining LJT, Daniele was a literacy clinician and teacher in multiple Early Childhood classrooms. Danielle has supported a variety of children with learning challenges including dyslexia and auditory processing disorders. She has experience working with children with ADHD, ASD, and anxiety. Danielle believes that learning should be an accessible practice – experienced and enjoyed by all!