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

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.

• PhD candidate, Saybrook University

• M.S. in Applied Psychophysiology, Saybrook University

• BA Biology and Psychology, Roger William University

Specialties: applied behavioral analysis, early childhood education, educational therapy, and neurofeedback therapy.

Founder, San Diego Neurotherapy

She believes every child has potential if given the right tools.

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

• Teaching credential in elementary education.

Specialties: K-12 literacy interventions, trained in LJLW Executive Functioning, Wilson Reading Systems, 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

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

Specialties: Wilson Reading System, 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

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

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.

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

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

• Professional educator license in the state of Utah

• Endorsed in Gifted and Talented education

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 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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.

• Master’s in Special Education/Learning Disabilities and Social Emotional Learning
• BA in History
• Certified in Special Education/Learning Disabilities, Social Emotional Learning
• ACT Certified Educator

Specialties: Working with students with learning challenges including dyslexia, dysgraphia, autism, anxiety disorders, ADHD and organizational difficulties. Curriculum expertise in Lindamood Bell and Orton-Gillingham instruction, Writing, ACT preparation, SAT Reading and Writing

Laurie believes that motivation and self-esteem are integral parts of the learning process. When both the teacher and the student are invested in the student’s success, real progress is possible. Laurie teaches towards a child’s strengths which allows the student to develop internal motivation and self-confidence which is so necessary for a student to progress.

• M.Ed from the University of San Diego – in progress
• Bachelors of Arts in History from the University of Massachusetts Amherst;
• TESOL certification

Robin’s background includes teaching special education, non-native English speakers, reading and writing instruction, and facilitating Auditory Stimulation Training. Her teaching practice is based in inclusion and equity and her goals are to motivate students and make learning fun!

• Special Education Mild/Moderate Credential, San Diego State University
• Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies/Elementary Education, Biola University

Specialties: Reading/Writing support. Trained in LIPS, Seeing Stars, Wilson Reading Systems, 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

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.