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A Team of Educational Therapists & Specialists
Our exceptional clinicians, equipped with advanced degrees and credentials, approach teaching through the lens of educational therapy. With extensive experience, our educational therapists and specialists work with students facing a range of learning differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, executive functioning challenges, and more. Learn more about Educational Therapy.
Collaboration & Commitment to Professional Development
Our team of lifelong learners is dedicated to continuous growth and professional development. Our Clinicians regularly engage in collaboration and thought partnerships, drawing from each other’s expertise and unique experiences. Additionally, they participate in both team-based and individualized professional development to deepen their understanding of all aspects of learning.
BJ holds a Master’s Degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, and currently completing this Post-Graduate Educational Therapy and Dyslexia Certification. With over a decade of experience in education and youth development, BJ has taught a wide range of subjects, including ELA, Social Studies, Executive Functioning, Social Emotional Learning, and Financial Literacy. Additionally, BJ has expertise in curriculum planning for teachers, focusing on executive function and supporting students with learning or motivational challenges.
Areas of Focus: Upper Elementary to Post Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Literacy, ELA, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, ADHD/Academic Coaching, Behavioral Coaching, Social Emotional Learning, Financial Literacy, College Readiness, Test Prep, Professional Development for Educators, Parent Education, Educational Consulting, and Curriculum Development
Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a certified special educator (Academic Language Therapist/ ALTA) with nearly 20 years of classroom experience. Currently, she is putting her extensive Orton-Gillingham training to use, providing therapy to students with dyslexia and dysgraphia, as well as instruction in other subjects for students with learning challenges.Â
Areas of Focus: Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Orton-Gillingham, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Decoding and Encoding, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Foundational Math, Executive Functioning, Educational Advocacy and Consulting, Parent Education
Kim holds a Masters of Education in Exceptional Student Education with a concentration in Educational Therapy from Southeastern University, as well as a Masters Degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. She is a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist (PCET) through the National Institute of Learning Development (NILD). Â
Kim is trained in the Orton-Gillingham method. Her goal is to give students tools to enable them to overcome specific learning challenges and help them to successfully build an efficient learning process.Â
Areas of Focus:Â Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, ELA, Elementary Math, Executive Functioning, Educational Advocacy
With a Bachelor of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies, earned with Summa Cum Laude honors from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Math Education K-12, from The University of Texas, Susan Ardila brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Susan is currently completing her post-graduate Educational Therapy Certification through NILD.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Elementary to Higher Level Mathematics, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Sciences, AP/Honor Courses, Test Prep, Executive Functioning, Parent EducationÂ
Christine holds an M.A. in Education from CSU East Bay, a post-graduate certification as an Educational Therapist through U.C. Riverside, and has earned her Professional designation for the Association of Educational Therapists.
She has trained in multiple Orton-Gillingham-based reading strategies, is a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, and loves working with students who need help building executive functioning skills.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, ELA, Test Prep, Social-Emotional Learning, Educational Advocacy
Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University. While at Teachers College, Jessica enrolled in an Orton-Gillingham curriculum and completed 220 hours of postgraduate instruction which led to her ALTA Certification as an Academic Language Therapist. She is a special education teacher who has spent nearly two decades teaching students from Pre-K to adulthood, helping them become successful and independent learners.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post-Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Orton-Gillingham, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Social Emotional Learning, Executive Functioning, Parent Education, Educational Advocacy
Maleek earned his MA, and an M.S. in Education with a focus on Inclusion from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. Maleek has worked with elementary, middle, high, and adult education learners for almost 2 decades. Maleek firmly believes that every student can learn. He has a passion for providing struggling students with the support, strategies, and encouragement necessary to experience academic success.Â
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Elementary and Secondary Math, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Test Prep, ELA, ADHD/Academic Coaching,, Executive Functioning, Behavioral Coaching, Social Emotional Learning, Parent EducationÂ
Shendi holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature from New York University, along with a California Education Specialist Instruction Credential. She is currently pursuing National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist.
Throughout her career, Shendi has worked as a Resource Specialist, a Special Day Class teacher, and has held leadership roles coaching new Special Education teachers across K-12. She has led efforts to ensure the effective implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) while coaching staff on differentiated instruction, analyzing student performance, and guiding general education teachers in deepening their understanding of learning disabilities.
Areas of Focus: K-12 Education, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Decoding and Encoding, Reading Comprehension, Structured Literacy, Written Expression, ELA, Dyscalculia, Foundational Math, Curriculum Development, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Executive Functioning, Social Emotional Learning, Professional Development for Educators, Teacher Preparation, Educational Advocacy
Alessandra started her career in teaching when she was working as a graduate assistant at WIU at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center teaching literacy. Alessandra’s experience in schools has spanned a variety of roles and grades including a classroom teacher, academic interventionist, Special Education Lead Teacher and Literacy Specialist.Â
Areas of Focus: K-8 Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham, SIPPS, Decoding and Encoding, Written Expression, Reading Comprehension, Elementary and Middle School Math, Multi Language Learners, Socio-Emotional Learning, Executive Functioning
Tracy Young holds a Master of Business Administration from Boston University. She has completed over 220 hours of Orton-Gillingham training and holds her Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) Certification.Â
Tracy is a dedicated advocate for dyslexia awareness and education, driven by a personal journey that transformed her into a passionate force for change. She currently serves in the screening subcommittee of the New York State Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force.
Areas of Focus: Upper Elementary to Post-Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham, Decoding and Encoding, Written Expression, Reading Comprehension, Math,  Socio-Emotional Learning, Executive Functioning, Educational Advocacy and Parent EducationÂ
Eldeva holds a M.A. in Special Education from New York University. Eldeva is a certified Special Educator and has spent over 30 years working with neurodiverse learners in public schools. Eldeva holds three Certificates as an Orton-Gillingham teacher. These include: an ALTA Certification as a Qualified Instructor, a Certification as a Member of the Orton-Gillingham Academy, and a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist through the CERI.Â
With her extensive experience, Eldeva is dedicated to helping students with learning challenges, supporting them to meet their goals and helping them to thrive.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post-Secondary Education, Orton-Gillingham, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Handwriting, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Social Emotional Learning, Parent Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Study Skills, and Learning Strategies.
Vanessa holds a Masters in Education, as well as an Elementary Montessori credential, from Xavier University. Vanessa has over a decade of experience with dual language learning, as both a teacher and an administrator, for Spanish and Chinese bilingual ECE and Kindergarten programs in the SF Bay Area.Â
Vanessa is trained in the Orton-Gillingham methodology and has over 20 years of experience working with intervention specialists, creating learning plans that meet the needs of individual children, and which meet their IEP benchmarks at home and in the classroom daily.Â
Areas of Focus: K-8 Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Orton-Gillingham, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Executive Functioning, Elementary Math, ELA, Socio-Emotional Learning, Early Childhood Development, Dual Language Learners, Montessori and Reggio-inspired instruction, Parent EducationÂ
Joi holds an M.Ed. from High Tech High Graduate School of Education and a Master’s in Special Education from California State University East Bay. With over a decade of diverse experience in education, she has supported youth mental health, facilitated outdoor learning, and provided academic assistance through special education services.
As an Education Specialist and founding team member at Latitude High School in Oakland, Joi designed accessible learning environments, implemented accommodations, and taught modified courses for students facing learning challenges.
Area of Focus: Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, ELA, Math, Socio-Emotional Learning, Executive Functioning, Virtual Learning, Educational Advocacy
Camila Perez graduated Cum Laude with a degree in English and in Studio Art from Mills College. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is a seasoned literacy professional with 10 years of experience working in education.
She also employs a variety of Structured Literacy methods and tailors her instruction to each child. Camila is passionate about using tools based on the science of reading to help students access the essential skill of literacy so that they can attain their full potential and gain confidence.
Areas of Focus: Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Dyslexia, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Social Emotional Learning
Michelle has worked in Oakland public schools for over a decade. She graduated from San Francisco State University and earned her Multiple Subject teaching credential in 2010. She brings a broad range of teaching experiences such as Kindergarten & Transitional Kindergarten teacher, Reading Interventionist, Dean of Instruction, and Assistant Principal.
As a Reading Interventionist, she developed expertise in supporting emerging readers, using strategies such as systematic phonics instruction, phonological awareness, progress monitoring, goal setting, and assessment to provide the best outcomes for each student.Â
Areas of Focus: K-5 Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, SIPPS, Early Childhood Development, Written Expression, Social-Emotional Learning, Dyslexia, Decoding & Encoding, Elementary Math, Educational Advocacy
Rita Meagher is a third-generation Oaklander and has spent her career teaching children with special needs. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Special Education from Holy Names University, along with a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a California Special Education Credential. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with an Emphasis on Child Development from Santa Clara University. Rita has over 30 years of teaching experience as a Special Education Teacher and currently works as a Special Education Consultant and Advocate.
She is both a Reading and Behavior Specialist and was a Master Teacher at OUSD’s successful District Reading Clinic. Rita also played an essential role in the development of Special Education programs for OUSD. Rita has also received multiple recognitions and awards for her work as a lifelong educator in Oakland.Â
Areas of Focus: Primary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Structured Literacy, Decoding and Encoding, Orton-Gillingham, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Math Skills Computation, Math Comprehension and Word problems, Applied Math Skills, Dyscalculia, ELA, Executive Functioning, Written Expression, SPED Advocacy and Consulting
Pamela is a National Board Certified Special Educator and holds an associate-level Educational Therapist position. She also earned her Master’s in research consultation in Psychology from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2002 as well as a Master’s in Special Education from Kennesaw State University in the state of Georgia in 2005. Additionally, Pamela holds several teaching credentials which include Multiple subjects (Grades K-12), Education Specialist- Mild to Moderate, and Education Specialist -Moderate to Severe.Â
Areas of Focus: Primary to Post Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Math, Reading Comprehension, Writing Expression, ELA, Executive Functioning, Behavioral Coaching, Social Emotional Learning
John earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics Education from The Ohio State University as and his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. John has over 40 years of experience with math instruction, ranging from lower elementary to college-level.
Areas of Focus: Elementary to Secondary Education, Differentiated Instruction for Neurodiverse Learners, Math Skills Computation, Math Comprehension and Word problems, Applied Math Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Administration
Christine graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in the History of Art. She has been part of the amazing team at Strategies for Learning for almost a decade.
She has experience supporting a number of new small businesses and welcomes any opportunity for creative problem-solving and strategic business development. She also utilizes her experience in student support services, graphic design, web design and digital marketing  to develop dynamic resources for the growing SfL community.Â
Email: info@strategiesforlearning.com
Phyllis holds her Master’s in Education from U.C. Berkeley and is a Board Certified Educational Therapist. Along with 30+ years in the classroom, Phyllis started as a sole practitioner until 2002, when she founded Strategies for Learning. She has trained teachers, developed curriculum, and spoken at seminars throughout California. Phyllis continues her passionate work in educational therapy while spending as much time as possible with her family.Â
Jay Koppelman serves Strategies for Learning as its Chief Financial Officer. He comes to us following his retirement from a career in real estate investment and finance. He has been married to Phyllis Koppelman, founder and CEO of Strategies for Learning, for over 50 years. As someone who believes that education is of paramount importance, he has taken on this role with determined enthusiasm. Besides his work with SfL, he’s a volunteer member of the Board of Trustees of the Contra Costa Jewish Day School where he is a past president, chairs its Governance Committee and is a member of its Executive and Finance Committees.
