Testimonials

Lindsay

Parent of a Former Student

As a parent, the responsibility that weighs on our shoulders to raise a child in this world is at times grievously heavy.  It can get no heavier than when you see your child suffering and despite your intuitive efforts, the relief of answers delicately dangle in the air like a leaf on a tree in mid fall.  I have been in this place many times with my tenaciously bright, loving, and disheartened child.  After jumping through hoops and channels, I finally received answers that gave a relief that I wasn’t crazy, and that I know my child well.  It didn’t change how difficult it was hearing that officially he had been diagnosed with dyslexia, general anxiety disorder, depression, and ADHD.   Once again, I was that leaf. However, I was never alone for any of this.  Kathleen was there to catch my leaf as it began to fall off that tree.

Have you ever had moments in your life where you look back and pinpoint each decision you ever made that led you up to one of the most pivotal moments or paths crossed with someone that miraculously changed everything for the better? I do that often with Kathleen Lavallee.
Kathleen was there for my son prior to his diagnosis, helping him as best as she could within the confines they had.  She was there on the phone with me as I cried receiving the news of my son’s diagnosis’. She has been there through every bit of hardship and celebration in this journey with us.  She was the best decision I have ever made for my son’s education.  I mean it.   Let me break down the results before I get to the best part of her and her company.

Upon entering 2nd  grade for the second time, my son was at a reading level of a first grader in their first month (1.1) of that grade.  His math level was at a first grader in their third month (1.3).  Upon the end of that school year, his reading was at a 3.8 and math at a 2.6.  Not to discredit all the hard work my son put in but all of it was channeled through Kathleen’s multi-faceted methods of dyslexia therapy.  Have you ever heard a child with all the issues my child face jumping almost two grade levels in reading and over one grade level in math after 10 months of therapy? Yea, me neither.  She gets results, every time.  I would put my paycheck on it.  

As if that wasn’t all enough, her integrity and character cannot be touched.  I’ve seen her handle some very delicate situations with poise.  Kathleen sits genuinely on the floor with your child.   She looks them in the eye and relates to each child.  She connects with them and let’s them know they aren’t alone.  She’s an incredible teacher and therapist.  She is passionate in her love for her craft.  She is more than fair in her pricing in her field because she cares about helping as many students as possible.  Kathleen gives kindness, joy, and accountability.  The best is that Kathleen is overwhelmingly supported by her husband and family.  I know that this allows Kathleen to embrace what she does to the fullest which only pours over onto each student and parent she works with.  No one is perfect but, in my eyes, Kathleen is our very own Mary Poppins.  She isn’t going to be actively involved in your child’s life forever, but she will forever leave her mark. I am forever grateful for our Mary Poppins, Kathleen Lavallee.