Racquel Ward Educational Specialist and Director

Racquel is passionate about empowering children with cognitive differences to become confident, independent learners. She is an academic interventionist, consultant and coach who works with parents, children and childhood specialists to develop learning plans for children with neurodiversity. Racquel and her team of learning specialists specialize in academic assessment, reading intervention, writing instruction, mathematical remediation, executive functioning, self-regulation and case management for families needing consultation for IEPs, 504 plans and in-school interventions. Teaching is Racquel's passion. In her free time, she winds down with yoga, scuba diving and adventures around the world.

Lauren Holguin is an educator and writer from Los Angeles California who fell in love with Philadelphia where she now calls home. Lauren has 10+ years of experience in education and working with youth in the Los Angeles and Greater Philadelphia Area. She has worked as a literacy specialist for K-2 students, 4th grade special education teacher, basketball coach, writing mentor for high school aged college applicants, and phonics curriculum writer for New Jersey schools. She has a deep passion for writing and has personally published poetry inspired by her experiences. Lauren received her Masters of Art in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, as well as her Teaching Exceptional Learners (TEL) certification in 2019. She is versed in teaching K-4 Math and Literacy, as well as using programs such as i-Ready, Lexia, Accelerated Reader, Fundations Wilson, and the Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Continuum. She believes in fostering her students’ own journey as unique learners as a process of appreciating and celebrating their strengths while addressing their needs. Lauren is a current Teaching Fellow at Rutgers University Camden in the MFA program for Poetry and Fiction. In her free time, she loves to watch basketball and hang out with her two rescue chihuahuas. You will also find her at local coffee shops around Philly, reading and writing poems.

Clare is a lifelong learner who finds the most joy in working with children who struggle to read. She leverages science-based literacy programs such as Wilson/Fundations, Words Their Way and Touch Math. Clare uses many other programs to assist in optimizing instruction such as EdMark, Fountas and Pinnell, iReady and more. Clare earned a Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist and has worked in the field of special education for 13 years. Her roles have ranged from reading interventionist to math specialist for K-12 learners. She is also an instructional coach for teachers and a special education case manager, writing IEPS and facilitating IEP meetings for children and their families. She loves to design programming across the continuum, but her ultimate goal is to teach every child to reach their fullest potential and to live choice-filled lives. In her free time, you can find Clare enjoying a good book, admiring art, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. 

Stephanie began her teaching career back in 2000 working in independent schools. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended University of California, Santa Barbara for undergraduate studies before getting a Masters Degree in Education at Pepperdine University. In 2019, Stephanie decided to further her education and become an Educational Therapist. She has always loved to teach reading to those kids who need a little extra love and attention. There is nothing greater than seeing a child’s face light up when they feel success. Stephanie lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their four children where they love to spend time at the beach. Most weekends you will find her cheering on her kids at the soccer field.

Stephen is an experienced education specialist with more than 30 years of experience. He holds a B.S. and M.S. from Southern Illinois University. His strengths are working with emergent readers and designing activities for progression in language arts. Steve’s professional objectives are focused on tailoring instruction to the strengths and needs of students while making learning an enjoyable process. He strongly emphasizes building students’ confidence and reinforcing all attempts at learning. Teaching has always been a passion for Steve. It excites him to see the joy that achievement brings to his students. When he’s not teaching, Steve goes to the movies, the theater, spends time with friends, and enjoys trying new restaurants.