Bio:   I have a bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. I am a mom of 6 (2 biological and 4 through foster care). I homeschooled my 2 oldest children and taught at our homeschool co-op for 7 years. I have a great interest in neurodivergent learning, brain science, and learning how to learn. I am currently working at Redeemer Classical Christian School as an NILD educational therapist.

Bio:   Carolyn's heartbeat is education and she has over thirty years of education experience in elementary, secondary, and higher education. She holds a Master of Education, (M.Ed.) Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM), Master of Special Education-Educational Therapy (M.Ed-ESE), Education Specialist, and Doctor of Education. She completes a Ph.D in Developmental Psychology in May 2026. She is certified to teach CEU's, she is an NILD Professionally Certified Educational Therapist (PCET), Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist (SL/DS, and Adjunct Professor of General Education at Urshan University in Wentzville, Missouri.

Bio:   NANCY L. SOBER • M.Ed., Liberty University • B.S. Ed. Science and Math teaching fields, Pensacola Christian College • Certified Educational Therapist, National Institute of Learning Development • Educator since 1987 • Math tutor since 1983 • Cultivating Growth in Education, LLC, Founder • Director of Curriculum and Instruction (2023-2024) • Mentor Teacher (2009-2025) Rocky Bayou Christian School • Math Department Head 2015-2020 Rocky Bayou Christian School • Middle School/High School Math teacher 2004-2020 Rocky Bayou Christian School Niceville, FL • NILD Educational Therapist 2011-2020, Rocky Bayou Christian School • Classical Conversations Teacher 2007-2009 • Guidance Counselor 2005-2007, Rocky Bayou Christian School • Director of Homeschool Assistance Program 2004-2005, Rocky Bayou Christian School

Bio:   Melanie Davda joined Fraser Academy in 2013, following 7 years at VSB public schools. She holds a Masters of Education specializing in educational therapy, and is certified as both an Educational Therapist and a Dyslexia Therapist. Ms. Davda currently oversees Educational Therapy and Consulting at FAx, Fraser Academy’s Outreach Centre. With a passion for making learning and literacy accessible to all children, Ms. Davda helps students become confident and competent learners and helps families to advocate for their child’s learning needs. She also provides professional development that empowers educators to support struggling learners and Level B Psychometric Assessments for students. Ms. Davda is an Instructor of Level 1 Educational Therapy with the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD). Ms. Davda’s most rewarding moments are when she sees the “light bulb” of understanding turn on, or when a student who was previously a reluctant reader gains passion and motivation to read. When outside of the classroom, she enjoys running, cycling, and painting.

Bio:   Diana Cessna, founder of Effective Teaching Group d.ba. EduGates, is a licensed NILD Educational Therapist, IDA CERI certified Dyslexia Specialist, and corporate trainer. Diana is equipped with over 25 years of experience training and teaching students and professionals within the spectrum of Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia, along with other neurodiverse co-morbidities. She has graduate degrees in ESE/ NILD Educational Therapy, Literacy Education, and Dyslexia Education, along with undergraduate degrees in International Studies and Political Science. Diana also holds an Instructor License from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Diana works to develop the individual and unique skills of each learner, accelerating proficiency in English as a second language and improving English literacy, business communications, math skills, and executive functioning. Her philosophy and practice include educating and empowering individuals to replace any obstacles to academic, professional, or athletic success with the foundational building blocks to perform most effectively. Diana’s goal is to help all individuals rise to their highest potential.

Bio:   I grew up as a missionary kid in Indonesia and spent almost 30 years serving with my husband in Papua New Guinea. We are members of Ethnos360 and currently live near our mission headquarters in Central Florida. I began my journey as an Educational Therapist in Papua New Guinea in 2009 out of a need to work with my own daughter. I love doing educational therapy and am excited about what it can do for children with learning difficulties. I have two adult children and 4 beautiful grandchildren. I enjoy gardening, backyard chickens, and warm weather.

Bio:   My name is Debbie Engle and I have a heart for children who struggle to learn. I have a degree in Special Education Physical Disabilities and have worked with children with a variety of special needs. I was thrilled to learn about NILD educational therapy and have enjoyed watching my students learn and grow in their confidence through therapy. I had a homeschool for four students at CC 4 Learners, LLC, Cognitive Care, Empowering Growth, where I provided therapy alongside a full curriculum five days a week. I currently work 1:1 with students in my home in Greenfield, WI or online for students too far away to come to my home. My deepest desire is to be used by God to encourage and give hope to children who are differently abled.

Bio:   I have extensive experience in the field of education. With almost 30 years as a classroom teacher in public, private, and Christian school settings I encountered many students who needed the types of learning experiences that NILD Educational Therapy provides in order to overcome their unique learning challenges. I became an educational therapist in 2004 and entered into private practice after further training in 2019. Helping students achieve success and independence in learning is one of my greatest passions!