Bio:   Laurie has a diverse background in education including homeschooling, educational interpreter, classroom teacher, and now as an educational therapist for the last 17 years. Her masters program was as a reading specialist. She finds using the gifts God has given her working one-on-one with children to be satisfying, exciting, and a blessing.

Bio:   My services are eligible for Step Up Scholarship reimbursement. I have a Masters degree in Education and an undergraduate degrees in Psychology. I am the owner of Learning Through Discovery, LLC and I have been teaching and or doing educational therapy with students since 2000. I started in the classroom teaching high school math (my first passion) and then spent some time tutoring when my children were little. It was then I found my new passion. Students who were bright but struggled academically. That brought me to NILD. Since them I have worked with students in a school setting and privately that struggle with reading, writing and/or math, along with other neurodiverse co-morbidities such a ADD, Autism, and Kawasaki Syndrome. I also homeschool my daughter who is going into 10th grade, so I love working with homeschool students when I have the chance.

Bio:   Marita Smith is the founder and owner of the Center for Enhanced Learning, LLC. Since 2010, she has passionately led her private practice, skillfully navigating the complexities of her field with a blend of wisdom and insight that has been cultivated over the years. Mrs. Smith has twenty-seven years of experience in the field of education, with specializations in learning development, psychoeducational assessments, educational therapy, consulting, and training. She is a Licensed Professionally Certified Educational Therapist through the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD). She is a member of the NILD National Instructors’ team, a conference workshop facilitator, and serves as an educational therapist mentor. She has participated in two NILD pilot studies. An article written by Mrs. Smith was published in Discoveries, a biannual journal of NILD. Additionally, she is a Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist certified by the International Dyslexia Association. Mrs. Smith is very passionate about helping children who learn differently reach their God-given potential. This passion was born out of her personal experience with dyslexia and a journey to ensure that her two sons with learning differences had the navigational tools to enjoy successful careers in their chosen fields. This passion, combined with educational experiences, has given Mrs. Smith the ability to help parents identify the root of their child’s unique learning profile and needs. Her second passion is ministry. She and her husband founded The House of Bread Ministries in 2014 as a community outreach. She enjoys bike riding with her husband, preparing unique recipes, attending her husband's motocross races, conquering jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, and spending quality time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

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:   It is a joy to be an Educational Therapist and come alongside families to partner in their child's Educational journey. Educational Therapy truly makes lasting change. I love NILD's mission to make confident and competent learners. I would love the privilege of working with your family.