Bio:   Marie Havens is the owner of 3C Learning, LLC, a private educational therapy practice in Dexter, MI. Marie entered the field of educational therapy in 2013 after first working as a physical therapist and later raising three children who spent part of their childhood in Japan. After homeschooling her children, two of whom had literacy challenges, Marie completed multiple educational programs related to educational therapy, including the MEd in Exceptional Student Education/NILD Educational Therapy at Southeastern University. Marie is fully certified in NILD Educational Therapy, is a CERI-certified Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist, and is an Associate Member of the Association of Educational Therapists. While Marie works with students in Grades 1-12, she especially enjoys helping students in Grades 3 and above who have lost confidence in their ability to learn and in their curiosity about the world around them. The 3C's in 3C Learning, LLC, stand for Curious, Confident, and Competent. These are characteristics she hopes all her students will possess by the time they finish their work with her.

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.