The Mind Behind Haven
Someone Who Understands
As a former homeschool mom, I spent many years learning that each child has a "key" that unlocks their learning. No key is the same. And yet, the standard school approach thrives on uniformity. Often there is very little space and time for children with learning challenges. Yet every child needs more time and care. Every child needs a patient mentor who guides with effective strategy and genuine support. Every child needs to feel calm in order to learn well. And every child needs to know that every door is open to them. Indeed, every child is gifted in their own, unique way.
My own daughter struggled deeply with math. In fact, she needed three years to learn her multiplication facts. We were patient, we were supportive and flexible, but always persistent. When she thought that she would never amount to anything, her father and I knew that the sky was the limit. That little girl, who at one time, thought she was "dumb," is now studying to be a Neurologist. All because we never closed the door to her options. This is true, not only for our child, but also for yours. As an educational partner for your child, I know what it is like to be in your shoes. Having walked this path more than once, I understand the heartache and frustration.
So take a deep breath, you've come to the right place to bring calm back into your child's learning.
Get to Know
Rachel
My academic background is a BA in Theology and a Masters in Theology with a special focus on ancient languages. I am currently pursuing graduate work and furthering my study of ancient languages with the end goal of finishing with my Doctorate. In the midst of my studies, I homeschooled my three children for fifteen years. This is where I fell in love with teaching and in particular, helping students who struggled with their learning.
Haven Academic was born out of the desire to not only give families the support that I was able to give my own children but also to see every child reach their God-given potential.
Seeing a deep need in our community for struggling math learners, I set out to be trained by Marilyn Zecher and her methodology called "Multisensory Math" with the Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center. Recently adopted by Orton-Gillingham as their gold standard for math, I provide a combination of compassionate, personalized support with evidence based math teaching that exceeds the standards for academic rigor.
On a personal note, I have lived in Orange County my entire life, have been married for 25 years and raised three children, whom I adore. I love being at the beach and getting outdoors to travel to surf, rock climb, and ride dirt bikes. I'm a "nerd" at heart who not only loves to sit down to read with a great cappuccino, but also loves being an explorer and adventurer. I love meeting new people, traveling to places I have never been and I'm always telling myself: never stop learning and growing!
