About Donna
Working with children flows from a background in which I have always valued a comprehensive and holistic perspective in education. My dedication is connecting with children who are struggling in school, in order to help them identify and overcome the obstacles they are facing. This commitment to children is the foundation of my career, and a huge part of who I am in the world.
For over 30 years, I have been assisting people, helping them to believe in themselves, and helping to guide them to success. My own education in the field began with a B.S. in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College, followed by a Masters Equivalent in the area of Learning Disabilities. Through the years I have taught primarily at the elementary-school and middle-school levels, as well as significant work with high-school-aged children. I also developed the Resource Program for the Learning Center at Tiverton Middle School in Tiverton, Rhode Island where I taught for 11 years.
My 30+ years of experience have included being an Educational Coordinator at Providence Hasbro Children's Hospital, a teacher at Eckerd Youth Alternatives -- a wilderness-diversion program for at-risk adolescents -- a Registered Polarity Therapy Practioner, and a Yoga Instructor. Additionally, I have taught Wellness Education to graduate students at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, for a period of ten years. In Marin County I worked at a learning center in San Rafael for five years and I have been in private practice as an Educational Therapist for the past over 20 years years.
I am inspired by my students, and continually learn so much about life through their perseverance and courage to overcome adversity and reach their academic goals. The greatest joy for me is when the world of learning opens up for students. This happens when they recognize and learn to rely on their talents and abilities, wherein they experience a sense of confidence and competence in their lives.
Credentials
Professional Lifetime Credential: Special Education - all areas
Professional Lifetime Credential: Learning Disabilities
Child Life Program, Educational Coordinator, Rhode Island Hospital
Eckerd Youth Alternatives Wilderness Camps, Classroom Teacher (for high-risk adolescents)
Orton-Gillingham Trained
Lindamood-Bell Trained
Registered Polarity Therapist
Certified Yoga Teacher
Infant Massage Therapist
Certified Kripalu Massage Therapist
Graduate Instructor of Wellness Education: Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island
Senior Diagnostic IRLEN Screener (scotopic sensitivity)
Honors & Awards
Wellness Education Curriculum Team, Tiverton Middle School, Rhode Island