Learning lab staff

CLINICAL STAFF

Karen Conti Lindem, Ph.D., Ph.D., Director of The Learning Lab

Dr. Karen Lindem is a Clinical Neuropsychologist & Licensed Psychologist with expertise in learning issues and developmental processes across the life span. Dr. Lindem began her career in elementary education, was quickly drawn to those children who struggled to learn in the classroom, and then entered graduate training, completing a PhD in Neuroscience as well as a PhD in Clinical Psychology. As a dual-degreed clinician, Dr. Lindem has experience with a broad range of issues that can impact learning and success in the classroom for children, adolescents, and adults. Her expertise includes language based learning issues, nonverbal learning issues, attention and executive dysfunction, ADHD, giftedness, Asperger Syndrome, as well as emotional, behavioral, and medical conditions that impact cognitive and academic development.  Dr. Lindem specializes in identifying both subtle and severe learning challenges that create barriers to academic success in reading, math, written and oral expression. As a Clinical Neuropsychologist with a background in education, Dr. Lindem brings an informed perspective and enthusiastic application of Neuropsychology to the classroom for learners of all ages.

Sean Hyde O'Brien, Psy.D., Staff Neuropsychologist

Dr. Sean O'Brien is a licensed psychologist and pediatric neuropsychologist with a specialty in the assessment of children and adolescents with mild to moderate neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as High Functioning Autism, Asperger's Disorder, and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Dr. O'Brien completed his doctorate at the University of Hartford, his internship at Worcester State Hospital/University of Massachusetts Medical School, and his postdoctoral training in pediatric neuropsychology at both Harvard Medical School (McLean Hospital and Cambridge Health Alliance) and here at the Learning Lab @ Lesley. He is a former Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he evaluated and treated children with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. In addition to his assessment work at the Learning Lab, Sean enjoys teaching pragmatic social skills to children with developmental disabilities.

TUTORING STAFF

Kurt Mueller, B.A., Coordinator of Tutoring Services

Kurt Mueller has been the Coordinator of Tutoring Services at the Learning Lab @ Lesley since 2006. Mr. Mueller graduated from Colgate University with a B.A. in German and completed TESL/TEFL certification at Saint Michael’s College. For the past 5 years, Mr. Mueller has managed a tutoring and educational consulting business. With a rich teaching and tutoring background in foreign language learning, English Language Arts, and TESL/TEFL, Mr. Mueller has expertise in subject-based, homework support, enrichment, and other specialized tutoring services. Mr. Mueller tutors students in German, reading, writing, and ESL. Mr. Mueller also works with students on improving their organizational and executive functioning skills. Mr. Mueller likes to help students, families, and Tutors make learning fun, goal-oriented, and effective. When Mr. Mueller isn’t at the Learning Lab, he enjoys basketball, tennis, cooking, reading, playing Scrabble, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with his friends and family. Mr. Mueller is also a volunteer with Big Brothers of Massachusetts Bay.

Aram B., B.A., Mathematics; M.S. Computer Science; M.Ed.

Aram teaches mathematics and science in a program for at risk high school students.  He completed his B.A. in Mathematics and M.S. in Computer Science at Northeastern University.  Aram earned his M.Ed. at Lesley University.  Aram is licensed in Massachusetts to teach mathematics and Physics.  He has also taught Calculus to college freshmen and Computer Science to veterinary students.  For most of his professional career, Aram has worked with computers and the people who use and care for them.  Among other things, he has done research in solar physics and directed computing infrastructures.  When he is not teaching, Aram keeps busy by maintaining the house he and his wife live in.

Rachel D., M.A., Education; B.A., Sociology

Rachel received her M.A. in Education from Boston University, with a concentration in Special Education.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Hartford.  Rachel holds Massachusetts teacher’s certifications in both Special Education and Regular Education.  She has been teaching for six years in grades two through eight, with most experience at the middle school level.  Her teaching experience includes one-to-one, small group, and full classroom instruction.  Training in methods of specialized instruction has been valuable in Rachel’s teaching.  She is trained in Orton-Gillingham, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and LINKS, and is certified in Wilson.  In addition, Rachel has attended many math workshops which have helped inform her instruction.  Rachel’s tutoring approach is multi-sensory and aims to give students strategies they can learn to use independently. In her free time, Rachel loves to experiment with sewing and cooking.  She also enjoys socializing with friends and family.

Dori F., M.Ed., Child Development; B.S., Early Childhood Education

Dorie earned her M.Ed. at Wheelock College in Child Development and her B.S. at Lesley College.  Dorie concentrated her graduate studies on inclusion and learning disorders, in particular language and literacy development.  After graduating from Wheelock, Dorie obtained her Orton-Gillingham certification from the Massachusetts General Hospital Reading Disabilities Unit.  Dorie taught in the Newton Public Schools for many years and has worked with children with a variety of learning disabilities.  More recently, she was the learning specialist at an independent school in Cambridge where she worked with children in grades Kindergarten through 5.  Dorie's tutoring approach is aimed at empowering students with a set of strategies that will lead to success.  To meet this end, she uses a multi-sensory, process-based, meta-cognitive approach that engages the student in the learning process and makes in fun.  In her free time, Dorie enjoys reading, cooking, taking long walks, and enjoying the antics of her cats.

Debra M., LMHC, M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling; Teacher of Moderate Special Needs; B.S., Rehabilitation Counseling

Debbie earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University and then acquired her license as a Mental Health counselor.  Debbie is an experienced school counselor and certified special educator (Moderate Special Needs).  She has worked both in the mental health field and in the special education classroom.  Debbie has held positions in public and private schools.  In her roles as school counselor and special educator, Debbie has supported children with severe special needs, both clinically and educationally.  As a full inclusion resource room teacher, Debbie has taught children with Asperger's Syndrome, social difficulties, executive functioning disabilities, and attentional and emotional issues.  She has taught children, adolescents, and teens who are in need of extra support to keep organized, focused, and on track with their academics.  Debbie is a very patient and supportive professional.  Her approach is to help clients in a holistic manner, taking into account their needs, strengths, and motivation.  Currently Debbie teacher computers to students with severe special needs and sees clients in individual therapy.  Tutoring is one of Debbie's passions.  As a tutor at The Learning Lab @ Lesley, Debbie loves being able to provide extra individualized support to clients.  In her free time, Debbie likes to bake, read, and spend time with her friends and family.

Kim M., Doctoral Candidate, Special Education; C.A.G.S., Early Childhood Special Education; M.ED., Elementary Education; B.A., Elementary Education

Kim is currently a doctoral candidate at Johns Hopkins University.  Kim's research is in dyslexia with a special focus in acquired dyslexia relative to students with traumatic brain injury.  She has completed her training and certification in Orton-Gillingham.  Kim taught kindergarten for four years in public schools, was director of a preschool, and was an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education.  Currently, Kim works as Director of Special Education Services at a public charter school.  Kim tutors children ranging in age and grade from primary to middle school.  She incorporates a multisensory, systematic, explicit, and phonetically based approach to reading that is rewarding and fun.

Cheryl N., M.A., Special Education; B.A., Elementary & Early Childhood Education

Cheryl has earned her Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from Lesley College.  Cheryl concentrated her graduate studies in learning and developmental disabilities.  Training was completed at the Beverly Public Schools with specialized training at the Landmark School in Beverly.  She received a B.S. from Lesley University in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and has taught 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade classrooms.  Cheryl has taken extensive coursework in assessment and programming for students with significant language and reading disabilities, including the Wilson Reading Program.  As a Learning Center teacher for K-5 students, she has developed specialized instruction based on Individual Education Plans of students in reading, writing/language and math.  Cheryl established a Language Based Classroom for Beverly students at the Middle School level where she taught specialized classes in all primary subjects.  She provided strategies for students in organization and study skills and has utilized a multi-sensory approach to instruction.  Cheryl's goal is to teach accommodations and compensatory strategies for special needs students to utilize and adapt in their own learning while building their self-esteem and self-confidence.  She focuses on all modalities with students and utilizes many theories, applications and materials in her current role as a third grade teacher and tutor. Cheryl likes to incorporate a child’s strengths and interest in tutoring sessions and enjoys making learning fun using games, puzzles and activities.  On a personal level, Cheryl loves spending time with her family.  She enjoys crafts, sports, reading, plays and movies.

Anthony earned his MA in Human Development and Special Education at Salve Regina University in Newport RI.  He earned his BA in Sociology at Providence College.  Anthony is an experienced high school special educator and administrator. He holds teaching certificates in both regular education and special education. Anthony is trained in Orton-Gillingham, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and Project Read. During his tenure at Newton Public Schools, Anthony has developed new special education programs.  In 1996 he developed a special education program that provides support for students who are having social/emotional and/or academic adjustment problems. In 2003 Anthony developed another special education program that provides support for students with developmental disabilities along with students on the autism spectrum. In both programs, students are in full inclusion settings and have access to the entire high school curriculum. Currently Anthony teaches academic strategies to high school students with specific learning disabilities and co-teaches in the smaller learning community for grades 9 and 10. In addition, Anthony coordinates and administers the high school MCAS exams for students on IEPs.  As a tutor, Anthony helps clients to develop individual learning strategies and plan an approach that best fits individual needs.  Throughout the tutoring process Anthony monitors and evaluates progress towards meeting specific learning goals. At the Learning Lab, Anthony provides organizational and executive functioning skills tutoring. When not in the classroom or tutoring, Anthony coaches 9th grade football.

Christopher R., B.A.

Christopher earned his B.A. in Psychology and Biology at Harvard University . He is currently completing his degree in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and is interested in pediatric medicine. He has extensive teaching experience at Harvard University and has taught over ten courses in mathematics, biology and human physiology. For his work at Harvard, Christopher has earned the Certificate for Distinction in Teaching in 2006 based on high evaluations from his students. He has also worked as a tutor for both college and high-school level students of various backgrounds and abilities. Christopher’s tutoring style is based upon teaching general approaches to problem solving that can be applied to various scenarios. He works with students to increase their organization and time management skills. In his free time, Christopher likes to play tennis, row crew and to ballroom dance.

Nancy S., M. Ed. Reading; B.A., Elementary Education

Nancy earned her M. Ed. in Reading at Northeastern University and her B.A. degree at the University of New Hampshire. She has earned 60 graduate level credits beyond her Master’s Degree in literacy instruction. Nancy has 25 years experience as an elementary reading specialist (K-5) and 10 years experience as an elementary classroom teacher. She has extensive training in specialized reading instruction, including the Wilson Reading System, Wilson Fundations, and Project Read. Nancy is trained to administer DIBELS assessments and to use data for improving fluency and phonemic awareness. She is experienced using leveled text and benchmark assessments as part of a guided reading approach. Nancy has trained staff in implementing the five components of a balanced literacy approach, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and text comprehension. Nancy’s tutoring approach is targeted to strengthen areas of need by using strategy-based instruction and multi-sensory techniques. Nancy strives to make learning student-centered. A recently retired educator, Nancy enjoys tutoring at the Learning Lab and in her free time likes to boat, ski, and decorate her home.

Melissa T., M.Ed., Special Education; B.A., Elementary Education and Moderate Special Needs

Melissa earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and Moderate Special Needs from Boston College in 2000.  She completed her M.Ed. in Special Education at Framingham State College in 2004.  Melissa has worked as a K-6 special education teacher for the past eight years.  She has expertise in the areas of assessing students with learning disabilities, integrating students with special needs into the general education classroom, and individualizing instruction based on student need.  Melissa has worked as a tutor for the past four years.  She offers tutoring in math, reading, written language, and organizational/executive function skills. Melissa aims to boost academic skills, provide extra support, and introduce organizational tools and strategies for greater independence.  Melissa currently teaches in a multi-age program for students in grades 3-5 and oversees all aspects of the inclusion model for this program.  Melissa is a level one Wilson instructor.  In her free time, Melissa likes to read, hike, and spend time with her family and friends.

Elissa Y., M.A., Language and Literature in Education: Modern Foreign Languages; B.A., Romance Languages

Elissa received her M.A. in Language and Literature in Education from the University of London's Institute of Education.  She received her B.A. in Romaces Languages from Hunter College.  Elissa was certified in Orton-Gillingham through the Reading Disbilities Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital.  Elissa has been an Orton-Gillingham tutor in a number of public and private school settings including the Carroll School.  Elissa uses a structured, multi-sensory approach.  She enjoys bringing games and activities into the lessons that require the use of higher order thinking skills so that students gain a greater level of understanding of previously learned material.  Elissa enjoys traveling, especially to countries where she can practice her Spanish.  She and her family have explored many towns in Mexico.  When she isn't traveling or tutoring, Elissa likes to paint landscapes and portraits.