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As an NLD pioneer, my initial introduction to this syndrome began in 1997, when I was asked to work with a student with NLD.  It was during that school year when I realized just how little was known about this learning difference. At the time, there was no Internet, and I was desperate for more information. A  colleague put me in touch with the nascent work of Sue Thompson, who lived in a nearby community and had just self-published her book, I Shouldn't Have to Tell You - now renamed The Source for Nonverbal Learning Disorders LinguiSystems,1997. Because of her expertise and my passionate interest to know more, I became a member and eventual vice president of Sue's board, SHARE Support, Inc.  Over the next few years, as our main contribution, we organized and hosted a number of symposia on the subject. In addition to researching and reading, I learned much from working with Sue, with SHARE and with the parents of various-aged children with significant challenges. 

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I then determined to commit my educational knowledge and expertise to NLD. Shortly, thereafter, the Internet was born. Within the first month of its inception,  NLDline.com was launched. Now in its twentieth year, (and, admittedly, in need of a good face lift) NLDline was the first website to address the complex issues of people with NLD.  At the same time, I created and facilitated the NLD Hotline, sharing information and resources with callers from all over the world, primarily parents and educators of children with NLD.

 

Later, I became an initial organizer and one of the first members of the board of trustees of the then newly-established Orion Academy in Northern California, the first high school in the United States established exclusively for students with NLD and Asperger's Syndrome. I was also a co-founder, board member, vice president and volunteer of the Nonverbal Learning Disorders Association (NLDA), a now defunct national non-profit organization which championed education, support and advocacy for people with Nonverbal Learning Disorders.

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As a private tutor and educational consultant before my involvement with NLD, I have continually supported the cause of all aspects of education for the learning disabled. I co-founded and am still a Board Member Emerita of Chartwell School in Seaside, California, an educational institution primarily for children with language-based learning disabilities. I have also done extensive work in advocacy and made numerous presentations on NLD for schools and symposia.

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In 1999, I opened the NLD Coaching Connection, a multi-service resource, providing NLD Coaching services and educational consulting to adults seeking advice and help, and particularly to parents and teachers, and other team members of children with Nonverbal Learning Disorders. Over the years, I have worked with numbers of parents and adults most who were willing to do the work it takes to make the changes they want.

 

As a graduate of UCLA, I was fortunate to intern and tutor at the associated Fernald Clinic School. I taught school for three years before opening my private tutorial practice in Carmel, California.

 

My work has demonstrated time and time again that positive, appropriate intervention can maximize the cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals with learning disabilities, no matter their age.

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