Thistle Learning Center - TLC

What’s happening this summer at TLC?

This summer isn’t about doing more just to do more.
It’s about helping students step into the next version of themselves with confidence, clarity, and the skills to actually thrive.

At Thistle Learning Center, we believe academic growth is deeply connected to confidence, self-awareness, executive functioning, and learning how to trust your own ability to figure things out.

So yes, we work on reading, writing, math, SAT prep, organization, and college readiness but we’re also helping students build resilience, independence, and momentum for what’s next.

-Because transitions matter.
-Confidence matters.
-Feeling capable matters.

Aside from our individualized one-on-one sessions designed to maximize each student’s potential, TLC is offering the following summer programs:

College Planning Pathway
For students preparing for the next big chapter. We’ll break down college planning, timelines, organization, academic expectations, and readiness strategies in a way that feels manageable, empowering, and real.

SAT Boot Camp
SAT prep that goes beyond test tricks. Students will strengthen reading, writing, and math skills while building pacing strategies, confidence, accuracy, and test-taking endurance through guided instruction and meaningful error analysis.

High School Boot Camp
Designed for rising 9th graders who want to feel more prepared not overwhelmed heading into high school. We’ll strengthen foundational academic skills while building confidence and readiness for increased expectations.

Middle School Boot Camp
For rising 6th graders navigating a major transition. Students will strengthen reading, writing, math, organization, and independent learning skills to help middle school feel less intimidating and more exciting.

Executive Function: CBT & Seeing My Time
This is where students begin understanding why and how they learn best. Together we’ll explore time management, planning, organization, motivation, and practical executive functioning strategies that support long-term success both in and outside the classroom.

Parent Support Opportunities
Because transitions impact families too.

I’ve developed a parent handbook and support options to help families navigate middle school, high school, and college readiness with more confidence and less stress.

Families can:
Join a Zoom information session
Schedule a 4-part parent support series
Learn practical strategies to support successful transitions at home

Programs run throughout the summer
In-person and virtual options available
Small-group and individualized support offered

This work is about more than academics.
It’s about helping students recognize what they’re capable of and giving them the tools to move forward with confidence.

We look forward to learning and growing with you this summer.

Contact Dr. Trish to learn more or register.

With love and big, bold cheer!
Dr. Trish xo 💛

Big dreams, bold steps, and so much to celebrate!

We are beyond proud of our amazing students and their next adventures:

UC Boulder
UC Santa Barbara
Cal Poly: San Luis Obispo
University of Montana
Oregon State
University of Oregon
Gap Year: Sea-mester at Sea
Gap Year: NOLS

This is what happens when vision meets courage. When intention turns into action. When you trust yourself enough to go after a life that lights you up.

Each of these paths is unique, expansive, and filled with possibility and we couldn’t be happier to have been part of the journey. Your hard work, resilience, and growth have truly paid off in the most powerful way.

Go boldly. Stay open. Trust the unfolding. The best is absolutely yet to come.

With love and big, bold cheer
Dr. Trish xo 💛

Time flies when students are having fun and academically thriving!

Spring break is behind us and the final stretch of the school year is here. The energy is electric, the growth is real, and the possibilities feel endless.

Seniors are making final college decisions and dreaming up gap year adventures. I can’t wait to celebrate the final list of colleges they’ll attend. Big, bold moves ahead!

Juniors are visiting campuses, exploring what lights them up, and stepping into leadership.
Sophomores are exploring interests, planning courses, and building their foundation.

High schoolers are thriving in service learning, clubs, and activities.

Middle schoolers are discovering strengths and passions.

Elementary learners are celebrating weekly “aha” moments as they grow confidence in reading, writing, and math.

Spring also brings the challenge of maintaining academic momentum and test prep so students finish strong.

Summer is right around the corner, and we are planning to level students up with College Boot Camp, SAT Prep, Reading and Writing Workshop, Math Lab, Book Club, Executive Function, and Social Skills programs.

I feel so grateful to stand beside these incredible students, cheering them on, celebrating their wins, and reminding them just how capable they truly are. Growth, grit, and bold thinking are getting results every day.

Here’s to leading with heart, thinking boldly, and building confident, capable young adults from our earliest learners to our graduating seniors.

With love and big, bold cheer
Dr. Trish xo 💛

Join Us for TLC: EF Parent Lab!

EF Parent Lab is happening next Monday, 2/23 at 4:30 PM PST / 7:30 PM EST!

If you’re looking for practical tools and strategies to better support your child’s executive functioning skills, this once-a -month EF series is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and walk away with actionable insights you can use right away.

Save the date and register today!

Yes, I know it’s February and this is just landing on your feed… but some things are simply too good not to celebrate.

Between Valentine’s Day reminding us to lead with heart and Presidents Day reminding us to lead with courage and vision, February feels like the perfect time to pause and recognize growth in action.

At Thistle Learning Center, this season is full of momentum at every level.

Our juniors are visiting college campuses and imagining what’s next.
Seniors are confirming college placements and making those big final decisions.
New college-bound students are beginning their surveys so we can thoughtfully curate personalized college lists aligned with their strengths, goals, and values.
High school students are forecasting next year’s courses- making smart, strategic choices that support both academic growth and balance.

And our elementary school readers, writers, and math learners? They are thriving. The learning curve is truly in their favor right now. Foundational skills are strengthening, confidence is growing, and we’re seeing those “click” moments happen more and more each week. When early literacy and math foundations are supported well, momentum builds and it’s such a joy to watch.

And yes… we’re solidifying our summer service learning opportunities. Big things ahead.

Love and leadership are themes we talk about often- loving the process, leading your own learning, and building the executive function skills that make both possible.

We’re excited to expand our Executive Function (EF) programming to include a monthly TLC: EF Parent Lab series.

This monthly lab is designed to give parents practical, real-world tools to help students strengthen focus, organization, and confidence.

Our next session still has spots available.

We’ll begin with a brief refresher on what Executive Function is, and then take a deeper dive into Planning and Prioritization- two skills that truly change everything.

You’ll walk away with:

* Clear language to talk about EF at home
* A simple planning framework you can implement immediately
* Strategies to reduce overwhelm and procrastination
* Tools to support independence without micromanaging

If you’ve been meaning to join us, this is your moment. We would love to have you learn alongside this incredible community.

As I reflect on the start of 2026, I’m reminded that growth, grit, and a little audaciousness get results. I’m beyond grateful to walk alongside these bold, brilliant students and families. This community inspires me daily.

Here’s to leading with heart, thinking boldly, and building the skills that create confident, capable young adults — from our earliest learners to our graduating seniors.

With love and big, bold cheer,
Dr. Trish xo 💛

Happy New Year!

Yes, I know I’m a little late sending this, but some things are too good not to share. Our students are earning college acceptances to Santa Clara University, Lewis & Clark College, Willamette University, Oregon State University, Western Washington University, Connecticut College, Eckerd College, University of San Francisco, Montana State University, University of Colorado Boulder, Chapman College, University of Oregon, and University of Denver and the acceptances are still coming in! 🎉 Some are even taking exciting gap years, engaging in NOLS programs and Semester at Sea, exploring the world, building confidence, and gaining experiences they’ll carry with them forever.

I am so ridiculously proud of our EF kiddos. They’ve been planning, prioritizing, and mastering smart test-taking strategies, and carving out a ritual and routine in math has been a total game-changer in how they tackle tests. They are building confidence, self-advocating like pros, and hitting goals they didn’t think were possible proof that hard work pays off.

And our emerging readers? They are absolutely soaring. One-page passages? Nailed it. Watching them go from hesitation to full-on “I’ve got this!” energy has been pure joy.

As I reflect on 2026, I’m reminded that growth, grit, and a little bit of audaciousness get results. I’m beyond grateful to walk alongside these incredible students and their families, supporting them as they reach for the stars. This is truly an exceptional community of kids bold, brilliant, and ready to take on the world. ✨

Here’s to more wins, more breakthroughs, and more of those jaw-dropping moments that make this work so worth it.

With love and big bold cheer,
Dr. Trish xo

Happy Holidays!

As we head into the holiday season, I am thrilled to share some exciting news. Our students are earning college acceptances to Santa Clara University, Lewis & Clark College, Willamette University, Oregon State University, Western Washington University, Connecticut College, Eckerd College, University of San Francisco, and Montana State University, and this is just the beginning!

We are so incredibly proud of our EF kiddos for the growth they’ve shown along the way. From working through time management challenges and developing sustainable routines, to meeting daily academic content goals that maximize their grade potential, to self advocating in ways they hadn’t before, these are all meaningful wins worth celebrating.

And our emerging readers? They are flying! Students are tackling text with confidence, cracking the code of language, and decoding with increasing fluency and pride. Watching them move from hesitation to “I’ve got this” has been pure joy.

As I reflect on 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the students and families who have trusted me to support their most precious beings. It is truly an honor to walk alongside you and support you as you reach for the stars. ✨

Warm holiday wishes to all!

🍁 Happy Late Fall, Friends! 🍁

As we move through late fall and begin transitioning toward the holiday season, many students across K-12 experience a dip in energy, focus, and motivation. The combination of colder weather, shorter days, heavier workloads, and seasonal events can make school feel more challenging. This is completely normal and affects students at every grade level in different ways.

Late fall is a season of change, reflection, and preparation. Just as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, it’s a natural time for students to pause, reassess, and gather their energy for what’s ahead. It’s also a time to practice resilience, perseverance, and community, leaning on teachers, families, and peers for support.

Some patterns we may notice include:
-Difficulty staying organized
-Procrastination or slower task completion
-Forgetfulness
-Lower motivation

These challenges are often linked to executive function skills like planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation. Strengthening these skills can help students stay on track during this transitional season.

Ways We Can Support Students:
*Break tasks into smaller steps so students can focus on one piece at a time
*Use checklists and visual schedules to provide structure and reduce forgetfulness
*Maintain consistent routines for homework, breaks, and sleep
*Teach prioritization and planning to help students focus on what matters most
*Listen and provide constructive feedback to show students we understand and can guide them
*Work together as a team. Teachers, families, and students can collaborate to support each child
*Seasonal changes can be tough for everyone, and acknowledging that helps normalize the experience

This late fall season is a time for reflection, perseverance, and community. We could not be more proud of every single one of our students. Keep climbing, keep dreaming, and know we are here cheering you on every step of the way.

It is truly a privilege to serve this wonderful community.

🍁 Happy Fall, friends! 🍁
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves change their beautiful colors, our hearts are full of pride watching our students grow and thrive this season-from our littlest learners to our soon-to-be graduates.

Our youngest kiddos are blossoming, building strong letter-sound skills, writing, and math foundations that will carry them confidently forward. Meanwhile, our Executive Function (EF) students are settling into daily routines that help them feel grounded, organized, and ready to take on each day with focus and determination.

Our freshmen are finding their rhythm, discovering how they learn best, and starting to feel at home in high school. Our sophomores are exploring with curiosity and passion, uncovering the dreams and interests that will light their way. Our juniors are thoughtfully planning college visits and imagining all the exciting possibilities ahead. And our seniors—oh, what a joy! Some have already received college acceptance letters, and meaningful gap year plans are taking shape, full of promise and purpose.

This season is one of discovery, growth, and fresh beginnings. We couldn’t be more proud of every single one of our students. Keep climbing, keep dreaming, and know we’re here cheering you on every step of the way!

It is truly a privilege to serve this wonderful community

Back to School Tips for a Successful Start

As the new school year approaches, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. These three practical tips can help your family approach the year with confidence and ease.

First, establish a consistent routine. Routines provide children with structure and a sense of security, which is especially important during transitions. Prioritize getting enough sleep, as adequate rest supports learning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Begin adjusting bedtimes early to help children smoothly shift back into a school schedule. Creating a visual daily schedule tailored to your family can make routines clearer and more engaging. Including your child in designing the schedule or using affirmations can increase motivation and a sense of ownership.

Second, create a dedicated learning space. A quiet, organized area for studying and homework can improve focus and promote a positive attitude toward learning. Encourage your child to personalize this space with items such as artwork or motivational quotes to make it welcoming and inspiring. Maintaining organization with bins or containers helps keep the area functional and inviting.

Finally, promote open communication. Encourage your child to share their feelings and concerns about the upcoming school year by asking open-ended questions. Sharing your own experiences and strategies for managing challenges fosters trust and shows your child that it’s normal to have mixed emotions. This dialogue helps both parents and children navigate transitions more smoothly.

With thoughtful preparation and support, the new school year can be a time of growth, learning, and positive experiences.

By focusing on routines, creating an intentional learning space, and keeping communication open, you’re setting the stage for a strong and supportive start to the school year. These small steps can make a big difference in how children feel, learn, and grow throughout the year. With your guidance and encouragement, they’ll be ready to face new challenges, build confidence, and embrace all the opportunities this school year has to offer.

What Every Parent Should Know About ADHD:

Did you know that about 22 million Americans, roughly 11 percent of the population, have been diagnosed with ADHD? It's one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children. If you're reading this, you might be parenting a child with ADHD and looking for answers or support.

Here are some helpful facts:

*Most children are diagnosed around age 7
*About 3 in 10 will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood
*1 in 4 kids with ADHD also struggle with anxiety
*If your child has ADHD, there’s a 50 percent chance that a parent does too
*Kids with unmanaged ADHD may face challenges later in life, including difficulties in school and in future workplaces

Parenting a child with ADHD can feel overwhelming at times, but you're not alone. The good news is that with the right tools, structure, and support, individuals with ADHD can do more than just cope. They can truly thrive in school, at home, and in life.

I work with families to create personalized strategies that match how each child learns and grows. The goal is to help your child build confidence, stay focused, and succeed in ways that feel right for them- while giving you the support and clarity you need as a parent.

I have just a couple of openings for August. If you think your child could benefit from some extra support, I’d love to connect.