Van Roekel Learning Center

"What we see changes what we know. What we know changes what we see." - Jean Piaget
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Through the work of myriad philosophers, physicists, psychologists, and other scientists, we are now at a time when we are able to diagnose and treat deficiencies in the underlying cognitive processes that support learning in practically any area! Difficulty in reading and comprehension can be overcome, thanks to those who came before. At VRLC, we hold that multisensory intervention is the key to overcoming these challenges. All of our Clinicians have explicit training in the Lindamood-Bell programs, and many use sensory programs like Learning Without Tears, WriteShop, and Math-U-See to supplement our sensory-cognitive instruction.

What's in our toolbox, you ask?
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From the first call, to the screening, to the end of instruction (and beyond!), we are equipped to help serve your family's educational needs. First, you will be greeted by Kimberly's warm expertise with the AZ learning environment and schedule your diagnostic screening. After the screening, we will have a holistic picture of your student's skills, which Kimberly uses to recommend appropriate programs, further testing options, and additional supports that will be the next steps to your student's success. Our instructional team then delivers these programs with oversight from Nolan to ensure fidelity, communicating progress throughout the time your student is with us. Our directors are also available for IEP meeting support, advocacy, and planning beyond instruction!
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Check out the link in our bio to get more detailed information on what services we offer!

Our Associate Director calls our Clinicians "brain engineers"...
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This is because the brain has AMAZING potential to change and grow, even in areas of difficulty! The challenge lies in finding the right approach to elicit this growth. We find joy in diagnosing and implementing the best multi-sensory programs to help our students achieve in ways they never imagined. Our Clinicians are constantly evaluating and adjusting their lesson plans to ensure each student is right where they need to be in their learning journey.
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Check out the link in our bio to schedule your reading screening today!

Let us reintroduce ourselves...
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At VRLC, each of our Clinicians has their unique instructional and personal strengths, and we love every one of them! When you or a loved one signs up for intervention with us, our Director hand-picks the one that best suits your family's needs. Kimberly takes into account their instructional skills, personality, schedule, and teaching style in order to provide you with the most effective instruction for your student.
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Check out the link in our bio to schedule your reading screening today!

Make it a movie night! 🍿

“True Spirit” is an inspiring film about a 15-year-old Australian sailor who became the youngest ever to travel the world alone. Jessica Watson achieved this incredible title along with the title of author and storyteller despite her dyslexia diagnosis.

Watson kept a detailed blog during her travels and wrote her memoir, “True Spirit,” prior to the release of the film. “I’m just an ordinary person who had a dream, worked hard at it, and proved anything is possible,” she said.

Comment below if you loved this movie as much as we did!

Timber is an English Labrador that is a certified, yet retired, Service Dog. Timber is currently working on getting his Therapy License so he can work with children with all kinds of disabilities.

During Timber’s time as a Service Dog, he had two jobs. One was deep pressure therapy where he would provide snuggles when needed; and the other was ‘scenting’ so he could help locate humans who weren’t where they were supposed to be.

Since retirement as a Service Dog, Timber has spent time with his mom, Bernadette Redmond, at the Van Roekel Learning Center providing calming comfort to children learning to read.

Timber loves napping and swimming, and his favorite foods include strawberries, apples with peanut butter, and cheese.

Our students love having Timber as part of our team!

We love a good story about how dyslexic celebrities help bring awareness to the diagnosis and how they thrive despite it. "Happy Days" star, Henry Winkler, gave some encouragement to Kelly Clarkson this week when he appeared on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" this week. Clarkson's daughter has dyslexia and is often bullied at school because she can't read like the other kids. Winkler, who has written several children's books, welcomed her to the dyslexic "tribe" and told her: “How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are."

Thank you, Kelly Clarkson and Henry Winkler for raising awareness and supporting those with a dyslexia diagnosis. ❤️

https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/henry-winkler-advice-kelly-clarkson-daughter-river-rcna80371?fbclid=IwAR2j5SCNWyetNlnRQQonvXjVG6PRhY_UwPCHCnuWNT5aaWaK9BcXpSZPt1U

Kelly Clarkson tears up after Henry Winkler, who has dyslexia, shares advice for her daughter The "Happy Days" star's words really got to Clarkson.

Join us this June for our 4-day artist workshops that are designed to teach all you need to know about a particular medium. Students will receive quality individual instruction from an art teacher and learn all about the techniques and tools artists use to create their masterpieces and the best part is that we will complete a frameable piece of art by the end of each workshop! Location is north Peoria.

🎨Watermelon Colored Pencil Workshop - June 5 - 8; 10am-11:30am; ages 10+

🎨Sea Turtle Gouache Workshop - June 12-15; 10am - 11:30am; ages 8+

🎨Bird Pastel Pencil Workshop - June 19-22; 2pm - 3:30pm; ages 8+

🎨Cat Watercolor Workshop - June 26-29; 10am - 11:30am OR 2pm - 3:30pm; ages 8+

Seats are limited and filling up quickly. To register or if you have any additional questions, call us today at 623-670-0926.

We’re growing and are in need of qualified educators!

Van Roekel Learning Center offers intervention programs for students who are diagnosed with a variety of learning differences. We utilize research-based methods that cultivate the sensory-cognitive functions necessary in the development of literacy skills.

We are currently hiring teachers with a degree in education, training in Orton-Gillingham Methods preferred but not required, and most of all, who are passionate about helping exceptional students reach their academic goals.

Does this sound like you?
Contact Kimberly Van Roekel for more information at 623-670-0926 or email CV to [email protected].

Erin Harr earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Northern Arizona University and her teaching degree in secondary education from The University of Phoenix.

She has a passion for working one-on-one with students to help them overcome their learning difference and meet their individual needs. Erin specializes in Lindamood-Bell’s LiPS and Seeing Stars programs, Math-U-See, and Handwriting Without Tears.

We’re grateful to have Erin on our team!

October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month!

It’s the perfect time to raise awareness, inform, educate and celebrate our students. With greater understanding comes greater compassion.

Tell us your dyslexia story below 👇🏻