During the 2017-2018 school year, there were 7 million students ages 3 to 21 receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These students represented 14 percent of all kids attending public schools. 

Often times, the assistance students receive through public schools isn’t enough.  Some students need extra attention and that’s where trained educational therapists can offer the expertise needed to make significant differences. 

This month, we sat down with Becky Albury of Learning Enabled, a dedicated and passionate child advocate with the enthusiasm and focus to make a positive impact on students’ academic, social and emotional level. 

Tell us about your company and what do you do?

I work one-on-one with individuals with various learning disabilities. I specialize in reading disorders and work with everyone from ages five to adult. I look at the way the brain processes reading and work to fill in the missing area with the processing.

How did you decide to start your business?

After working with private consulting agencies for reading students, it led me to see the gap in reading remediation that could be filled by the role of an educational therapist in the community. I opened my office in 2012 and continue to work with other professionals in the community of educators.

What are some early signs or indications in children that show a potential learning disability?

It depends on the disability. For reading difficulties, not being able to rhyme is an early predictor as well as receptive language delays. Reversing letters in small children is not an early predictor of dyslexia. You can’t be diagnosed with it until 8 years old, however, you can be diagnosed with a phonological delay earlier. Sometimes you grow out of it and sometimes you don’t. If the delay persists, it may change into a dyslexia diagnosis.  

What do you love best about your job?

That I get to work with everyone from kids to grown-ups. I can take off my shoes, sit in my bean bags and play Candyland with the kids and also have more philosophical conversations with the adults. I like seeing the change of someone who feels horrible about themselves end up feeling happy. People who lived under the label of being called “stupid” realize they have a lot to offer.

What is something about your business that most people do not know?

That I am not a tutor. I am one of the few educational therapists in the State of Florida endorsed by the Association of Educational Therapists. I don’t work on assignments from school and filling in the gaps with content. I work on teaching someone HOW to learn.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

As my practice continues to grow, I see myself adding more professionals to my team.

What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy spending time in the water kayaking.  Also, I practice Kung Fu, enjoy reading and spending time with my husband and two children.  

Why did you choose Lakeside and how has working here helped your business?

I initially chose Lakeside because they were one of the few centers who allowed me to have kids in the office and also have a comfortable lobby for their parents. As I took on more students, I began using the administrative services to help with my scheduling and invoicing. It has been a life saver for my business.  You can hear more about Becky’s experience at Lakeside Executive Suites here. 

To learn more about Becky and her company; you can contact her through her website.