Throughout my high school years, on an academic level, Larkin assisted me in all school subjects, including English, History, Science, and Spanish. Not only did Larkin help me with schoolwork, but she also encouraged me to face my fears. We developed such a solid bond, that I could trust her with anything we did together. She is not only my coach, but a mentor, role model, and friend.
Hannah
Student
Larkin has been of great assistance to our two girls and made school a great deal more enjoyable for all of us. Both of our girls have learning differences, and homework has been a constant challenge. She was patient, and kind, and helped to get them involved in the subject matter. She was especially successful in teaching them organizational skills both in paper writing and in preparing for their exams. Larkin is a very gifted teacher who cares for her students and understands their needs. Consequently, she can motivate them in ways that their school teachers have not succeeded in doing.
Linda
Parent
Larkin came into our world with an open mind, a huge heart, and a creative spirit. For our daughter, debilitating separation anxiety was her main personal challenge. Larkin’s gentle and loving way allowed them to build deep trust in a relatively short amount of time. Larkin not only provided safe opportunities for our daughter to challenge herself but, she did it in a reassuring way that allowed her to build courage and confidence. Academically, She was able to help her develop writing and editing skills, test-taking skills, and how to best advocate for herself when she needed additional help.
Beth
Parent
Our daughter needed a significant amount of academic support and guidance; she has serious deficits in the areas of language processing, executive functioning, and attention. Larkin was able to support, motivate, and engage her, as well as to bring out her strengths. Larkin made learning fun, and under her magical guidance, our daughter was both cooperative and attentive. She had wonderful flexibility and seemed to intuit how much she could stretch skills while allowing our daughter to feel successful and become more independent. This is exactly the approach that allows children, particularly children with special needs, to flourish.
Alice
Parent
I am a parent of a child with clinically diagnosed anxiety and ADHD. The expertise and support Larkin provided were (and still are) invaluable. Larkin’s strengths lie in her ability to connect with students and really understand them and how they learn. She is then able to draw upon her “toolbox” and implement numerous teaching strategies until she finds one that works for a student. Larkin is instrumental in helping our daughter interpret, organize and create a plan to complete her assignments, including breaking the assignments down into manageable blocks that are easier to digest in specific time frames. Larkin is an excellent communicator and has a non-judgemental, gentle, and calm demeanor. However, she still commands respect and brings out the best in those around her.
Dana
Parent
Larkin is a skilled teacher who has an extraordinary ability to work with students who have various needs and challenges. The key to her success is her ability to establish a strong, trusting relationship with both parents and students. This bond with her students allows her not only to successfully tutor in a multitude of subject areas but to also guide them in navigating the world around them. Larkin’s strong special education background aids in her ability to accommodate curriculum, individualize to meet the needs of each child, as well as develop creative ways to teach area-specific concepts. Along with her strong teaching abilities, Larkin brings a personality that is calm, organized, responsible, and committed to the students and families included in her practice.
Diane Provo
Child Development Specialist and Educational Consultant
Larkin worked with the sophomore cohort with mild to moderate learning disabilities and behavioral challenges. She taught study skills in a highly customized and productive way given the diversity of students in the room. Larkin additionally provided specialized, individualized care to a student with autism. In addition, Larkin worked collaboratively and purposefully with many teachers and departments in order to better facilitate learning opportunities for students. Larkin is a dedicated and exceptional teacher and leader!
Mary Ellen Madigan
Special Services, Monte del Sol Charter School and Professional Development Center
