Preparing EVERY child to STORM the test

BrainStorm believes that every human being has a unique genius and, with the right mindset and skill set, is capable of incredible success. For students with learning difficulties, no one is better at promoting signature strengths – and equipping to overcome challenges – than BrainStorm’s SAC coaches.

Specialized Academic Coaching (SAC) is an educational solution designed for students with learning difficulties. By partnering with the student and incorporating BrainStorm’s core values of customization, enthusiasm, and relationship, the specialized academic coach will empower your child with the strategies and skills necessary to conquer his or her unique challenges.

Call Assistant Director Carly Patterson today for a no-obligation consultation and to get started!

Special Academic Coaching at BrainStorm Tutoring - Special Needs Tutoring

FAQ

WHO CAN BENEFIT?

Students with learning difficulties. Learning difficulties include but are not limited to: ADHD, Asperger’s, Anxiety, Executive Functioning Issues, Speech and Language Delays, and Processing Disorders.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SAC?

Students who work with an SAC Coach experience
marked improvements in the areas of:

  • Study Skills
  • Time Management
  • Goal-setting
  • Confidence
  • Organizational skills
  • Focus

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

If your child is having difficulty in school, he or she may simply have a different way of learning. Parents are often the first to notice that “something doesn’t seem right,” but sometimes knowing what to do and where to find help can be confusing. SAC can provide you with the right supports and interventions in order for your student to succeed in school and in life.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

  • Test Prep – SAT, ACT, AP, Subject Tests
  • College admissions coaching
  • Educational Evaluations
  • IEP Reviews
  • Academic Advocacy
  • ADHD Coaching
  • Executive function coaching
  • Wilson and Orton- Gillingham reading systems

Meet The Team

Our SAC mentors are certified reading specialists, learning disability teacher consultants (LDTC), social workers, educational advocates, and therapists. They have dedicated their careers to understanding specialized needs and developing strategies to help ANY child succeed.

Kathy

Kathy

Kathy, BrainStorm’s Director of SAC earned her B.A. in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey, going on to receive her Masters of Social Work degree from Fordham University. Kathy’s background as a social worker makes her uniquely qualified to provide professional coaching services to students struggling to achieve their academic goals. Kathy has extensive experience working with children and families struggling with anxiety, adjustment issues, learning challenges, spectrum disorders and attention deficits.

Marissa

Marissa

Marissa DiPetrillo graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She continued her education at Fordham University and received her first Master’s Degree in Literacy Education (Literacy Specialist). She just completed her second Master’s Degree in Special Education along with attaining a Learning Disability Teacher Consultant certification. She loves children and has been teaching first grade for fourteen years. Furthermore, Marissa published/coauthored her first children’s book titled ``Mr. Peppercorn’s Postcards``. She is very passionate about traveling and has infused that into her book. Marissa is enthusiastic about working with the BrainStorm team!

Alex

Alex

Alex, a native of North Haledon, just down the road from BrainStorm, attended Don Bosco Prep. It was then that his love for history and the humanities came to life. After high school he attended Seton Hall University for two years, after which he transferred to William Paterson University and graduated in 2012. Alex understands today’s learners and always differentiates his teaching style to meet each of his student’s needs. His specialties include social studies and all middle school subjects. Outside the classroom, Alex can be found pursuing his passions of traveling, sports, cooking, and history.

Marlene

Marlene

Marlene earned her Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She is also a New Jersey Reading Specialist and she is currently enrolled in courses for Dyslexia studies. As an educator, it has always been her mission to assist students of all ages to be successful human beings and lifelong learners. Important factors for this road to success include one's ability to communicate and to comprehend effectively. She has centered her profession with this endeavor. Reading, writing, and communicating with success and confidence are her most heartfelt goals!

Sean

Sean

Sean Faulkner has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Azusa Pacific University and a Masters of Counseling degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Sean thoroughly enjoys helping students achieve their goals, no matter the obstacles in their way. It is all about the relationship developed in session. Strong rapport allows for a natural increase in the student’s motivation to learn. By empowering students with skills that reduce their anxiety, it is amazing to see how much they can grow and flourish.

Carly

Carly

Carly, BrainStorm's Assistant Director of SAC earned her B.A. in Psychology at Ramapo College before continuing her education at Caldwell University. There, Carly completed her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, specializing in Art Therapy. Currently, Carly is a licensed associate counselor (LAC) and a master’s level art therapist working toward board certification. With a strong psychology and counseling background, Carly's approach to mentoring is not only to provide students with the life skills needed to achieve academic success, but the confidence to do it on their own. Carly has a passion for academia, reading and writing, art, and loves anything science or history related.

If you are interested in Specialized Academic Coaching, contact Carly Patterson at 201.739.3823 or email carly@stormthetest.com