Educational Therapist Series: Manny Torres
We are so pleased to feature some incredible Educational Therapists in our latest Interview with an Expert series. PacPrep often collaborates with Educational Therapists in the community to holistically support our students with learning challenges, ensuring the learning plans are customized for each student's unique needs.
Tell us a little bit about what you do.
I have been working with people with special needs for many years. I focus on executive functioning development and educational therapy. Specifically, I specialize in academic management, building a productive relationship with school, empowerment and taking these concepts to larger, post-academic life.
How did you get into your field? What sparks your passion for your work?
I started working in this field out of luck and fate. When I was a freshman in college I volunteered at a children's festival. At the festival I was offered a job working with children who have special needs. I didn't recognize it at the moment but the job turned into a passion which ultimately led me into the profession.
I started working in an after-school program which inspired me to earn a B.A. in Education with an Emphasis on Applied Psychology. This led me to train with a firm that focused on behavioral therapy. I then started working privately and developed a love for executive functioning development. Later, I received a Master's degree in Special Needs with a focus on Educational Therapy. What sparks my passion? The unique way someone with special needs may view their world and empowering them to achieve their goals.
We often hear the buzzword "executive functioning." Tell us what it means *outside* of academics for school-age kids. Can you give a small/specific example of a way you work on these skills?
Executive functioning for an elementary-aged student helps with the ability to prepare for middle school and if these skills are lacking, some find themselves in an educational “crisis” when they get there. This could be because they have relied heavily on their intellect to get by previously, and it is often when clients find me. Once they learn these skills and starts to thrive in middle school, they should be able to manage the demands of high school. Someone who can manage the demands of high school can develop strengths outside of academic realms.
I help my clients with developing strategies for managing school, follow-through with these strategies, and adjusting them as the demands shift. If a student can manage the demands of school they are able to spend more time developing socially, and building life skills inside and outside the home. This should produce a healthier foundation for becoming independent adults.
What is one of the challenges you see facing educators today?
One of the challenges I see facing educators is the demand for mental health. Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a higher need for mental health therapy. This trend has definitely impacted the classrooms, as students can commonly be under high demands. The numbers I have seen in clients requiring mental health support has definitely grown in the last few years. I hope this trend lowers in the future.
Tell us an inspirational story from your career.
I had a client who retained me during the 8th grade. The client was in educational "crisis" mode and, without intervention, it seemed likely that he would not pass middle school. However, he had his sights on walking in graduation and starting high school. When I started working with him, I was commonly talking to mom about the likelihood of him having to do summer school and possibly having to repeat the 8th grade. Some of the things I worked with him on included creating and maintaining schedules, improving his sleeping and eating habits, self empowerment, and the ability to complete and produce effective school work.
My client struggled a bit with getting into the rhythm of building a schedule and maintaining it, as well as completing a long list of missing assignments, and not allowing the list to continue to grow. As we worked together he started picking up momentum. He was very motivated and I continued to support him with producing the work that was needed to graduate. His ability to break away from video games and prioritize his responsibilities grew stronger and stronger. Slowly, but surely, he was able to improve his grades and ended up passing the 8th grade.
What makes the story sweeter is that he is currently rocking it in the 9th grade. I feel that overcoming his academic struggles has only made him a stronger student and person. He recognizes that self-discipline yields times of freedom where he is able to do activities he enjoys without worrying about school work. He has been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, and is currently scoring above 90% in all of his classes. He is active in school and does activities outside of school. His current goals involve improving his habits at home like cleaning up and helping out his mom. I remember tearing up when his mom sent me the short video of him receiving his middle school diploma. He worked his way out of a challenging situation and has become a disciplined, responsible, and goal-oriented young man.
Being able to work collaboratively and help my clients achieve their goals is something I'm passionate about and is one of the main things that I love about my profession.
How can parents get in touch with you?
Parents or clients can get in touch with me by calling me or texting me at (626) 644-4125 or by email at TorresmannyET@gmail.com.