Educational Therapist Series: Eric Kauffmann
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.
As an Educational Therapist, I work with neurodiverse students from elementary school through college, as well as adults. The people I work with are challenged by a range of neurological differences like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and executive dysfunction. I guide my clients to developing a deeper understanding of who they are as learners while equipping them with tools to help them be successful in school and life. I use my background as a classroom teacher and in Special Education to develop individualized goals and treatment plans that meet the needs of the people I work with.
How did you get into your field? What sparks your passion for your work?
My career in education began in high school as a snowboard instructor. I quickly realized I have a knack for connecting with children and a love for sharing my passions. However, school was never easy for me and I struggled with my own learning differences. Reading, math and staying organized continued to be a constant challenge through middle and high school. Although I was accepted to a few colleges, I often felt like I wasn’t good enough. While studying Adolescent Education and History at Marist College, I began to develop my own systems that allowed me to use my strengths to overcome my gaps. Pretty quickly, I was earning As in my classes and feeling very confident. This boost in confidence motivated me to follow my dream to Nicaragua where I worked for a nonprofit (and surfed A LOT). Next, I completed a Masters in Special Education at Loyola Marymount University which led me to educational therapy.
I love acting as a part of a support system, advocate and agent of change. Having the opportunity to guide someone to becoming the best version of themselves is truly an amazing job.
What do you find most exciting about education right now?
All of the studies and research focused on executive function skills! When students have a strong grasp of their own executive skills, they are set up for success. Being able to plan, prioritize, manage time, regulate emotions, and work towards a long term goal goes way beyond the classroom. I firmly believe that someone with strong executive function skills is capable of creating the life they want to live.
Tell us an inspirational story from your career.
I worked with a student who came to me in a low place. He was entering Junior year and felt like he had no chance of going to college. He saw a bleak future for himself. However, after learning that he developed and launched a successful youth summer program during the first year of the pandemic, I knew we would find ways to use his entrepreneurial talents in the classroom. After one school year of working together, this student passed all of his classes, mastered his own calendaring system, is a powerful self advocate and was selected as captain of his flag football team. During the fall of senior year he graduated from educational therapy, completed the rest of the college application process of his own and was accepted to numerous colleges!
What is a message you would like to send to parents, students, and teachers who are reading this right now?
Educational therapy is a powerful way to teach students important skills and foster confidence and self worth, all while rediscovering a love of learning. If your child is struggling in school, you are not alone. With a great support team in place, your child can be successful.
You can contact Eric by email at: eric@myedtherapist.com and learn more about his practice at www.MyEdTherapist.com