I often describe it like this: think of the brain as the foundation of a house. If there are cracks in the foundation, the entire structure is affected. Now, we can paint over the cracks in the walls, and that might make things look better temporarily. But the real issue hasn’t been fixed. The same goes for learning. Tutoring can absolutely be helpful-it as its place. But often, the struggle lies in the core cognitive skills: visual and auditory memory, processing speed, logic and reasoning. These are the foundation of learning. If those skills are weak, then no matter how many tutors you hire or how much content you go over, the struggle continues.
Whether your child is struggling with schoolwork or you’re looking to sharpen your own cognitive abilities, we identify the root causes and provide targeted solutions.
Empowering Every Learner At Optimal Learning Skills, I help children, teens, and adults with dyslexia, ADHD, processing disorders, and autism strengthen core cognitive functions—not just work around weaknesses. With 20+ years of experience and hundreds of success stories, I offer personalized assessments in memory, focus, visual/auditory processing, and reasoning. I create individualized plans using tools like Brain Gymnastics, The Listening Program, and Master the Code. Parents — you’re not alone. I care deeply and know how to help your child learn and thrive.
Karen’s Education
Degree / Certification Institution / State
Master of Arts (Cum Laude) California State University, Northridge
Teaching Credentials California, North Carolina, Florida
Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) Los Angeles Valley College
Health Behavior Research & Curriculum Development University of Southern California, Health Behavior Research Institute
I help individuals with cognitive weaknesses succeed —
academically, emotionally, and personally — by equipping
them with tools to become the best version of themselves
Using a holistic, science-based approach — Read. Think.
Move. Listen. — I work collaboratively with parents and
healthcare professionals to support the whole learner, not
just the symptoms
As a dedicated practitioner, I believe every individual
deserves personalized support, dignity, and care. Each
client is assessed through Cognitive Battery Scientific
Evaluations and thoughtful parent input. I collaborate with
parents, psychologists, pediatricians, neurologists,
audiologists, optometrists, behaviorists, and educators —
with compassion, clarity, and respect — to build a
complete, integrated learning path.
Certified provider of Advanced Brain Technologies. This neuroscience-based music listening therapy improves focus, regulation, auditory processing, and brain performance through sound frequencies that target key neural pathways.
Licensed Practitioner in Processing and Cognitive Enhancement. This brain training boosts auditory and visual systems, strengthens short- and long-term memory, increases processing speed, attention, logic, and reasoning — often improving skills by years.
Certified provider of MRSC (Master Reading and Spelling Codes), a proven program that transforms core reading, spelling, comprehension, and writing skills. Author of Reading Sounds Write — a sound-to-code digital system that delivers fast, lasting progress for emerging and struggling readers.
Certified in Neuromotor Skills Training methods including Brain Gymnastics, In Time, Learning Breakthrough, and Infinity Walk. These movement-based techniques support coordination, focus, and learning readiness by activating whole-brain integration.
| Degree / Certification | Institution / State |
|---|---|
| Master of Arts (Cum Laude) | California State University, Northridge |
| Teaching Credentials | California, North Carolina, Florida |
| Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) | Los Angeles Valley College |
| Health Behavior Research & Curriculum Development | University of Southern California, Health Behavior Research Institute |
The Most Important Person in the Program
When They Walk In… They are the STAR of the Program
Is One Who Bringa Us Their Wants… It is Our Job to Fill those Wants
Is Not a Cold Statistic… is a Flesh and Blood Human Being with Feelings and Emotions Like Our Own
Is Deserving of the Most Courteous and Attentive Treatment We Can Give Them
Is a Core Part of Our Program… Not an Outsider
Not an Interruption of Our Work. They Are the Purpose of It
Is the Lifeblood of Our Business
Sharing a wealth of expertise, experience and a true passion for helping all succeed.
Provides services in a way that is personal, professional, and fulfilling.
A Licensed/Certified/Credentialed/Practitioner (taught by scientific experts), for learning problems. Provides cognitive brain training therapy for programs (or combinations) for ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Visual/Auditory Disorders, Concussions, Brain Injury, and High Functioning Autism.
Advanced Brain Technologies (certified provider), which is a neuroscience-based music listening therapy to improve brain performance.
| Degree / Certification | Institution / State | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (Cum Laude) | California State University, Northridge | Major: Curriculum and Instruction |
| Teaching Credentials | California, North Carolina, Florida | California: Taught Biology (Life/Earth/Physical Science), Health. Developed curriculum for various subjects. Girls’ Cheerleading Advisor, Boys’ Volleyball Coach. North Carolina: Taught Biology, Health, Spanish. Developed curriculum for various subjects. Florida: Taught Biology, Biochemistry, Health. |
| Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) | Los Angeles Valley College | Major: Science |
| Health Behavior Research & Curriculum Development | University of Southern California, Health Behavior Research Institute | Curriculum developer for several schools |
I often describe it like this: think of the brain as the foundation of a house. If there are cracks in the foundation, the entire structure is affected. Now, we can paint over the cracks in the walls, and that might make things look better temporarily. But the real issue hasn’t been fixed. The same goes for learning. Tutoring can absolutely be helpful But it as its place. often, the struggle lies in the core cognitive skills: visual and auditory memory, processing speed, logic and reasoning. These are the foundations of learning. If those skills are weak, then no matter how many tutors you hire or how much content you go over, the struggle continues.
Whether your child is struggling with schoolwork or you’re looking to sharpen your own cognitive abilities, we identify the root causes and provide targeted solutions.
We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive in a supportive and understanding environment. Our system is designed to cater to the unique needs of people with disabilities.
Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive, research-based system of learning therapies tailored to the unique needs of people with disabilities.
Our Licenses & certifications demonstrates our commitment to excellence and our dedication to providing the best possible outcomes for people with disabilities.
Pathways to Optimal Learning Skills focuses on unlocking every child’s unique potential through personalized support, empowering learners with tools to build confidence, improve focus, and achieve lasting academic growth.
Founder/Owner/Ceo Licensed-Certified Practioner/ Ma Ed/Teacher/Author/ Kinesiologist Advanced Brain Technology Provider
KAREN is so excited to share, bringing a wealth of experience and a true passion for helping all succeed. Using theoretically based, scientifically researched methods. her practice eliminates difficulties with learning disorders
Speak to a Learning Specialist to ask questions and learn more about how we can help you permanently correct or eliminate the difficulties associated with learning disabilities and attention challenges.
