THE EMPOWERED LEARNER
Teaching the Whole Child
I believe that learning does not occur in a vacuum; that in order for students to have a meaningful and lasting educational experience, their social and emotional learning needs must be addressed (in addition to their academic needs). I am dedicated to helping students reach their maximum potential. I use a variety of approaches to help learners gain confidence, skills, and independence. I believe that every student should be able to view him or herself as a truly empowered learner.
A BIT ABOUT ABBY
Dr. Abby Ampuja has been a teacher since 2001. She has both general education and elementary education certification and has worked in a variety of public and private school settings in North Carolina. Abby received her PhD in Special Education from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is passionate about SEL (Social Emotional Learning), Growth Mindset, and strengthening connections between families and schools. Abby is a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM) teacher and is passionate about sharing resiliency-informed practice both with individuals and groups in her community.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
What We Provide
ACADEMIC COACHING
One-on-one, personalized instruction to meet your child's unique learning needs. Subjects include (but not limited to) reading, writing, math, French, study skills, self-monitoring, and organizational/executive function skills.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Coaching in (but not limited to) the following areas:
~Resiliency Skills ~SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Skills ~Goal-Setting ~Self-Awareness ~Self-Regulation~Self-Monitoring ~Calming Tools ~Emotional Regulation Tools ~Growth Mindset ~Multiple Intelligence Theory ~Positive Self-Talk ~Mindfulness ~Social Skills ~EFT (Tapping)
SCHOOL-HOME CONNECTIONS
As a former general and special education teacher, I understand the importance of effective communication and collaboration between home and school. I am happy to attend conferences, IEP meetings, and work with the school/teachers to help foster your child's success. These are just a few of the possible ways I can support parents and families--if you have other needs, please let me know!
PARENT AND TEACHER WORKSHOPS AND COACHING
If you want to learn how to best support your exceptional learner, come to a 1-1 coaching or small group session to learn more about what I have taught them! Topics include CRM (Community Resiliency Model) skills, SEL (Social Emotional Learning) skills, HeartMath Skills, and and Tapping/EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). I am also happy to craft a session or workshop to suit your individual needs.
Testimonials:
"Abby has worked with our daughter for many, many years. First, as a fun, engaging babysitter, then as a tutor as our daughter grew older. As Abby’s interest in social emotional learning grew, she began to teach our daughter affect regulation skills, calming practices, and other ways she can help herself feel better when she is not in her best place. Our daughter embraces all the things Abby teaches because she builds such a strong and authentic connection with the kids she works with! It’s sort of like a little bit of Abby’s calming presence stays with our daughter. Abby is very knowledgeable as a teacher, mentor, and in understanding the social emotional issues that underlie many learning disabilities. I could not recommend her more and believe that the clinic she is opening will address what has been a glaring hole in our educational system for a long, long time."
Tammy C. (LCSW, therapist, mom, advocate in Raleigh)
Testimonials:
"Abby did incredible work with our son (ASD/ADHD) to help him gain necessary skills and confidence with math in first and second grade. Her coaching extended well beyond the child and always included things for us to work on outside of sessions as well as knowledge and tools to help him succeed. Our son looked forward to her sessions even though he was never a fan of math - which says it all!"
Katherine K. (Parent in Chapel Hill)
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