Laura Parker
Laura Parker is the Founder and Educational Director of Hands on Learning Solutions. Laura possesses a degree in Psychology/Child Development, a Teaching Certificate/Credential, and is a certified Language Development Specialist. She is certified in many nationally recognized therapies and is a certified Dyslexia Remediation Specialist, certified Barton Reading & Spelling Tutor, and certified Rhythmic Movement Training Provider. In the past 30 years she has taught in regular, special, and homeschool education in both public and private arenas, and was director of a private school. Laura has also designed curriculum for Los Angeles Unified School District as well as for special and gifted education.
She is a member of the Learning Disabilities Association of Washington, International Literacy Association, the International Dyslexia Association, and CHADD.
After many years as an educator and mother to a child with special needs, Laura realized that many of the approaches did not look at the whole child so she pushed up her sleeves and got to work creating a program that would address her son’s needs in an integrated manner. A few years later, Hands On Learning Solutions was born – a place that feels safe, where struggling learners can be successful. A place of hope.
One of Laura’s greatest joys is seeing the excitement in children as they realize they can succeed.
In her spare time Laura enjoys cooking, raising chickens, gardening, tea parties, and playing Wii with her family.
Jeff Parker
Jeff Parker is the Clinical Director of Hands on Learning Solutions. Jeff has spent over 25 years teaching, training, and writing curriculum from preschool through adult education and is a certified Instructional Designer. He has taught both regular and special education students. Jeff’s passion is training and teaching. He also enjoys working directly with parents and giving presentations, considering it a ministry of service.
In his spare time he rides his mountain bike, reads, and spends time with his family. He also enjoys playing Wii with Laura. He does not particularly enjoy cleaning out the chicken coop!
Educational Specialists
Our team of Educational Specialists are the key to our success with each client. Each individual is carefully selected and extensively trained to be effective in their work. They are chosen based on their education, personal background, and gifts/talents. Each has a passion for what they do and extensive experience working with children. Creative, engaging, and nurturing, our Educational Specialists come alongside the student and family to guide and deliver programs that will bring about the changes needed for students to become successful learners.
Advisors
In addition to our amazing Educational Specialists we partner with other professionals who advise and make recommendations for our clients’ programming.
Kris Eller has over 20 years of experience as a teacher and principal. She has also been a counselor and homeschool mom. She serves as our advisor on adoption issues, parenting a child with special needs, and a variety of special needs challenges. Currently she serves as director of Lights On Learning Solutions in California.“Hands On Learning Solutions’ techniques have had an enormous impact on the clients that I have worked with”.
Elaina Graner is an MS, OTR/L with over 20 years of experience working with children in school, home, and clinic environments. She serves as our OT advisor on neurology, sensory, and processing issues. She is the owner of Brain Stretchers Therapy Services in Washington. She provides services for Sensory Integration, processing, and school consultations.“It is so refreshing to see learning addressed using movement.”
Therese Holliday is a LMT and CNT, Certified Nutritional Therapist, with over 20 years of experience. She serves as our advisor on nutrition, food intolerance, and sensitivity issues. She is the owner of Rogue Health in Oregon.“I often see children who are hyperactive or have attention challenges because of the food sensitivities they have.”
Sonia Story is a Neurodevelopmental Specialist with over 10 years experience working with adults and children. She has authored and teaches brain and sensory foundation classes, reflex integration, developmental movement, and Rhythmic Movement Training™. She is an approved provider of continuing education through AOTA. She serves as our advisor on reflex integration and neurodevelopmental movement. Sonia is the owner of Move Play Thrive in Washington.“I consistently see the profound benefits of doing Neurodevelopmental Movement, and I love sharing these life-changing tools with others.”