Our family began working with Debbie when our son was in fifth grade and as a rising 9th grader – she is still part of his team. Her ability to build constructive relationships within his school (with administrators, teachers and students) enables our son to get the most out of the support services that she offers him. While resistant at first, our son has grown to embrace and appreciate the skills that Debbie is able to share with him so that he can incorporate them into his work habits and reach his fullest potential. Debbie helps our son anticipate areas where he might need to put in additional effort – before they occur – which helps him maintain an even keel mindset as the workload and complexity of his studies increase. Debbie is a true educational and life skills partner to our family and to our son.
I am forever indebted to Debbie for the wonderful strategies she has taught my son. He struggled with comprehension as well as organization and has made great strides with both these challenges. She's been a wonderful asset to my son's learning process. I wish I had had a "Debbie" when I was going through school!
As my son was progressing through elementary school, it was becoming apparent that he had some learning differences. After some testing and working with the school, a few options were suggested to help my son better handle the increasing demands in the classroom.
From a both a financial standpoint AND time, I requested that we narrow down the suggested options to the one that would have the greatest impact. Starting with a learning specialist was mutually agreed upon and, based on where we lived, Debbie Flaks was recommended. So, at the end of 5th grade, my son started with Debbie. He is now in 9th grade.
Since my son has been going to Debbie, I have watched him go from a “wall-flower” student to one is taking on leadership roles in both the class and the school. He transitioned from feeling like an average student and apologetic about his grades to believing he can achieve great academic successes and striving for them.
The confidence he exhibits and self-advocacy with his teachers, I believe, stems from the step-by-step approach Debbie has taken with him. She has taught him how to break down his workload, whether it is writing a paper or studying for an exam, and manage his time effectively. She interfaces with the school and teachers to enable her to deal with each of her student’s individual needs and expectations.
I see the benefits of this all-encompassing approach to learning/studying (as opposed to a specific tutor) having far-reaching benefits well into college and beyond. Additionally, it has been so gratifying to watch a child become confident in the classroom and recognize that, while it may require more time and effort, anything is possible. Recently, when my son received a letter from his school advising that he had received “high-honors” for semester grades, the first person he wanted to tell was Debbie! To me, that was a true testament to what impact she has had on him.
Debbie was a lifesaver for my whole family. With her winning smile and easy manner, she gently -- but firmly! -- guided my two sons along the path to success. As they got better at keeping their assignments, books, papers and time more organized, their stress level decreased and their confidence increased. And since my husband and I were no longer the "homework police," our stress levels improved as well!
Our two children -- both on honor roll -- have worked with Debbie for several years now. She has worked with them to establish smart and effective study habits and organizational skills. Debbie's expertise allows her to tailor her coaching to each child's particular needs. She's a gifted listener and communicator and works with both the children and their subject teachers with great tact and efficiency. Her experience, educational-system savvy and impressive knowledge make her an extraordinarily valuable asset to our family. I know our children are not only learning skills that will help them get the most out of school, but also in their daily lives.