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Notes From The Liminal Schoolhouse
Together, my students and I are changing how it feels to do homework at the kitchen table.
This past year, I’ve been working 1:1 with students in the Hudson Valley, providing everything from 1:1 personalized learning to homeschool support. It is giving major joy.
Back when I was a full-time classroom teacher, whenever a student had a 1:1 period with me, it appeared on their visual schedule as “Learn with Ally.”
I’m still not quite sure who coined the phrase—it was likely one of the brilliant Occupational Therapists I worked with, who crafted visual schedules using our photos to help our kiddos navigate their day. That small phrase stuck with me, and it has become the heartbeat of my work today.
A Decade of Learning
Over the last 10+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible colleagues across various modalities of therapeutic learning support. Our students—with their vast abilities, unique gifts, and diverse ways of seeing the world—have been my greatest guides. They refined everything I thought I knew about teaching and neurodiversity.
Evolution and Alchemy
I am so excited to take what I’ve learned in this labor of love and grow it into a whole new evolution. I am overflowing with gratitude for the Hudson Valley community, the parents who have trusted me, and the friends who have cheered me on as I’ve built this new endeavor from the ground up.
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”
This is a phrase used by Special Forces, who have to operate with precision in stressful environments. Moving mindfully creates a “smoothness” that is ultimately more effective than any rushed effort.
I’ve found this to be true of neurodiversity and therapeutic learning. For a student navigating environments not always built for their brain, “rushing” is the enemy of progress.
In a world that often measures “giftedness” by speed, reclaiming “slowing down” as a path to mastery is a powerful act of advocacy.
Many learners who may struggle with executive functioning or sensory overwhelm thrive when we prioritize empathy. My alchemy of high expectations and deep empathy ensures that students feel safe and seen while goal setting and staying motivated.
The “slow rollout” of Learn with Ally is intentional and mindful. It is a direct reflection of my own professional growth in supporting learning styles through a strength-based approach.
Let’s Collaborate
I am officially opening my doors (and laptop) to new partnerships. If you’re looking for a deliberate, specialized approach to 1:1 learning, I’d love to connect.
Offerings: 1:1 individualized teaching, homeschool support, and neurodiverse-affirming advocacy.
Location: Available online and in-person across the Hudson Valley.
Connect: Reach out to discuss how we can support your student’s unique journey.
Cheers to this little liminal schoolhouse we’re all building together.
