A Pathway for Everyone

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEE PESKY LEARNING CENTER

Lee Pesky Learning Center

BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS

Inspired by their son, Alan and Wendy Pesky founded the Lee Pesky Learning Center in 1997 with the goal of creating an inspired pathway to learning for all. During their son’s life, the couple struggled to find help with resources, which were very limited at the time. Little was known about issues like dyslexia and ADHD, and the Peskys sought to create a better future for children who, like their son, learned differently. Despite the adversity Lee faced as he grew up in an education system not built for him, he preserved with the support of his parents, eventually finding his passion in the culinary arts. Eventually, Lee opened a Boise-based bagel shop, “The Bucking Bagel,” and continued to thrive until his tragic passing in 1995 after a battle with brain cancer.

To honor their son, Alan and Wendy opened the Lee Pesky Learning Center to continue his legacy and to provide a space that removes some of the barriers to education for the many different styles of learning.

“I’ve always been passionate about creating opportunities for learners to succeed, no matter their challenges,” said Advancement Director Brittany Sundell. “What drew me to Lee Pesky Learning Center is its unique approach to connecting mental health with academic success, recognizing that the two are deeply intertwined. The center’s mission deeply resonated with me. It’s inspiring to be part of an organization that blends research-based solutions with meaningful, personalized support to create lasting impact.”

The emphasis on the whole-health learning experience is what sets them apart from other facilities. By combining counseling services with a wide array of personalized learning experiences, the recipe for success becomes so much easier to accomplish.

The center employs a three-tiered approach to education. The first tier is Professional Development for Educators, equipping them with the skills they need to improve learning outcomes in their classrooms. “One of our proudest accomplishments is our work with over 1,000 educators annually. By preparing the next generation of practitioners, we are driving systemic change that will benefit students for years to come,” explained Sundell.

Their second tier focuses on School and Community Programs, called Literacy Pods, that provide small, one-on-one instruction to help close the opportunity gaps for those who need it most. Sundell explained that the pods support native English speakers who struggle to read, as well as learners new to the English language, using evidence-based practices.

The third tier at Lee Pesky Learning Center is Academic Intervention, providing personalized, individual academic experiences. This tier has transformed the learning experience for thousands of students. “We specialize in helping individuals with learning challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, and other obstacles. By tailoring our support to each learner’s unique needs, we empower students to overcome challenges and build essential skills, setting them on a path to success,” said Sundell.

For Sarah Gardner, the transformative experience of Lee Pesky is personal. “My daughter has gone to Lee Pesky since October 2019, and at the end of May 2024 she is in a tremendous place. Lee Pesky has been her safe space, all these years, and the specialists that have helped her read, write, and work on her executive function aptitude have given her the skills she was struggling with, and given her the power to be her own advocate in her classroom and beyond,” she said.

Gardner’s daughter is ready to return to the more traditional learning environment, but the family agrees that Lee Pesky has become a safe haven for their children’s educational needs. While her son hasn’t formally attended Lee Pesky, he watched his sister flourish over the years and recently requested ADHD testing of his own. “I was so proud of him for asking for what he needed, and immediately told him I would email Lee Pesky that day. He looked at me, thanked me, and said he was glad that he could get some more answers about how he ‘works,’” she said. Gardner, the parent of two neurodivergent children, said she appreciates their time there, and the genuine care given to her family. “The sincere help and interest in my children makes it very easy to step into their building, to get the support for my children’s learning and mental health needs. I will always recommend Lee Pesky. They have forever earned my trust," she said.

The education system can be a challenge for anyone, regardless of neurotype and learning style. Lee Pesky Learning Center offers the lift that many need to not only persevere, but to thrive in an educational environment and beyond.