Advocating for students with learning differences
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By Allison Mintz
ancy Heller has “being Jewish has always been an advocate been important in my life. for students I have always belonged to with learning a synagogue, my children differences (LD) for have always been provided over 10 years. As Chair with Jewish education, and of NorthBridge College all of my children have had Success Program’s board, a b’nai mitzvah.” Nancy has had the Seeing the successes her opportunity to see first children have accomplished hand the benefits that and the challenges they tutoring and coaching have overcome has been support can provide to inspiring. Nancy has been students in post-secondary the rock for her family and education. will do anything possible Nancy grew up in to ensure they have the Wisconsin and attended resources they need and the the University of Wisconsin support. NANCY HELLER in Madison. She received “When Reed, my her degree in Speech youngest son, was in second Communication and grade we realized he had Education. Even in the earlier years of her life, Nancy was a learning difference. We tried some different schools interested in supporting students and ensuring that they and finally found NewWay Academy” said Nancy. Nancy would have the opportunity to learn firsthand. had the ability to be hands on and provide an active role Nancy relocated with her husband to Milwaukee after with the school. She was able to be a substitute teacher he completed law school. After six years in Milwaukee, for five years while Reed was in school and was able they moved to Arizona to lay down roots and raise their to meet other parents who were struggling with the family. Nancy spent time as a substitute teacher and educational challenges that their children faced. Nancy’s volunteered with the school where her children attended. son was able to transfer to Horizon High School and She was an active parent and volunteered in any role graduate. Reed was accepted into the Strategic Alternative where she could help in the school community. She was Learning Technique (SALT) Program at the University the homeroom parent, art masterpiece presenter, parent of Arizona once he graduated. This program provided association president, and she became involved with the tutoring and coaching support for students with learning Scottsdale Arts Council for Schools. differences. The SALT program was pivotal in helping Nancy has been married to her husband William for 47 Reed successfully complete his education. At the time, years. They have five children and 7 grandchildren. Family SALT was the only program available for post-secondary is a crucial part of Nancy’s life and one of her favorite students in Arizona. “Services for k-12 are available for things to do is to spend time with her children and families, but after high school you have a group that’s grandchildren. underserved, and that is basically forgotten. LD students Nancy has always been an advocate for volunteering and lack confidence, so post-secondary is not a part of their giving back to others. This was a lesson she instilled in goals” said Nancy. her children as they were growing up. All of her children While Reed was in school in Tucson, thriving with have been active in NFTY, The Reform Jewish Youth the SALT program, the leadership team at NewWay Movement and Mitzvah Corps. As a family they look for Academy developed a bridge program to support students ways to give back to their community together. Nancy said, transitioning to college so that they would be successful 14
MAY/JUNE 2022 | ARIZONA JEWISH LIFE
