Advocating for students with learning differences

Advocating for students

with learning differences

By Allison Mintz

Nancy Heller has been an advocate for students with learning differences (LD) for over 10 years. As Chair of NorthBridge College

Success Program’s board,

Nancy has had the opportunity to see first hand the benefits that tutoring and coaching support can provide to students in post-secondary education.

Nancy grew up in

Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She received her degree in Speech

Communication and

Education. Even in the earlier years of her life, Nancy was interested in supporting students and ensuring that they would have the opportunity to learn firsthand.

Nancy relocated with her husband to Milwaukee after he completed law school. After six years in Milwaukee, they moved to Arizona to lay down roots and raise their family. Nancy spent time as a substitute teacher and volunteered with the school where her children attended.

She was an active parent and volunteered in any role where she could help in the school community. She was the homeroom parent, art masterpiece presenter, parent association president, and she became involved with the

Scottsdale Arts Council for Schools.

Nancy has been married to her husband William for 47 years. They have five children and 7 grandchildren. Family is a crucial part of Nancy’s life and one of her favorite things to do is to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Nancy has always been an advocate for volunteering and giving back to others. This was a lesson she instilled in her children as they were growing up. All of her children have been active in NFTY, The Reform Jewish Youth

Movement and Mitzvah Corps. As a family they look for ways to give back to their community together. Nancy said,

“being Jewish has always been important in my life. I have always belonged to a synagogue, my children have always been provided with Jewish education, and all of my children have had a b’nai mitzvah.” Seeing the successes her children have accomplished and the challenges they have overcome has been inspiring. Nancy has been the rock for her family and will do anything possible to ensure they have the resources they need and the support.NANCY HELLER “When Reed, my youngest son, was in second grade we realized he had a learning difference. We tried some different schools and finally found NewWay Academy” said Nancy. Nancy had the ability to be hands on and provide an active role with the school. She was able to be a substitute teacher for five years while Reed was in school and was able to meet other parents who were struggling with the educational challenges that their children faced. Nancy’s son was able to transfer to Horizon High School and graduate. Reed was accepted into the Strategic Alternative Learning Technique (SALT) Program at the University of Arizona once he graduated. This program provided tutoring and coaching support for students with learning differences. The SALT program was pivotal in helping Reed successfully complete his education. At the time, SALT was the only program available for post-secondary students in Arizona. “Services for k-12 are available for families, but after high school you have a group that’s underserved, and that is basically forgotten. LD students lack confidence, so post-secondary is not a part of their goals” said Nancy. While Reed was in school in Tucson, thriving with the SALT program, the leadership team at NewWay Academy developed a bridge program to support students transitioning to college so that they would be successful

called Bridgeway. This program focused on students with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, ADD, Asperger’s, and Anxiety. Nancy was approached and asked to join the board since they knew she had a background in education and that her son was attending a similar program. Two years after joining the board, the Chair stepped down and Nancy became Chairwoman. “When you have a child with LD you get more involved. My son had a lot of support, and I want other families to have that same support. It makes all the difference in the world when you see a student who has struggled succeed.” The name of the program was changed to NorthBridge College Success Program.

Nancy knew first hand that a targeted program helping students with LD succeed in post-secondary education would work. She saw the success her son had, and now she had the ability to focus the NorthBridge Program to provide the same opportunities for students in Maricopa County. The NorthBridge program is a 501(c)3, which provides a combination of tutoring, which the student needs academically, and executive functioning skills (EF). EF skills helps the student learn strategies to prioritize tasks, develop better organizational skills, enhance their time management, and to learn to self advocate. Having the ability to advocate for themselves and to feel they are worthwhile are skills students do not learn in school. These skills are important for the student to be successful in their education, career, and with life daily life. Nancy explained that “these students don’t let their differences become what identifies them. By developing these skills, we help the student gain the confidence and skills they need to successfully meet their goals.”

NorthBridge just celebrated its 10th anniversary. As Nancy said, “the most satisfying part of working with NorthBridge, on its board, and serving as president, is meeting and getting to know the students. We wanted to make NorthBridge a family as well. Our NorthBridge

students, are everyone’s kids.” Nancy was excited to share the news of a scholarship program that UP FRONT was just announced at NorthBridge. Named for Floyd Bienstock the former NorthBridge Chair, The Floyd Bienstock Scholarship Program will help four students this year realize their goals and pursue post-secondary support. As Nancy explained, “this program is so important because you want to support these students so they will thrive and be successful members of the community. If you give up on them, they won’t ever become independent and won’t be given the confidence to complete things on their own. By completing their educational goals and life goals, not only do they have something that brings them an income, but these students will develop the confidence to succeed.” “This organization is making a difference for Arizona students and has supported nearly 70 students in earning their post-secondary degree or certificate” according to Nancy. Nancy and the NorthBridge team is working hard to continue growing this organization to ensure that students with LD have the resources to succeed. As Nancy shared, “there is always a need for additional support from the community. There are volunteer opportunities for professionals to mentor students. Taking a student out to lunch, internship support, or a summer program where our students can shadow a professional, would be such a valuable opportunity to our students success.” NorthBridge is also growing its program and is looking for board members who have interest and expertise in marketing, legal, and web design. This program provides such a vital service to students with LD and their families. With Nancy’s guidance, dedication, and love, this program will continue to provide the necessary resources for all students with LD. To reach Nancy or a member of the NorthBridge team, send a message to success@northbridgeaz.org or call (401) 321-4059.