Credentials:
Member of the Association of Educational Therapists
George Fox University, Special Education Endorsement
Oregon Teaching License (PK-12)
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Special Education: Generalist Endorsement
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Foundational Mathematics Endorsement
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Integrated Science Endorsement
Boston University, Masters in Teaching Science Education
Skidmore College, Bachelor of Arts
Guest appearance on The Learn Smarter Podcast
Click below to listen to the episode:
About Me
Hello, my name is Alena Houghton. I am the owner of Southern Oregon EmpowerED, an educational therapy and consulting private practice based in Grants Pass, Oregon. I work with struggling K-12 students with learning differences. These learners may have diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD and executive issues, dyscalculia (math disability), dyslexia, dysgraphia, and/or processing disorders. My goal is to unlock my students’ potentials by tapping into their strengths and creating individualized learning plans that suit them best.
I have been in the field of education for 11 years and first found my passion for teaching while working as a science educator at ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum in Ashland, Oregon. Wanting to build more meaningful, long-lasting relationships with my students, I went on to receive my Masters in Teaching in Science Education at Boston University.
Teaching science in the public schools quickly alerted me to the reality that many of my students, those with learning differences, rarely had the tools they needed to be successful. I switched course and earned my special education endorsement. After working in public school special education for 4 years, I became a certified member of the Association of Educational Therapists (AET). I strongly value the solely 1-on-1 instruction I am able to provide in this work. I seek professional development opportunities through organizations including AET, the International Dyslexia Association, CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) among others.
I know first hand how having a diagnosis can negatively impact your life. Sometimes our difficulties are all that we can see about ourselves. But I believe that a learning difference or diagnosis does not define the student, it is something they have. Understanding the meaning and building self-awareness is the first step towards empowerment. Please read more about my approach and services here.
When I am not working as an educational therapist, I love spending time with my family, husband Eric and son Walden, and friends. I enjoy swimming in the ocean, hiking, playing flute, cooking, and dancing.