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 13 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.

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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) and started my private practice Fall 2022. 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.

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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 a student. Those who struggle in school can lead fulfilling and successful lives! Understanding the meaning and building self-awareness around these learning differences is the first step towards empowerment. Please read more about my approach and services here.

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When I am not working as an educational therapist, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy swimming in all bodies of water, paddleboarding, hiking, playing flute, cooking, baking and dancing.

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My name is Danielle. I am a substitute teacher, tutor, summer camp director, and early educator who is passionate about supporting children with diverse needs, and providing them with the tools they need to be successful. I believe all children are capable of learning, and I enjoy helping families find what works for their child.

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I am the former owner and lead educator of Nurture and Bloom, a licensed home-based preschool and child care program (Jackson County 2017 - 2022) that served infants, toddlers, and young children while emphasizing high-quality early learning, family partnerships, and inclusive support services. During that time, I managed licensing and grant requirements, developed curriculum and policies, supported staff development, and advocated for families involved in early intervention services.

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From 2012 to 2016 my work was rooted in Williams, where I contributed through education, literacy, family advocacy, and community programming. My local involvement has included serving as Branch Manager for Josephine Community Libraries in Williams, coordinating children’s and adult community programs, fundraising for expanded rural library services and public Wi-Fi access, and helping advocate for the establishment of a tax-supported library district. I have also volunteered extensively in the Williams community through school garden coordination, literacy programs, environmental stewardship projects, and parent leadership roles supporting outdoor and enrichment education for children and families.

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I have a daughter at home, and three grown children living their lives. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling to new places, camping, hiking, watching comedy shows, and playing board games with my kids.

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