ellen schwinger of Colorado Springs on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to ellen schwinger. Check out our conversation below.

ellen, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Being a grandparent brings me a kind of joy that feels both gentle and profound, like a deep calm mixed with pure delight. It is the joy of witnessing life bloom again through fresh eyes — of hearing laughter that feels lighter, hugs that feel more intentional, and conversations that remind me how precious every stage of growing truly is. There is no rush, only presence. No pressure, only love. I get to savor moments I may have once hurried through as a parent — the sticky fingers, the bedtime stories, the curious questions, the wonder in simple things.
My grandchildren reconnect me to innocence, imagination, and a slower rhythm of love. I get to cheer them on, soothe their worries, and celebrate their milestones, all while knowing my role is rooted in unconditional support and warmth. They remind me of my own strength, my family’s legacy, and the beauty of time passing with purpose. Being their grandparent fills my heart with gratitude, laughter, and a sense of wholeness that is impossible to explain — only deeply felt.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Ellen Schwinger, owner and founder of Arvada Learning & Coaching. I am a certified Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC), special education specialist, and educational advocate with over 25 years of experience supporting students who struggle with reading, writing, learning differences, and academic confidence.
At Arvada Learning & Coaching, we provide personalized, research-based academic intervention and advocacy services for children and families across the United States. Our work focuses on identifying learning challenges, closing skill gaps, and empowering parents to navigate the special education process with clarity and confidence. Services include comprehensive educational evaluations, dyslexia screenings, IEP and 504 advocacy, parent coaching, school meeting support, and structured reading and writing intervention using evidence-based approaches such as Orton-Gillingham, Sound Partners, Phonics Boost, and Wilson-based strategies.
Our mission is simple: to help children feel capable, understood, and successful — and to ensure families are informed, supported, and never navigating the system alone. We believe every child deserves access to instruction that meets their unique learning profile and unlocks their true potential.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My 30-year marriage to my best friend has shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. Through every season of life — the joyful milestones, the challenging moments, the quiet in-betweens — our partnership has been a foundation of love, growth, and unwavering support. This relationship has taught me patience, resilience, deep understanding, and the power of shared laughter in the midst of life’s complexities.
Being loved consistently, honestly, and wholeheartedly for three decades has strengthened my spirit and softened my edges. It has influenced the way I show up in the world, the way I love my family, and the way I support others. Our journey together has been one of mutual respect, devotion, and friendship — a rare and beautiful bond that continues to shape who I am at my core.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To My Younger Self
I would tell you to worry less — not because your fears weren’t real, but because you carried far more than you ever needed to. You thought that constant concern meant you were being responsible, prepared, strong. But so much of what kept you awake at night never came to be, and the parts that did arrive were handled with more courage and grace than you ever believed you possessed.
I would remind you that life unfolds whether you grip it tightly or not. That joy lives in the present, not in the endless “what ifs.” That your heart knew how to survive, adapt, and heal long before your mind trusted it. I would tell you to breathe more, laugh louder, rest without guilt, and trust that you were always capable — even when you doubted yourself.
You didn’t need to be perfect to be worthy. You didn’t need to control every outcome to be safe. And you didn’t need to carry tomorrow’s weight on today’s shoulders.
You were always enough — even in the moments you felt unsure.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
have always lived from a place of authenticity. I do not pretend, mask, or bend myself to fit what is convenient or comfortable for others. I value truth, and I speak it — even when it may be difficult to hear or uncomfortable to receive. Not because I wish to hurt, but because honesty matters more to me than approval.
I believe that real connection is built on transparency, not illusions. My words come from sincerity, from integrity, and from a deep respect for what is real. I understand that truth can sometimes sting, but it also creates clarity, trust, and growth. I would rather be known for my honesty than liked for something that isn’t genuine.
This is who I have always been — straightforward, sincere, and true to myself — even when it isn’t the easiest path.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I am gone, I hope I am remembered as a teacher and advocate who truly made a difference for children with disabilities — someone who stood beside them, believed in their potential, and fought for their right to be seen, understood, and supported. I want my work to reflect compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to leveling the playing field for those who needed a voice.
I also hope I am known as an activist who stood proudly for Israel and for Jews living in America — speaking out against injustice, defending truth, and advocating for safety, dignity, and respect for the Jewish community. My voice and convictions were rooted in love for my people, my heritage, and the belief that advocacy matters.
I want to be remembered as a committed wife, fiercely devoted and loyal to Steven — my partner, my anchor, and my best friend — someone who honored love, partnership, and family with integrity and grace.
I hope I am also known as a true friend — loyal, honest, present, and deeply caring. A balabusta, who created warmth, comfort, and love wherever I was, holding family close and making home a place of safety and connection.
Most of all, I want to be remembered as a hands-on parent and grandparent — one who showed up wholeheartedly, loved fiercely, guided gently, and poured her heart into every moment, every hug, every story, every lesson.
If my life leaves behind stronger children, supported families, an empowered community, and hearts that felt less alone because I walked beside them, then I will know I lived with purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iepadvocate.online
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558520965332