We were lucky to catch up with Sheri Tapani-DeBartolo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sheri, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
In 2014, Sheri and Angelique embarked on creating Learning Unlocked, inspired by their experiences in the Clark County School District. Witnessing firsthand the struggles of students with learning differences in traditional educational settings, they recognized an urgent need for specialized support. Motivated by this insight, they pursued certification in Educational Therapy and crafted a unique learning environment. This environment was meticulously designed to bolster foundational skills such as literacy, mathematics, critical thinking, leadership, communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
Educational therapists at Learning Unlocked specialize in teaching techniques and strategies tailored to help children navigate challenges and enhance their academic performance. They cater to a diverse spectrum of learning and thinking differences, employing personalized approaches that may involve pinpointing underlying issues, improving focus, teaching effective time management, and devising individualized educational plans. Moreover, they cultivate a nurturing atmosphere where children can openly address school-related anxieties and develop self-advocacy skills.
Central to their approach is a curriculum meticulously crafted by these visionary educators, aimed at bridging educational gaps and empowering children to master vital skills crucial for future success. Since its establishment in 2016, Learning Unlocked has experienced rapid expansion, driven by the significant demand for their services across Las Vegas, Henderson, and neighboring communities. Their primary focus remains on delivering explicit instruction and support to individuals with learning disabilities, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and English Language Learners, ensuring every child receives the specialized attention they deserve.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Sheri Tapani-DeBartolo’s journey into educational therapy began with her graduation from Minot State University in 1991, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a specialization in reading difficulties. Her early career in the Clark County School District, starting in 1992, marked the beginning of her dedication to children with learning differences. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Sheri was honored with the Distinguished Educator Award in 1996. She furthered her academic pursuits, completing a Master’s Degree in Education in 1997 and receiving the Educator of the Year award from the Council of Exceptional Children the same year.
Building on her commitment to educational excellence, Sheri pursued additional qualifications in Educational Therapy, enhancing her ability to support diverse learning needs. She holds a Nevada Teaching License with professional endorsements in Elementary Education, Special Education K-12, and Teaching English as a Second Language. A member of the Association of Educational Therapists, Sheri continues to champion effective educational practices and personalized support for students with unique learning challenges.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In reflecting on her journey, Sheri Tapani-DeBartolo identifies three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been instrumental:
1. **Expertise in Educational Therapy**: Sheri emphasizes the pivotal role of specialized knowledge in educational therapy. Her certification in Educational Therapy provided her with the tools and strategies necessary to address the unique learning challenges faced by students. For those starting their journey, she advises pursuing comprehensive training in their chosen field to build a solid foundation of expertise.
2. **Understanding of Diverse Learning Needs**: Witnessing firsthand the struggles of students with learning differences underscored the importance of understanding and empathizing with diverse learning needs. Sheri stresses the significance of developing a nuanced understanding of these challenges early on, enabling educators to tailor their approaches effectively.
3. **Curriculum Development and Innovation**: Central to Sheri’s success has been her ability to innovate and develop a curriculum that not only addresses educational gaps but also empowers students to excel. She encourages educators at the beginning of their careers to explore innovative teaching methodologies and continuously refine their curriculum based on student feedback and educational research.
For aspiring educators and therapists, Sheri advises fostering a deep commitment to ongoing professional development, embracing the challenges of personalized learning, and nurturing a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. These elements, she believes, are crucial in creating impactful educational experiences that make a lasting difference in students’ lives.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“The Universe Has Your Back,” written by Gabrielle Bernstein, is primarily focused on spiritual growth, developing trust in the universe, and cultivating a mindset of positivity and abundance. While the book may not directly relate to educational center development in a traditional sense, its teachings can influence how one approaches leadership, innovation, and personal development within such a context.
Here are some insights and skills from “The Universe Has Your Back” that could potentially impact the development of your educational center:
1. **Trust in Guidance and Intuition**: The book emphasizes trusting in a higher power or universal guidance. For educational center development, this could translate into trusting your intuition when making decisions about curriculum, programs, and strategies to support students with learning differences.
2. **Positive Mindset and Manifestation**: Bernstein teaches methods for shifting from fear to love and cultivating a positive mindset. Applying this to educational center development involves maintaining optimism, believing in the potential of every student, and manifesting success and growth for the center.
3. **Embracing Challenges as Opportunities for Growth**: The book encourages seeing challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and learning. In the context of an educational center, this could mean viewing obstacles as opportunities to innovate, improve services, and better meet the needs of students with learning differences.
4. **Creating a Supportive and Nurturing Environment**: Bernstein stresses the importance of creating a supportive environment. For an educational center, this could mean fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and encouragement among staff and students alike.
5. **Self-Care and Balance**: The book advocates for self-care practices to maintain balance and alignment. Applying this to educational center development means prioritizing the well-being of staff, ensuring they are supported and able to give their best to students.
While “The Universe Has Your Back” is not a traditional educational guide, its teachings on spirituality, mindset, and personal growth can certainly influence the leadership and atmosphere within an educational center. By integrating these principles, you may foster a more supportive, innovative, and fulfilling environment for both educators and students.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.LearningUnlockedNV.com
- Facebook: Learning Unlocked
- Linkedin: Sheri Tapani-DeBartolo
- Youtube: Learning Unlocked@learningunlocked9420
Image Credits
They are all my photos
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
