Since 2002, Learning Connections
has improved core learning skills
through research-based one-on-
one and small-group interventions
delivered by highly trained
professionals. Our approach helps
students from pre-K through
adulthood process and retrieve
information more effectively by
retraining the brain and creating
new neural pathways.

Target Areas

Our Mission

To maximize the cognitive performance for each of our students by
providing the highest quality training and utilizing cutting edge tools
from around the world.

• Attention

• Memory

• Sequencing

• Timing

• Reading

• Handwriting

• Spelling

• Comprehension

Our learning experts are trained in science-based approaches such
as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, and other proven multisensory
programs. By utilizing multisensory instructional approaches, we
can help all types of learners, especially students with dyslexia,
dysgraphia and dyscalculia.

• Arrowsmith can target and
  strengthen specific areas. Like
  machines at the gym designed
  to strengthen different parts of
  the body, Arrowsmith is
  designed to strengthen specific
  cognitive functions of the brain.
  

• Interactive Metronome® is a
  training and assessment tool
  that improves cognition,
  attention, focus, memory,
  speech, language, executive
  functioning, comprehension, as
  well as motor and sensory skills.

• FastForword is an adaptive reading
  program that sets learners up for
  success with intensive, one-on-
  one instruction in foundational
  language and literacy skills while
  also building the cognitive
  capacities that support strong
  reading and learning.

Interventions

Learning Connections’ personalized interventions directly target
students’ areas of weakness while utilizing their strengths. We
work to create new neural pathways by using a number of
scientifically proven programs to help students reach their highest
potential.

Connection News

Neurodiverse Learners: How Our
Programs Help Students Overcome
Educational Challenges

At Learning Connections, we are dedicated to helping
neurodiverse students overcome learning challenges.
We offer a range of specialized interventions designed
to improve cognitive abilities, build academic skills, and
support emotional well-being. These interventions are
tailored to help students with neurodiversity, such as
ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other learning differences
thrive in both academic and social settings.

• The Arrowsmith Program is designed to improve
  cognitive weaknesses that often affect learning in
  neurodiverse students. This program is based on the
  science of neuroplasticity, which suggests that the
  brain can change and strengthen over time.
  Arrowsmith targets attention, memory, processing
  speed, and language skills.

Learner of the Month

Since starting at Learning Connections, Sadie has been getting
5/5 on her reading comprehension. Before starting the program,
she was receiving 1/5 or 2/5. Her phonics grade has increased
from 1/10 to 8/10. Her language art report card grade went from
a C to a B, and she received her first “making progress” in
Reading Comprehension as opposed to the “needs
improvement,” which is where she has been.

She had her six-month checkup for her vision and in all previous
testing she had at least five or more mistakes in her reading, but
this time there was no mistakes. We are so thankful for the
progress that she has made in this short time and so excited to
see what the future holds for her!

—Sonya

Parent’s Prospective

Sadie is the sweetest,
hardworking little girl. Even
after long days at school,
she comes into the office
with a smile on her face
eager to learn. Sadie, keep
up the amazing effort!

—Karen Griffel

• The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) enables
  families to personalize the education of their students by directing funds to where they’re
  needed most. The funds can be used for a combination of programs and approved expenses
  including therapists, specialists, curriculum, private school, a college savings account and
  more.

• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities

• Florida students who are not full-time private or public school students can access the
  Personalized Education Program (PEP) through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
  This scholarship provides an education savings account (ESA) to fund the educational needs
  of eligible students.

Scholarships for Personalized Education Program Students

• New Worlds Scholarship Accounts provide access to a flexible education savings account
  (ESA). The ESA functions like a bank account with funds you can spend on educational
  resources. Dollars from this scholarship must be used in ways that improve reading and/or
  math.

• New Worlds Scholarship

Scholarship
Opportunities

Ginny holds a Master of Science in Special Education, a
Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary
Education, and is certified in Early Childhood, Elementary,
Special, and Gifted education. She is proficient in all Learning
Connections programs, particularly PACE and Master the
Code.

Ginny's career began at Sunland Training Center, followed by
roles at the Institute on Human Development and Disability,
Wesley Kinder School, and Orange County Public Schools. Her
journey with Learning Connections started as a client when
her daughter needed assistance. Learning Connections
Founder Karen Griffel transformed her eight-year-old
daughter's life. "Karen helped my daughter progress from a
first-grade level to a fifth-grade level in just a couple of years
using PACE and Master the Code,” said Ginny. “That's why I am
a true believer. These programs are remarkable."

• Ginny has been with Learning Connections for over twenty
  years and is committed to challenging our students to reach
  their highest potential.

Meet the Team

Karen Griffel

Founder & Director

Joanne brings a wealth of knowledge to our team, including
a Master of Arts in Education, a Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology, and certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis.
She leverages this expertise in programs like PACE and
Master the Code

Joanne’s passion for helping children reach their full
potential led her to leave the public school system and join
Learning Connections over 20 years ago.

• Joanne believes in creating a supportive and nurturing
  environment where children can thrive and regain
  confidence. She emphasizes fostering self-acceptance,
  particularly for students who have struggled in traditional
  educational settings. “Especially if they have reached an age
  where they know they are falling behind,” said Joanne. “I
  think we do an outstanding job making them feel that it’s
  okay if they learn in a different way than others and there’s
  nothing wrong with them.”

Joanne Anibarro, MA

Program Development

Ginny McMillen, MS

Program Facilitator

Mary’s passion for helping children thrive began with her
own family’s experience and has been deepened by years of
dedicated study and practice. A seasoned Facilitator with
over 18 years of experience, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology and is expertly trained in all our programs,
including PACE, Wilson, and Interactive Metronome.

Homeschooling her three children, including one who
struggled with learning differences, taught Mary the
importance of perseverance. Seeing that son thrive,
ultimately serving our country after attending military
academy, inspires her work at Learning Connections.

• “Watching kids discover their potential and feel truly
  wonderful about themselves is what drives me,” Mary says.

Mary Rajchel

Program Facilitator

In 2019, Kitarshyi joined Learning Connections, where she
works closely with the founder, Karen Griffel, to help
children discover how they learn best and advocate for
themselves. As a dedicated homeschool mom for over 20
years, Kitarshyi has been actively involved in numerous
homeschool groups, serving on several boards. She has
implemented special reading programs and various
homeschool curricula tailored to her children's needs.

Kitarshyi's expertise extends to homeschool consulting,
where she works with parents to find the best curriculum
for their children. She has been a member of The
Homeschool Legal Defense Association for over 13 years, an
organization that defends and advances parents'
constitutional right to direct their children's education,
providing legal protection, educational resources, and
community support to homeschooling families.

Kitarshyi is a licensed physical therapist in multiple states.
She has extensive experience in identifying support
systems for children, including physical, speech, and
occupational therapy. She has helped many parents
navigate these resources. Kitarshyi is specifically trained in
Interactive Metronome and the Arrowsmith Program.

• Kitarshyi believes in not putting limits on a child, stating,
  "Every child has God-given potential, and it's our job to help
  them realize and reach that potential. By understanding
  their unique strengths and challenges, we can create a
  supportive environment for them to thrive."

Kitarshyi Jackson

Program Facilitator

Karen founded Learning Connections in 2002, driven by her
personal experience of witnessing her son struggle in public
school. She wanted to create a supportive and specialized
learning environment for others facing similar challenges.
“My children are grown, and the field has evolved
significantly in the last 20 years,” Karen said. “We now
understand so much more about how the brain processes
information, especially with reading. We don't just want to
put Band-Aids on learning challenges; we want to address
the root causes and create lasting change.”

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and
certifications in Exceptional Student Education K-12,
Elementary Education K-6, and the Florida K-12 Reading
Endorsement.

With over 25 years of experience working with children and
adults, Karen is an expert in helping students with learning
challenges such as ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia,
dyscalculia, autism, and behavioral issues. She utilizes
evidence-based programs like Arrowsmith, PACE, Master the
Code, Wilson, and Orton-Gillingham to create individualized
learning plans tailored to each student’s unique needs. She is
a Wilson Level 1 Practitioner and Arrowsmith provider.

Hiring!

We Are

We partner with trusted psychological evaluation and
testing professionals who specialize in assessments
for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral concerns.

• These evaluations offer valuable insights into a
  student’s strengths, areas of difficulty, and how they
  process information. The results of these assessments
  help guide our personalized tutoring and program
  recommendations, ensuring that each student
  receives the most effective support.

CONNECT WITH US

407.925.7536

learningconnectionsfl@gmail.com

5458 Lake Howell Rd.

Winter Park, FL 32792

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