Biographies

Founder and Director
Gloria Jones Ellis, M.A.

Gloria holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vassar College and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford. She has spent over 20 years in classrooms, clinics, and special education settings working with students who struggle with learning. She also possesses extensive assessment training in the fields of education, psychology, and neuropsychology, and over a decade of experience and success with academic intervention. Gloria is the creator of the Lighthouse Reading Solution™.

 

Intervention Programs and School Services Director
Jamaica Thompson

Jamaica holds bachelors’ degrees in Biological Anthropology and World Religions from UCSD and a Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology from Capella University. She has a diverse background teaching children of all ages in a variety of settings and brings a wealth of experience to her work from teaching Elementary and Special Education and substituting in the Ojai Valley School District. She is passionate about working with students in the areas of reading comprehension, fluency and mechanics.

Intervention Programs Instructor
Nikki Elias

Nikki holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Ashford University and is currently completing her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She has sixteen years of experience working with children of various ages, with specific interests in autism and spectrum variations. Nikki is passionate about children finding their authentic voice and guiding them through their challenges in an individualized way.

 

Intervention Programs Instructor
Katie Miller

Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Longwood University. She has 9 years of experience working with young children and adolescents with social and emotional challenges in a therapeutic setting. Katie utilizes art, recreational, and expressive therapies to enhance each child’s potential. Katie is committed to nurturing students to be self motivated and insightful.

 

Intervention Programs Instructor
Lisa Batchelder-Hetrick

Lisa currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Recreation Therapy. Her career includes teaching at a Montessori school and private tutoring, as well as working as a Recreation Therapist in a private setting. Lisa has spent the last 6 years as a Sign Language Specialist and an Assistant Teacher for students ranging in age from infant to 13 years old. Additionally, she has over 30 years of experience working with children and adults of all ability levels to develop their social and recreational skills. Lisa is dedicated to the students by providing specialized learning opportunities in a variety of settings.