Meet ellen mills | Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant/Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with ellen mills and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ellen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business as an advocate for special education and related services stemmed from a deep-seated passion for empowering students with learning disabilities and their families. My extensive background in special education, both as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC) in New Jersey public schools and as the President of Arvada Learning & Coaching, laid the foundation for this endeavor. Here is a summary of my thought process:

Identifying the Need
During my tenure in the public school system, I observed numerous gaps in the services and support provided to students with learning disabilities and their families. These gaps often resulted in students not receiving the appropriate interventions or accommodations necessary for their academic and personal growth.

Leveraging Experience and Expertise
With over two decades of experience as an LDTC, I had developed a robust skill set in educational evaluations, dyslexia screenings, and the implementation of research-based instructional strategies. My expertise in facilitating IEP meetings, creating behavior intervention plans, and collaborating with educational teams positioned me well to offer comprehensive support to students and their families.

Commitment to Empowerment
I am deeply committed to empowering students with learning disabilities to reach their full potential. I believe that with the right support, strategies, and advocacy, these students can thrive academically and personally. This commitment drove me to create a business focused on providing individualized support and advocacy.

Providing Specialized Services
Recognizing that each student’s needs are unique, I decided to offer specialized services such as private educational evaluations, dyslexia screenings, and reading coaching using Orton-Gillingham (OG) research-based strategies. These services are designed to address the specific challenges faced by students with learning disabilities and provide them with tailored interventions.

Supporting Families
I also saw a critical need to support and coach parents in navigating the complexities of special education services. By providing advocacy and guidance, I aim to empower parents to be effective advocates for their children, ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations and services.

Professional Growth and Fulfillment
Starting my own business allowed me to continue growing professionally while making a significant impact on the lives of students and their families. It provided the flexibility to innovate and implement best practices in special education, ensuring that my clients receive the highest quality of support.

Building a Community
Lastly, I envisioned building a community of educators, parents, and specialists dedicated to advocating for and supporting students with learning disabilities. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, we can collectively enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for these students.

In summary, my decision to start a business as an advocate for special education was driven by a combination of professional expertise, a commitment to empowerment, and a desire to fill the gaps in existing services. By providing specialized, research-based interventions and support, I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with learning disabilities and their families.

What should our readers know about your business?
About Arvada Learning & Coaching
Arvada Learning & Coaching was founded with a mission to empower students with learning disabilities and their families by providing exceptional advocacy and specialized educational services. Drawing on over 26 years of experience in the field, I established this business to address the gaps in special education services and ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

What Sets Us Apart

Expertise and Experience: With a background as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC) and extensive experience in the public school system, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of special education laws and best practices. This expertise allows me to provide tailored support and effective advocacy for each student.

Individualized Services: At Arvada Learning & Coaching, we believe that every student is unique. We offer personalized educational evaluations, dyslexia screenings, and reading coaching using Orton-Gillingham (OG) research-based strategies. Our services are designed to meet the specific needs of each student, ensuring they receive the most effective interventions.

Holistic Approach: We focus not only on academic support but also on addressing the social and emotional needs of our students. By advocating for comprehensive programs within public schools, we aim to create an environment where students can thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Dedicated Advocacy: Navigating the complexities of special education can be challenging for families. We provide steadfast advocacy to ensure that students receive the appropriate accommodations and services guaranteed by law. Our goal is to empower parents to be effective advocates for their children, fostering a collaborative approach to education.

Pride and Excitement

What excites me most about Arvada Learning & Coaching is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students and their families. Advocating for appropriate academic, social, and emotional programs within public schools across the USA is at the heart of our mission.

As a retired teacher with 26 years of experience, I decided to stay in the field to help families secure the free and appropriate education their children deserve. Although mediating with school districts can be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding. I take immense pride in the tough cases and the victories we have achieved for our students. Each success story is a testament to our dedication and the resilience of the students we support.

At Arvada Learning & Coaching, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through our specialized services and unwavering advocacy, we strive to create a brighter future for students with learning disabilities and their families.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Itinerary for Denver, Colorado Springs, Evergreen, and Breckenridge
Day 1: Arrival in Denver

Morning

Arrival in Denver: Check into your hotel.
Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: Enjoy a delicious brunch to start your trip.
Afternoon

Denver Botanic Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy the serene environment.
16th Street Mall: Stroll down the pedestrian-friendly street, shop, and take in the sights.
Evening

Dinner at The Capital Grille: Indulge in a fine dining experience with great steaks.
Live Music at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox: Enjoy a mix of great food and live performances.
Day 2: Denver Sightseeing

Morning

Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Visit this iconic venue and enjoy a short hike.
Brunch at Root Down: A hip spot with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Afternoon

Denver Art Museum: Explore the vast collection of art.
Union Station: A hub of activity with shops, bars, and restaurants.
Evening

Dinner at The Source: A trendy marketplace with various dining options.
Brewery Tour: Visit Great Divide Brewing Co. or Wynkoop Brewing Company for a taste of local brews.
Day 3: Colorado Springs

Morning

Drive to Colorado Springs: Enjoy the scenic drive (approx. 1.5 hours).
Garden of the Gods: Take a walk among the stunning rock formations.
Afternoon

Lunch at The Rabbit Hole: A unique underground restaurant with great food.
Pikes Peak: Drive up or take the cog railway to the summit for breathtaking views.
Evening

Dinner at The Famous Steak House: Enjoy a classic steak dinner.
Live Music at The Black Sheep: Check out local bands and artists.
Day 4: Colorado Springs to Evergreen

Morning

Drive to Evergreen: Head towards the mountains (approx. 1.5 hours).
Evergreen Lake: Enjoy a morning walk or paddleboarding.
Afternoon

Lunch at Willow Creek Restaurant: Overlooking Evergreen Lake with a great menu.
Evergreen Golf Course: Play a round or just take in the views.
Evening

Dinner at The Bistro at Marshdale: A cozy spot with a great atmosphere.
Live Music at The Little Bear Saloon: A historic venue with live music and dancing.
Day 5: Evergreen to Breckenridge

Morning

Drive to Breckenridge: Enjoy the mountain views (approx. 1.5 hours).
Main Street: Explore the charming shops and cafes.
Afternoon

Lunch at Modis: A modern bistro with a creative menu.
Breckenridge Distillery Tour: Learn about the distillation process and sample spirits.
Evening

Dinner at Relish: Enjoy locally sourced cuisine with mountain views.
Brewery Visit at Broken Compass Brewing: Taste a variety of craft beers.
Day 6: Breckenridge Activities

Morning

Breckenridge Ski Resort: Depending on the season, enjoy skiing or hiking.
Brunch at Blue River Bistro: A stylish spot with delicious brunch options.
Afternoon

Breckenridge Nordic Center: Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Shopping and Walking Tour: Discover the historical aspects of Breckenridge.
Evening

Dinner at Hearthstone Restaurant: Dine in a historic Victorian home with gourmet dishes.
Live Music at The Historic Brown & Fox’s Den: Enjoy live music in a cozy setting.
Day 7: Return to Denver

Morning

Drive Back to Denver: Enjoy your last scenic drive back (approx. 1.5 hours).
Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company: Start your day with hearty breakfast options.
Afternoon

Denver Zoo: Spend a few hours exploring the zoo.
Lunch at Linger: A trendy eatery with a global menu.
Evening

Dinner at El Five: Enjoy tapas and stunning views of the city.
Final Brewery Visit at Denver Beer Co.: End your trip with a local brew.
This itinerary offers a mix of sightseeing, dining, and live music experiences, ensuring a memorable trip for my best friend Jenn and I.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to My Amazing Students
To all the incredible students I’ve had the privilege to work with and advocate for over the years:

I am so proud of you! Your hard work, determination, and resilience have been truly inspiring. Each of you has overcome unique challenges and achieved remarkable successes, proving that with the right support and a positive mindset, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.

From mastering new reading strategies to achieving your academic goals, and from building confidence in your abilities to becoming strong self-advocates, your journeys have been nothing short of extraordinary. It has been an honor to be part of your educational journeys and to witness your growth and achievements.

Keep shining brightly and reaching for the stars. Your successes are a testament to your dedication and perseverance. Remember, the skills and strengths you’ve developed will continue to serve you well in all your future endeavors.

Congratulations to each and every one of you. Here’s to many more successes and bright futures ahead!

Website: https://specialeducationadvocate24.com

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