Our Story
Since 2018, we have provided personalized, one-on-one support to help students overcome learning challenges and achieve academic success. Prior to relocating to New Orleans, Kate established a private practice in Marin County, California in 2012, and Todd served as a teacher and administrator at Marin Catholic High School for twenty years. Together, we bring over 50 years of combined experience in education. We are both graduates of Loyola University New Orleans.
Together, we have created a learning environment where students feel supported, understood, and capable. We specialize in reading and written expression and provide individualized instruction in reading, spelling, writing, and executive functioning, using research-based assessments, programs, and strategies tailored to each student’s unique profile.
Raising two grown children with learning differences has given us a deep, personal understanding of the hurdles families encounter. Despite our professional backgrounds in education, we faced times of uncertainty and vulnerability while guiding our own children through their academic journeys. By partnering with dedicated experts, we mastered the art of advocacy, ensuring our children were equipped with the specific tools and accommodations necessary for their growth. This personal path fuels our passion for helping students unlock their potential and build lasting self-confidence. Beyond our local work, we are proud supporters of the Breds Foundation, where we contribute to philanthropic initiatives that enhance educational resources for children in Jamaica. Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the quality learning opportunities they deserve.
Meet Us
Kate Novak, Certified Professional Educational Therapist
Kate has over twenty years of experience working with children, teens, and adults. She is a Certified Professional Educational Therapist (ET/P) and was inspired to pursue Educational Therapy after her son was identified as dyslexic—an experience that deepened her empathy and commitment to supporting students with learning differences. Her own experiences as a learner also inform her compassionate, individualized approach.
Kate primarily works with students from kindergarten through eighth grade, designing targeted intervention plans that build on strengths while addressing areas of need. She is trained through the Holy Names Educational Therapy Graduate Program in assessment, intervention, and remediation for individuals with mild to moderate learning differences.
Her work integrates research-based, multi-sensory methodologies, including Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Barton, Lindamood-Bell (Seeing Stars), Making Math Real, Handwriting Without Tears, Read Naturally, and SIMS. She remains actively engaged in professional development, with a particular focus on dyslexia, executive functioning, and the impact of trauma on learning.
In addition to her clinical work, Kate mentors new Educational Therapists and guest lectures in the Educational Therapy Master’s Program at Notre Dame de Namur University, supporting the next generation of professionals in the field.
Todd Novak, Learning Specialist, M.Ed.
Todd works with middle school, and high school students to strengthen critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. His work focuses on helping students become more confident, organized, and independent in managing their academic responsibilities.
In one-on-one sessions, Todd helps students break down assignments, structure and refine written work, and develop effective time management and study strategies. He also supports test preparation and test-taking approaches, helping students perform to their potential.
Todd offers prep school consulting and placement for families considering independent schools on the East Coast. He provides thoughtful, individualized guidance throughout the process—from school selection and application strategy to interview preparation and essay development—ensuring students present themselves clearly and authentically.
He also serves as a judge for the Edmunds Scholars Program at Stetson University, a selective scholarship recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and character. In this role, he evaluates candidates through interviews and written submissions, helping identify students with both intellectual promise and a strong sense of purpose.
In addition, Todd supports students through the college application process, with a particular focus on helping them craft essays that reflect their authentic voice and experiences. Ongoing communication with students and families is central to his work, ensuring support remains aligned and responsive throughout the process.
