What is Educational Therapy?
Educational therapy, as defined by the Association of Educational Therapists, is a highly individualized approach that blends evidence-based instruction with a therapeutic understanding of how students learn. It goes beyond traditional tutoring by addressing not only academic skills such as reading, writing, and executive functioning, but also the underlying factors that impact learning, including attention, processing, and confidence. Through ongoing assessment, targeted instruction, and a strong, supportive relationship, educational therapy helps students build skills, develop self-awareness, and become more independent, resilient learners over time.
Who We Are
NOLA Learning Support is a private educational therapy practice in New Orleans, founded by Kate and Todd Novak, serving students from kindergarten through college. 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.
As parents of two grown children with learning differences, we understand firsthand the challenges families face. Even with backgrounds in education, there were times when we felt overwhelmed watching our own children struggle—unsure where to turn and navigating what can be an emotional experience. With the guidance of the right professionals, we learned how to advocate effectively, ensuring our children received the support, understanding, and accommodations they deserved. That experience continues to shape our work today. Without the right support, students with learning differences are at risk of developing low self-esteem and falling short of their true potential. With it, they can thrive.
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.
We believe meaningful progress happens through collaboration. By partnering closely with parents and teachers, we help students make measurable academic gains while also building confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of pride in their work. Our services include one-on-one sessions in our Uptown office, on school campuses, in students’ homes, and—since 2020—via Zoom, allowing us to remain flexible and accessible to families.
In addition to our work in New Orleans, we are proud to partner with the BREDS Foundation in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Through this collaboration, we helped create a literacy lab at Newell High School, introducing teachers and students to the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy instruction. This work reflects our commitment to expanding access to effective reading intervention beyond our local community. BREDS (The Treasure Beach Foundation) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable development in rural Jamaica, with a focus on education, youth development, community health, and economic growth. We are honored to support their mission through program development and ongoing collaboration.
At the core of our work is a commitment to helping students not only improve academically, but also develop the skills to advocate for themselves and approach learning with confidence. Whether a student is in first grade or preparing for college, we provide practical, effective support grounded in years of experience.
Outside of their work, they enjoy traveling, spending time in their beloved community of Treasure Beach, Jamaica, reading, attending live music, and collecting records. Kate especially enjoys horseback riding, and together they share their lives with two dogs, Roux and Mambo, who occasionally visit the office and bring extra warmth and joyful energy to the space.
Kate Novak, Certified Professional Educational Therapist (ET/P)
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.A.
Todd works with middle school, high school, and college 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.