About the Founder
Literacy specialist for over 10 years
I believe every child deserves instruction that fits who they are. That’s why I value tailoring learning to each individual by adapting to different styles, personalities, and needs so kids can not only grow, but also enjoy the process. With an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how children learn, think, and connect.
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I created Arcadia Literacy & Learning as an environment built entirely around what children need to thrive as readers and learners. For over 10 years, I’ve worked with kids in reading, and my love for it has only grown stronger with time.
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I personally hand-pick and train every member of my team to ensure they share the same values that guide me: putting the individual child first, seeking a deep understanding of behavior and development, and creating an environment where learning feels both safe and empowering.
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At the heart of it all, I believe every child deserves to feel confident in their abilities and supported in reaching their goals—and I feel incredibly grateful to spend my days helping make that possible.
Meet Your TEAM
Syd Doest, B.A.
Assistant Director, Pacer
Education/Training:
B.A. in Behavioral Health Sciences
Trained in LiPS, Seeing Stars, Visualizing & Verbalizing
Trained Executive Function Coach
Certified in ZooPhonics
My teaching philosophy:
I love to incorporate my students’ special interests into their sessions, creating a low-stakes environment that reduces stress and amplifies productivity. I embrace a playful, humorous, and casual approach to my sessions. Whether it’s putting on their favorite tunes in the background or transforming my workspace into a magical fairy kingdom for an hour, the goal is for each of my students to find a little joy in the midst of our work and to build confidence. In my spare time, I love collecting vinyl records, hunting for hidden gems at the thrift store, and trying not to cheat on the New York Times daily puzzles.
Arcadia Literacy & Learning
Welcome to Arcadia Literacy & Learning! Since our inception in 2017, our mission has been clear: to provide exceptional education and unwavering support to children facing challenges in reading, learning, executive function, and language comprehension.
We believe in a holistic approach, blending high-quality academics with emotional and familial assistance to foster comprehensive growth. At Arcadia, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do; we continually refine our programs through ongoing research and feedback, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our students.
Our expertise lies in serving those who defy categorization, tailoring individualized programs to each child's unique strengths and areas for improvement. With a team of highly educated professionals dedicated to their craft, we offer a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and empowered. We prioritize the child at Arcadia Literacy & Learning.
