Upper School Learning Center

Mission Statement

The Learning Center supports the work of faculty, students, and their families through a variety of collaborative efforts. Working closely with teaching faculty, counseling staff, and administration, the Learning Center seeks to develop, enhance, and promote a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. The program’s dual mission is to provide academic support for identified students, and to serve as a resource for faculty who work with students with a range of learning strengths and needs.

Educational Testing & Accommodations

If your child has a diagnosed learning difference or you are considering educational testing, please contact the Director of the Learning Center on your campus. The first step in the process involves an intake meeting and intervention sessions; if the Learning Center team determines that educational testing is appropriate, we will provide referrals.

If you are considering educational testing you should first consult with a member of the learning center staff. Please see our referral process linked below. 

Family Referral Process

Information

The Upper School Learning Center is open to all students Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Learning Center is is located in Mudd Library 4th floor.  This space is designed for students to utilize throughout their day to work in groups, study alone, or seek out additional support from one of our Learning Specialists, Writing Specialist or Peer Tutors. 

Our staff is here to support students by helping them utilize their strengths and develop skills to maximize their educational experience.

TEAM BIOS

Ms. Madkins

Ms. Julee Madkins currently serves as the Director of the Upper School Learning Center after holding similar roles in independent schools in Los Angeles and New York. As a trained learning specialist and former specialized classroom academic instructor, Ms. Madkins works with students, families, and teachers on how to best support the needs of a wide-range of learners using a strengths-based approach. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, reading, traveling, and beach days.

Mr. Visaiz

Mr. Ray Visaiz currenlty serves as the Assistant Director of the Upper School Learning Center. He is here to serve students in a variety of ways, including helping with time management, organization, test-taking/studying strategies, and academic support. In addition to helping students with their academics, he is here to support students and families through the educational testing process and serve as a resource for students with accommodations.

Ms. Stanton

Nicole Stanton currently serves as Academic Support Specialist and English Faculty Member. After a decade of teaching literature and writing, Ms. Stanton is thrilled to collaborate with students, families, and teachers in the Learning Center. Her approach to teaching and student-support centers the variability of student learning styles and needs on any given day. She delights in building structures and tools for students that make the academic experience one of curiosity and possibility. Outside of her life at Harvard-Westlake, Ms. Stanton goes on very long walks, writes when she can, and works as a death doula.

In Academics