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.

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 Seaver 208, and it is a space that students can utilize throughout their day to work in groups, study alone, or seek out additional support from one of our Learning Specialists or Writing Specialist. 

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. Madkins
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    Ms. Madkins
    Ms. Madkins

    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.

  • Ms. Gasparino
    Ms. Gasparino
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    Ms. Gasparino
    Ms. Gasparino

    Ms. Gasparino (jdillon-gasparino@hw.com) enjoys baseball, TikTok, and contemporary fiction, spending time on the water, traveling, and spending time with family.  She teaches juniors in Living America, English 11, and 10th grade Life Lab. Reach out to her for questions about claims, outlining, drafting, structuring your ideas,brainstorming, outlining and organization, editing and publishing or any other part of the writing process.

  • Mr. VISAIZ
    Mr. VISAIZ
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    Mr. VISAIZ
    Mr. VISAIZ

    Mr. Visaiz 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, Mr. V is here to support students and families through the educational testing process and serve as a resource for students with accommodations.

Peer Note Taking
Additional Academic Support Resources
Educational Testing & Accommodations
Diversability: Overcoming Inequality Together! (DO-IT!)