Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Shapiro.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
After graduating Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Bioethics from UC Berkeley, I embarked on a journey of exploration to discern my professional path, and, like many liberal arts students…I was completely lost. I worked as a patient advocate at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital and later as a legal advocate for prisoners’ rights in Boston before feeling the pull back to Los Angeles, where I resolved to pursue graduate studies in psychology.
My time spent with cancer patients and prisoners deepened my fascination with the human psyche, propelling me into the realm of psychology. During my graduate journey, I embraced diverse opportunities, from tutoring for a prominent company in Los Angeles to teaching religious school at Temple Israel of Hollywood to assisting a local psychiatrist in Brentwood. These experiences illuminated the varied yet interconnected worlds of psychology and education.
Tutoring revealed to me the joy of empowering students to conquer academic hurdles. Each session was not just about imparting knowledge but also instilling resilience and self-assurance in students’ abilities. Little did I know, the tutoring company entrusted me with their most challenging cases, where I found my niche in nurturing their untapped potential.
Encountering a student with a profound reading disability in Hollywood sparked my quest for deeper expertise in supporting learners with diverse needs. Thus, after completing my graduate studies, I delved into advanced training in educational therapy, eventually becoming a Board-Certified Educational Therapist.
The diverse array of experiences I accumulated throughout my journey uniquely equipped me to embark on the path of starting my own practice, and these experiences make me particularly relatable to my students. My time as an advocate for prisoners’ rights instilled in me the invaluable skill of championing the needs of individuals—an ability that seamlessly translates into advocating for students’ educational needs. Interacting with cancer patients taught me the profound importance of empathic communication—a skill that lies at the core of effective therapeutic relationships. As a tutor, I gained firsthand experience working directly with students, understanding their challenges, and tailoring solutions to meet their unique learning styles. Moreover, my roles as an office assistant and later as the director of a tutoring company provided me with comprehensive insight into the intricate workings of running a business —from administrative tasks to management. These experiences collectively fostered the confidence and acumen needed to venture into private practice, where I was able to integrate my multifaceted expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients.
Today, I proudly helm the Certification Board for the Association of Educational Therapists, guiding the next generation of educational therapists. Alongside, I’ve ventured into adjunct faculty roles, consulting positions with schools, tutoring companies, and parents, and am the founder of edcahoots—an educational therapy practice dedicated to championing best practices in education. Our entire team of educational therapists is endorsed by the Association of Educational Therapists at the Associate, Professional, or Board-Certified Level, setting our professionalism far above that of our competition.
Despite the hurdles, including juggling multiple jobs while pursuing graduate studies, my passion for empowering learners with disabilities burns bright. My career isn’t just a path I chose—it’s a calling, a testament to my unwavering dedication to inclusive education and unlocking the potential of every student.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Navigating life’s twists and turns has been quite the ride—a journey marked by challenges that pushed me to discover my true purpose amidst uncertainty. One of the toughest hurdles I faced was figuring out where I fit in the professional world. I had to make tough choices, like opting for a night program during graduate school to make ends meet while working three jobs, even though I could’ve aimed for a more prestigious graduate school program.
Being the wife of a dedicated reform rabbi who worked tirelessly every day of the week added another layer of complexity. Balancing my role as his partner with my own aspirations wasn’t easy, but his unwavering support made it more manageable.
Then, there was the realization that most educational therapists in the field had either just graduated or were older professionals who had taken time off during their own children’s upbringing. When my husband and I decided to expand our family, I knew I couldn’t just take maternity leave without a plan. So, I expanded my private practice by hiring other educational therapists whom I could trust and train to provide the highest quality service to my clients, which turned out to be a game-changer. It not only helped me juggle motherhood and work but also created opportunities for other working parents on our team.
And let’s not forget the curveball that was the pandemic. Overnight, we had to switch all of our services online—a challenge that required trust from our clients and a lot of creative thinking from our team. We rolled with the punches, proving that resilience and adaptability are our strong suits.
Through it all, one of the most rewarding parts has been creating a work environment where being a dedicated parent doesn’t mean sacrificing professional growth. It’s been a rollercoaster, but every twist and turn has led me to where I am today—a place of fulfillment and purpose.
My motto is “Uncertainty is Opportunity in Disguise.” I’ve learned to embrace every roadblock and challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning, and I encourage my students to do the same.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about edcahoots?
At edcahoots, our commitment to transforming the educational journey for all children is deeply rooted in our comprehensive approach, which encompasses personalized one-to-one educational therapy, expert consulting, and thorough academic assessment services. Led by a team of seasoned educational therapists, we specialize in empowering students with diverse learning needs to unlock their full potential.
Our practice is dedicated to offering comprehensive educational therapy services tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. With expertise in addressing a wide range of learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, and disorders of written expression, our therapists employ evidence-based interventions and a holistic approach to empower students to overcome academic challenges and build confidence.
What sets edcahoots apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of educational therapy. Unlike other practices, every member of our team is a qualified educational therapist, bringing years of experience and expertise to our practice. We take pride in staying at the forefront of research and best practices, continuously evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and families.
In addition to our personalized therapy sessions, edcahoots offers expert consulting and thorough assessment services to further support our community. Our consulting services extend beyond traditional professional development, collaborating with institutions, educators, and parents to deliver strategic solutions in reading, writing, math, and executive function skills. We specialize in fostering inclusivity for children with learning disabilities, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.
Our assessment services provide comprehensive evaluations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of growth, empowering families to make informed decisions about their child’s education and support needs. At edcahoots, we’re not just a service provider—we’re partners on the journey to academic success and personal growth. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my favorite childhood memories is the day my family moved to our new house. I remember walking down the street and seeing my neighbor Amy in her garage, painting a pair of white Keds with her dad. She invited me to join in, and that’s how our 36-year friendship began.
Another cherished memory is dancing with my dad in a public square in Israel. The music, the laughter, and the joy of dancing together created a moment I’ll never forget.
And then there were those summer days when my mom and I would swim in our pool. She’d porpoise with me on her back, like a dolphin, making every swim feel like an adventure.
These memories remind me of the simple joys and connections that shaped my childhood, filling it with warmth, laughter, and love.
Contact Info:
- Website: edcahoots.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edcahoots/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edcahoots
Image Credits
Emily Young
