“As an Educational Therapists, I don’t just teach what to learn, I teach how to learn. My work addresses both academic content and the cognitive, emotional, and organizational processes that make learning possible for the individual student. A help students develop the skills, systems, habits, and confidence that lead to long-term independence.” – Alina Stauffer
Background
Alina holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Bridgeport and a Post-Graduate Certification in Educational Therapy from Holy Names University. She began her career as a middle school mathematics and bilingual teacher in Connecticut, later joining an innovative New York City middle school known for engaging academically challenged students. During that time, she founded two enrichment programs. One was a widely popular after-school arts program that offered creative alternatives to the sports programs typically offered, and a scholarship initiative that helped underserved students gain admission to elite boarding schools. From the start, Alina’s teaching philosophy has focused on empowering students in ways that honor their unique learning profiles and circumstances.
Approach & Specializations
Alina is trained in numerous evidence-based approaches for mathematics, reading, and executive functioning. She draws from programs such as Multisensory Math, Making Math Real, Singapore Math, structured literacy methods including Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell, and the Wilson Reading System. She also incorporates Executive Skills Coaching (Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare), The Art of Inspiring Students, The Anti-Boring Approach to Power Studying, Executive Functioning Success, and Seeing My Time among other multisensory and brain-based methods. Alina is a native Spanish and English speaker.
Since moving to California over ten years ago, Alina has worked with bright, creative, and diverse learners, including those with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, executive function challenges, trauma histories, and English-language learners. She tailors each session to the student’s needs, combining targeted academic support, executive function strategies, and metacognitive reflection, all delivered with warmth, structure, and encouragement to help students become more confident, independent learners.
In addition to working with students in person throughout the Marin and San Francisco area, Alina also works with students from across the country and around the world via Zoom. Her online sessions maintain the same individualized, engaging, and effective approach.
Professional Leadership & Affiliations
Alina serves as a board member of Marin Educators in Private Practice (MEPP) and a committee member with the Association of Educational Therapists (AET), the national organization dedicated to promoting excellence and ethical standards in educational therapy. Through these roles, she contributes to advancing best practices, fostering collaboration among professionals, and strengthening the network of support available to students and families.
In-Person & Online Services
- In-person at Alina’s office in Novato, California
- In-person at the student’s home or school, within Marin County, California
- Online from anywhere via Zoom