We believe every child deserves a nurturing space to grow, thrive, and shine.
Meet Maria
Maria Diana, Ph.D., LDT-C, OG-T, has dedicated the past 18 years to serving K–12 students in New Jersey public and private schools. She earned her Doctor of Education in Teaching, Learning, Leadership, & Curriculum in 2020 from Montclair State University, where her groundbreaking research focused on lifelong learning challenges, the interplay between learning difficulties and cognitive function, and comprehensive diagnostic assessments.
Maria's academic journey is distinguished by a special degree program she designed, integrating coursework and research in Special Education, Educational Psychology, and Reading Literacy. She also holds a dual master's in Special Education and Reading Literacy with an emphasis on learning and cognition from Montclair State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Rider University. Her commitment to delivering the highest standards of instruction to individuals with dyslexia inspired her to earn the prestigious Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Therapist endorsement from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
As a Certified Clinician through the Center for Cognitive Enhancement (COGc), Maria has developed expertise in cognitive skills training and its impact on learning. This certification signifies advanced training in identifying and remediating cognitive processing difficulties to support academic success. With over 2,400 hours of hands-on experience delivering effective, evidence-based cognitive and educational programs, Maria has achieved proven success in helping students overcome challenges and reach their potential.
Maria's professional expertise extends to educational testing, special education instruction, private Orton-Gillingham tutoring, Executive Function coaching, parent coaching, and professional development workshops. Most notably, she has authored a curriculum specifically targeting Executive Function skills, designed to empower students in mastering essential strategies for organization, focus, self-regulation, and problem-solving.
Currently, Maria serves as an LDT-C (Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant) and a valued member of the Child Study Team (CST) at a charter school in Jersey City. In this role, she evaluates students for academic learning disabilities and collaborates with teachers to provide targeted support for these students. Her work ensures that every child receives individualized strategies and accommodations to thrive academically.
Maria's passion for making a difference is also deeply personal. As a mother of two young children and a devoted wife, she understands the profound impact early intervention and supportive education can have on a family. Her own son has benefited from early intervention services in occupational and speech therapy, shaping her empathy and commitment to ensuring every child receives the support they need to reach their full potential.
Her experiences include guiding children, their teachers, and parents through the challenges posed by various learning disabilities, including those often co-occurring with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Anxiety. Driven by a passion for fostering resilience and a lifelong love of learning, Maria employs a unique, multisensory approach tailored to individual needs. This includes compensatory learning strategies, cognitive remediation, study and memory techniques, and remedial instruction in reading, math, and writing. Today, she remains dedicated to working with students individually and empowering families, with the ultimate goal of making a meaningful difference in every family’s life through her innovative methodologies and comprehensive educational solutions.
Meet Gladys
Nicole Soto is a first-generation mother with three children who has a deep love and passion for working with children. A licensed social worker in New Jersey, currently pending licensure, Nicole was born and raised in New Jersey and is committed to creating therapeutic environments that support the emotional well-being of children. She has over 15 years of experience working with diverse communities, children, families, and schools. Nicole has partnered with several organizations to provide resources to schools and families, furthering her impact in the community.
Nicole’s professional background includes in-home therapy, where she worked with children and families using the wraparound model to address their needs. She has organized multiple events throughout New Jersey to raise awareness of mental health and improve access to community resources. Nicole’s dog, Millie, a Mini Schnauzer, will soon be certified by Pet Partners to assist in therapy sessions. She believes in the crucial role pets can play in therapy, particularly in motivating children and providing additional support in school settings.
Nicole is also in the process of becoming certified as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL), yoga, and mindfulness instructor through Breathe for Change. She strongly believes in the benefits of yoga for both children and adults as a coping technique, helping individuals to calm their minds, reduce stress, and build emotional regulation. Yoga, in her view, is a powerful tool for building resilience, improving emotional well-being, and promoting self-awareness.
In her previous roles, Nicole has played a crucial role in reorganizing the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports in a district, revamping the SEL and counseling teams, and providing supervision and training to multiple social workers. She has developed and taught SEL curriculum to students and teachers, ensuring students' social-emotional well-being both in school and at home.
Nicole is fluent in Spanish and has extensive experience in program development, crisis intervention, and family support. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from New Jersey City University. She is CPR and First Aid certified, and holds certifications in Child Family Team Training and NJ Wraparound Values and Principles.
Gladys Owusu-Broni is a dedicated Ghanaian-American school psychologist, born and raised in New Jersey. Her upbringing instilled in her a profound appreciation for diversity, resilience, and the transformative power of education. As a first-generation professional, Gladys is committed to fostering supportive environments where children can excel academically, emotionally, and socially.
Currently, Gladys serves as a school psychologist at a K-8 charter school. In this role, she collaborates with students, families, and educators to address a broad spectrum of needs. Her responsibilities include providing counseling, conducting assessments, and developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), all aimed at helping each student realize their full potential. Demonstrating her commitment to holistic student development, Gladys recently partnered with colleagues to design and implement a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum and school systems modeled on the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS). This initiative integrates academic and social-emotional development, promoting a school-wide culture of growth, inclusion, and resilience.
Gladys’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a School Psychology specialization from Montclair State University. During her time at Rutgers, she gained valuable experience as a research assistant at the Infancy Studies Laboratory at the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience. In this role, she contributed to research examining sensory information processing, language, and cognitive development across the lifespan, with a particular focus on the early neural processes necessary for normal cognitive and language development. Her dedication to lifelong learning continues as she pursues further education in school neuropsychology, aiming to deepen her understanding of how cognitive and neurological factors influence learning and behavior.
Gladys possesses a diverse skill set that enhances her effectiveness as a school psychologist. Her expertise includes psychological assessment, individual and group counseling, and the development of tailored interventions to meet the unique needs of each student. She has extensive knowledge of executive functioning skills, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, impulse control, organization, and time management. Additionally, Gladys is experienced in fostering social-emotional skills, such as self-awareness, empathy, responsible decision-making, and relationship-building, which are essential for students’ personal and academic success.
In her work, Gladys utilizes well-known cognitive and behavioral assessment tools, including the WISC-V, WPPSI, BASC-3, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales. These tools allow her to develop a holistic understanding of students’ strengths and areas of need, creating individualized interventions to promote growth.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Gladys has dedicated over a decade to teaching Sunday school, guiding children aged 2 to 14 in their spiritual and personal development. She values meaningful connections, whether through teaching, mentoring, or collaborative problem-solving. Her warm and approachable demeanor fosters trust and strong relationships with those she works with.
At the heart of Gladys’ work is a steadfast commitment to creating spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. She believes that with the right support, every child can thrive, and she is honored to contribute to that journey.