Founder, Ed Specialist, Academic Coach

I founded Learn Like U in 2021 to provide a service that combines what brings me joy with my professional and personal experience. I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and I deal with an array of undiagnosed experiences like anxiety and sensory overwhelm. I have had to create an expansive toolkit to successfully move through the world. I would have really benefitted from a coach like me when I was in school- an accessible (and I must say funny) adult to norm my experiences, teach me in a way that actually made sense to me, and help me manage my responsibilities.

I transitioned to coaching full time in 2021 after serving as the special education middle school reading teacher at Raskob Day School in Oakland for four years. Before that I worked with middle to high school students with and without IEPs across all subject areas as a Resource Specialist at Aspire. In tandem with full time teaching, I have always balanced 1-on-1 work with students outside of school as an executive functioning coach and family advocate both with SOS4Students and independently.

I developed Learn Like U to fully commit to my independent practice of serving individual students (and some small groups) and their families.

In doing this work over the years, I have collaborated with an amazing roster of service providers who I am confident referring families to. If I am not the right fit for you, I will help you find someone who is! As you scroll, you will find Learn Like U’s trusted associates who do their own amazing work with kids.

Ed Specialist, Writing Teacher

Nicolette has worked in education for 15 years. She started her special education teaching career as a New York City Teaching Fellow. The last ten years she served as a Learning Specialist at Raskob Day School teaching middle school writing. Beginning a new journey as an independent Education Specialist, Nicolette will continue the work and support the mission of what drew her to Raskob in the first place- providing diverse learners attention, support, and strategies they can take with them along their academic journey. With a simple set of tools and routines, they will be able to shape their complex thoughts into writing. Her working style with students creates a fun, welcoming, supportive environment whether in her group essay writing workshops or during her 1:1 sessions. Requests to work with Nicolette will be sent to her directly.

Ed Specialist

Robert Chappelle was born and raised in Oakland by parents who were both teachers. Robert began his own career working for a non-profit supporting adults with developmental disabilities. He transitioned to serving both elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and adhd at Raskob Day School. Robert has a Master’s of Education through Holy Names University, and is currently finalizing his Special Education teaching credential. Robert excels at supporting nervous learners, and helping them build their confidence! Requests to work with Robert will be forwarded to him directly.

Ed Specialist, Future Principal

Iris Velasco is a seasoned Education Specialist with over 8 years of experience in IEP development and positive behavior support. She is a dedicated advocate who designs effective behavior plans, both inside and outside IEPs, that are 110% student centered. Requests to work with Iris will be forwarded to her directly.