Lifelong learning

ABC Interactive Learning Centre in Cranbrook aims to produce profound, life-changing results

Sally Struthers believes in doing service for others, a philosophy that carries over into her new Cranbrook-based educational business venture, ABC Interactive Learning Centre. —

Photo courtesy Sally Struthers

For many people, September is back to school time. For Sally Struthers of Cranbrook, B.C., September 2011 was when she started her brand new business, ABC Interactive Learning Centre. Kootenay Business caught up with Struthers, who works with one other casual employee, to talk about a venture that the long-time teacher describes as much more than just a tutoring service.

What gave you the idea, or prompted you, to open up an interactive learning centre?

As a professional educator, I had noticed that Cranbrook needed something that offered more than just tutoring and homework help. I know there are many students who are having difficulty with reading and learning. So I started looking for programs that would have life-changing results for the children and adults I wanted to work with, but also had scientifically validated research to stand behind.

How many students are you currently serving, and how many would you be able to accept all told?

I have nine clients and can accommodate up to 30, either K-12 students or adults.

Describe the service you offer.

ABC Interactive Learning uses engaging software programs designed to build a person's learning capacity through exercises that improve brain processing speed and accuracy. Clients use them according to age and need. I also help students strengthen their vocabulary, fluency and comprehension to become proficient, confident readers. Since each program is adapted to the clients' abilities, I create individualized learning plans for each client.

These programs are based on years of research into neuroplasticity—the discovery that the human brain can be "rewired" to overcome learning difficulties. Because they are designed to target what the brain needs in order to change, this isn't one of those things you have to do forever. When using the recommended schedule, parents will see positive results in eight to 12 weeks that will last a lifetime.

Do you see your service as complementing the regular education system and, if so, in what way?

I would hope so. For some reason, my clients have difficulty with reading and learning. This prohibits them from being successful in the classroom. As a teacher, I would look for resources or tools in my community that would help my students become successful and improve their self-esteem.

Do you have a business or work philosophy that you can condense into a couple of sentences?

My primary motivator as an educator is always to work in a setting that is personal in helping, leading and guiding children to develop intellectually, emotionally, physically and morally. I work one-on-one with my clients, getting to know them so we can share their successes together. Parents have commented that they can't believe their child runs into the centre so excited about coming. We have fun learning.

What's the most challenging part of your work?

Trying to reach the children and adults in our communities struggling to read and learn, who could benefit from what my centre offers. And trying not to shed a tear or two (as I) encourage students who have been told by others they will not learn to read that, yes, they will learn to read and their grades will improve. There is hope for those students.

Research has shown that at-risk, ESL (English as a second language), learning disabled and emotionally challenged students have had profound, life-changing results from using the programs offered at my centre. However, students at or above grade level will also see positive changes in their reading and learning.

What's the most rewarding part of your work?

Knowing that when clients walk out my door, they can read. They are so much more confident and have more self-esteem than when they walked in. Many parents have shared with me that the frustration within the family is gone and their child is happy and succeeding at school.

One of my clients just came back from seeing his pediatrician who told him he was a different kid. And he is!

Who has inspired you over the years?

All the students I have ever taught. And there have been lots. Some of them have become teachers because of having me as a teacher and that is inspiring just in itself. Now, I get inspired when my clients tell me their reading is so much better and they give me a huge grin!

Where do you hope to be five years from now in terms of your business?

On a beach in Jamaica! No, honestly though, I would hope to have the centre operating somewhere other than out of my home in Cranbrook and have satellite centres in our surrounding communities throughout the Kootenays.

What did you do before starting this new venture?

I taught in Saskatchewan for many years. When I moved to Cranbrook 10 years ago, I was the principal of St. Mary's Catholic Independent School and then moved on to be the executive director for Summit Community Services Society.

Any community involvement, hobbies or other interests you'd like to mention?

I volunteer with the Salvation Army and the Cranbrook Curling Club as well as whatever else may come along. My philosophy has always been to do service for others. I also love backcountry hiking, camping, curling, skiing and sharing my life with my husband, David, and our four children.

Anything else at all you'd like to share with our readers?

Yes—if a potential client or parent of a potential client brings a copy of this interview in and enrolls with the centre, they will receive 10 per cent off the first month's session fees.

Contact info:

Find out more about ABC Interactive Learning Centre by calling Sally Struthers at 250-464-4422, emailing [email protected] or going to the centre's website.