Specialized Academic Support

We seek to provide a learning environment that allows all students to meet their SouthLake Christian's Learning Center is home to four learning specialists who provide a variety of services for students, teachers, and parents.

Acknowledging the demanding nature of our curriculum, SouthLake Christian provides numerous learning programs for students requiring extra help. The Academic Development Center offers Math and Language Enrichment Groups, a tutorial study hall, speech and occupational therapy, mental health counseling, and resources from the National Institute of Learning Development and the Search & Teach program. These resources cater to students needing different levels of educational support and assistance.

“Our daughter needed help in math and reading. She was already benefitting from the smaller class sizes, but we were able to tailor her support in the classroom. Additionally, she receives consistent, one-on-one instruction in an environment favorable to her learning style. She looks forward to her time with the ADC teacher and definitely feels more confident in the classroom because of the private instruction. The ADC staff helps her with organizational and time management strategies that will have long-term benefits.”

-Lower School Parent

Services Offered

SouthLake Christian strives to provide an environment conducive to the spiritual and educational development of all its students. The Academic Development Center provides specialized assistance for students with documented learning disabilities and works with teachers to provide reasonable classroom and testing accommodations. They can provide referrals and consultations with a variety of outside support services.

Our specialists are here to provide expert guidance to ensure your child's academic success. Their expertise and dedication are invaluable assets designed to enhance your child's educational experience and help them achieve their academic goals. Don't hesitate to contact our specialists for any assistance you may require. Please reach out directly to them for personalized support and to address any concerns you may have.

Iva Bas

Director of Academic Development Center
(704) 949-2247

Academic Support Resources

Counseling Program

Having a dedicated School Counselor is crucial in ensuring that students not only thrive academically but also emotionally and socially. Our counselor works closely with teachers, parents, and students to create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Learn more about our Counseling Program.

Mrs. Caroline Conklin-Ortiz is the School Counselor at SouthLake Christian, serving students from JK-12. Her services are confidential. She is skilled in Play Therapy for younger students. For questions or concerns, contact Caroline Conklin-Ortiz via email or call (704) 949-2223.

Discovery for Math RX

Discovery for Math RX

Builds and strengthens number sense, math fluency, math vocabulary, and problem-solving strategies within three 30-minute or two 45-minute weekly small group sessions. Students who need to master basic number sense skills as well as those who rely on procedural understanding without a conceptual understanding would benefit the most from this program.

Discovery for Reading RX

Discovery for Reading RX

The training is designed to model how to weave these components, which we call “strands of language” into a language braid that is comprehensive, constructive, and creative. Once the Rx for Discovery Reading: Standard training is completed NILD educational therapists and classroom educators will be able to work with students in a one-on-one situation or in small groups and effectively and efficiently develop decoding and encoding skills in their students.

National Institute for Learning Development (NILD)

Search & Teach

Language Enrichment

Math Enrichment

The Mathematics Enrichment Groups are offered for grades 1-3 and 4-6. Students participate in 45minute small group sessions. Each session focuses on foundational math skills that are designed to increase problem solving ability and improve mathematical reasoning. Also, students receive tutoring with the concepts currently being taught in their individual classrooms.

Academic Support

In collaborative discussions with parents, teachers, and students, our academic support specialists develop a variety of recommendations to support students outside the classroom and at home, as well as create strategies for teachers and parents. They attend parent-teacher conferences, initiate informal check-ins, meet with counselors and division heads, help set-up future programs, and guide future educational decisions.

SouthLake Christian does not receive federal funding, academic accommodations are provided not out of legal obligation, but because we are committed to seeing all our students succeed academically regardless of their backgrounds and experiences. With proper documentation, SouthLake Christian can provide an Educational Plan of Action (EPA) for students who qualify for academic accommodations or have received an IEP or 504 at a public school.

*Enrollment in programs offered through the Academic Development Center is based on a combination of criteria, such as evaluation results and teacher recommendations and are not covered by general tuition. Acceptance into these programs is at the discretion of the program director.

Study Hall

Other Services

Speech-Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy

Speech-Language Therapy

Speech therapy is offered on a contracted basis. Natasha Kearney, M.A., CCC-SLP, is our contracted Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist.

Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of various communication disorders including articulation, receptive language, expressive language, auditory processing, fluency, voice, and apraxia, etc. All children have the right to be effective communicators. As the contracted Speech-Language Pathologist at SouthLake since 2008, my goal is to provide customized, engaging, effective, and fun evaluations and therapy services to help students learn and thrive with their communication skills in and out of the classroom. Our services help students use their strengths to improve communication, increase academic skills in the classroom, more clearly express themselves with peers and adults, and build confidence in their overall communication skills.

I am the owner of Children’s Therapy Connections and I have over 21 years of pediatric experience within a variety of clinical settings. I am nationally and state licensed and accredited. Also, I am the parent of two SouthLake students. You may find more information about my private practice at ctcspeech.com.

Occupational Therapy

For a child, two of their most important “occupations” are school and play. As the Occupational Therapist at SouthLake. My goal is to help children of all ages gain confidence and success in these occupations by addressing areas such as coordination, fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, the ability to focus and attend, handwriting, self-regulation, and classroom skills. With 25 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist and a parent of two children at SouthLake Christian, it is my privilege to work with the students, teachers, and families to enhance students’ abilities by helping to get to the root of any struggles they are having that impact their occupations. In addition to my time at SouthLake Christian, I work with children in private practice, have authored a book titled “Why Is My Kid Doing That? A sensory approach to understanding your child’s behavior”, am a guest on parenting podcasts, and write for local parent magazines.

Cindy Utzinger, Occupational Therapist

www.whyismykiddoingthat.com