Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Haney.
Hi Carolyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was a kindergarten teacher for 2 years and a school counselor for 20 years, before starting Duluth Core Learning. Our son was struggling in school and neither his teachers nor myself knew exactly how to help him be successful. They referred to him as a “puzzle” and even with all my training, I could not find a way to help him learn. Homework time was extremely stressful and he hated school. He had been diagnosed with dyslexia and auditory processing disorder.
We had him in tutoring 3 hours/week for 3 years. Yet, my husband and I were certain he would likely not finish high school and would never be interested in further education. I took a leave from my school counselor position to train and research other ways of teaching and helping people learn. I then began working with my son. I trained a few others to also work with him as he moved forward. He no longer qualified for special education within a few months and began working independently at school. He discovered a variety of techniques and strategies that made learning easier. Best of all, he started to enjoy learning.
As our son became more successful, other people began to send me their kids, thus, Duluth Core Learning was born. Our son is now a junior in college, and looking forward to what he would like his future to look like. As a school counselor, I knew there was a need for more resources and services in the area, I just had not realized the extent of that need. We now work with children and adults, mostly 1×1, with some small groups, focusing on each person’s goals for success, whether that is with academic success or daily functioning. Our services include balance, coordination, movement, processing, memory, and attention.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a steep learning curve. I did not know anything about business when I started and thought I would be a school counselor forever.
I enjoyed the flexibility to be present for our three kids in all their activities, yet it required a lot of my time and sometimes, my family didn’t get all my attention. My husband has been instrumental in keeping me focused and balanced, reminding me why I started this journey. He is also the “detail-oriented” half of our relationship. I tend to be visionary and creative, neglecting the “not so-fun” details a business entails.
We are now empty nesters with three kids successfully navigating their adventures with college, so our focus has pivoted once again, allowing more focus on the business, yet a desire to expand and explore more of what we can offer and how we can improve. Things are always changing and that’s what I love most about being in business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Duluth Core Learning?
We are a cognitive training center. People often confuse us with tutoring or teaching, which are quite different from who we are. We strengthen underlying skills in internal timing, balance, coordination, memory, processing (auditory and visual), and attention while integrating reflexes. As these areas are strengthened, we help clients apply the new skills to their learning or daily functioning, whether that is in reading, math, writing, or enhanced home and work life.
We work mostly 1×1 although we have just begun offering group classes that work on all these skill areas while incorporating movement and music. It is a lot of fun and focuses on each client’s goals for success, monitoring daily improvements, and the transfer of skills to their lives.
What we want everyone to know is that whether you are a child, a parent, or a senior, there is always an opportunity for growth and change. This growth allows for more confidence and enjoyment of everyday life. As people struggle, they tend to isolate themselves out of protection. We open the doors to their hopes, dreams, and opportunity. We are available in both Duluth and Hibbing and we provide remote sessions as well!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
We collaborate with a variety of professionals in the community and highly value their input.
We see these relationships as further enhancement of the community surrounding our clients and the best hopes for our client’s continued success. Many professionals refer their patients/clients to us and vice versa. It is through these connections that we can identify and support what each person needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.duluthcorelearning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duluthcorelearning/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duluthcorelearning/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-haney-18819284
Image Credits
Hibbing Center: Core Learning and Lily Hess
