Welcome to Ladybug Learners!
My name is Raquel Wolens, the founder of Ladybug Learners, and I'm thrilled to have you here. My mission at Ladybug Learners is to equip young learners with the tools and strategies they need to flourish in and out of the classroom. Whether it's mastering literacy and phonics, refining reading strategies, or working on writing skills, Ladybug Learners is committed to empowering every child to reach their full potential.
The cornerstone of my practice is personalized instruction. I understand that every child learns differently, which is why I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each student. Ladybug Learners is about more than just academics — it's about fostering meaningful connections and building strong, nurturing relationships with my clients. My goal is not just to share academic knowledge but to empower young learners to confidently navigate their educational journey and beyond.
I am an educational specialist who supports students on their foundational literacy skills. I have worked closely with elementary school students in both classroom and one-on-one settings and I have now dedicated myself to understanding and addressing the diverse learning needs of young children. I can't wait to get to know your child!
I hold a B.A. in Social Theory and Practice, with a focus on Education and Social Work, from the University of Michigan, and I'm currently completing my Master's in Educational Therapy at California State University, Northridge, expected December 2026. I'm also a proud Student Member of the Association of Educational Therapists (AET).
My training in literacy instruction includes certification through LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), the Orton-Gillingham Academy at the Classroom Educator level, and the Reading and Writing Project through Teachers College, Columbia University.
Before founding Ladybug Learners, I spent my time in the classroom as a lead teacher in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade in Ann Arbor, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, along with experience as an academic interventionist for students from PreK through 4th grade. It was in the classroom that I saw firsthand how powerful one-on-one intervention could be, watching a student who was struggling in a group setting finally click with material once they had focused, individualized support. That's what led me to pursue this work full time, and it's still what drives how I approach every session today.