Meet Our Founder:
Shannon Hooley
Hello, my name is Shannon Hooley. I have created this very unique healing space that is warm and inclusive - School of Love and Gratitude. I have twin daughters. One of my daughters was diagnosed with autism at 20 months. Since that day, I have been on a journey to help her heal profoundly. School of Love and Gratitude was my dream that has now become a reality. Finding the right school in Fort Lauderdale for my daughter with autism was a significant challenge.
Homeschooling was not an option, in our home, because my daughter needs a highly structured environment that also allows her to feel safe, comfortable and free to be herself, just like she feels at home. I created School of Love and Gratitude as a homeschool support center. This center is my unique vision. Students attending the School of Love and Gratitude must be registered as a homeschool student with his or her designated public school district. Since we are homeschool support center, we are not governed by state mandates or required to administer high stake testing. Instead we offer academic and social support with the freedom of using materials and methods that match your child’s individual learning style. We are interviewing potential families to join our learning adventure. Your child may be the right fit if he or she is on the spectrum of autism and is not thriving in a current educational setting. You, as parents, are ideal for our school, if you are open to non-traditional, educational methods, and healing modalities such as light therapy, sound therapy and vibrational therapy.
It is my great hope, along with my amazing team of teachers and therapists, to create a structured but colorful and fun loving space in which these children have a deep sense of belonging. My team and I are committed to providing everything these children need to live their lives with joy each day. My family and I love this “Awesomism” Autism journey we are on, and we are grateful for it all. Love is the energy that we give to others, and gratitude is the love that we receive. We plan to use the power of love and gratitude as the driving force behind our school.
Homeschooling was not an option, in our home, because my daughter needs a highly structured environment that also allows her to feel safe, comfortable and free to be herself, just like she feels at home. I created School of Love and Gratitude as a homeschool support center. This center is my unique vision. Students attending the School of Love and Gratitude must be registered as a homeschool student with his or her designated public school district. Since we are homeschool support center, we are not governed by state mandates or required to administer high stake testing. Instead we offer academic and social support with the freedom of using materials and methods that match your child’s individual learning style. We are interviewing potential families to join our learning adventure. Your child may be the right fit if he or she is on the spectrum of autism and is not thriving in a current educational setting. You, as parents, are ideal for our school, if you are open to non-traditional, educational methods, and healing modalities such as light therapy, sound therapy and vibrational therapy.
It is my great hope, along with my amazing team of teachers and therapists, to create a structured but colorful and fun loving space in which these children have a deep sense of belonging. My team and I are committed to providing everything these children need to live their lives with joy each day. My family and I love this “Awesomism” Autism journey we are on, and we are grateful for it all. Love is the energy that we give to others, and gratitude is the love that we receive. We plan to use the power of love and gratitude as the driving force behind our school.
Meet Our Dedicated and Nurturing Team
Lori Levy MA CCC-SLP
A Brainy Choice Inc. is owned by Lori Levy MA CCC-SLP, a national certified (ASHA) and state licensed/insured Speech Language Pathologist. Ms. Levy attended the University of Central Florida and received her Masters Degree in Communicative Disorders/Speech Language Pathology in 2003. During her professional career of over 20 years, Lori has worked in a variety of settings. Lori gained experience working in hospitals, clinics, home health, elementary, middle, and high schools before starting her own private practice. She specializes in oral motor and feeding disorders, and is highly experienced working with Developmental Delays, Down Syndrome, Autism, medically fragile children, language disorders, fluency disorders, as well as articulation and phonological disorders. Lori has also created several educational apps that coincide with the therapy she provides. Ms. Levy has worked closely with Occupational Therapists for many years, and realizes the benefits of working as a team to see the best results. She has created a team with a variety of therapists that are highly skilled and unique. The talented and dedicated group of therapists work hard daily to make sure each child reaches their maximum potential. Ms. Levy and her team take an innovative and realistic approach to motivate and maintain the interest of the patient, while finding the best treatment plan possible. Her belief is that every individual deserves the best quality of care to express themselves and improve their overall quality of life.
Jacquelyn, Education Specialist, M.S.
Jacquelyn, Education Specialist, M.S., is a certified Special and General Education Teacher licensed/insured in the States of Florida and New York. Jacquelyn has a dual Master’s Degree of Science for Teachers from Pace University in New York City and graduated top of her class as a NYC Teaching Fellow. She also has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Pre-Medical Concentration. Jacquelyn is currently certified to teach students with moderate to severe disabilities as well as a general education curriculum. She specializes and is experienced working with Autism, Auditory Processing, Developmental/cognitive Delays, Down Syndrome, Emotional/Multiple Disabilities, and medically fragile children. She is also certified in ESL, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in Schools (TCIS) as well as Positive Behavior Support and Mental Health Support through Rutgers University Medical Center. Jacquelyn is trained in a wide range of behavioral supports and has years of experience writing Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). She is also conversational to intermediate level in a few languages including American Sign. Jacquelyn works with students ranging in age and cognitive ability and has taught in the classroom as well as the private sector, and now as an independent contractor. While teaching in New York City, Jacquelyn was awarded highly effective ratings while being observed for her pedagogy skills. She also has extensive experience homeschooling, tutoring, and coaching/consulting parents while navigating the education and therapy services process for their children. Jacquelyn works closely and collaborates with a team of specialists including Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Behavior Therapists, and more. She strongly believes in team collaboration in order to provide and ensure the best quality of care for her students/clients. Jacquelyn believes that anyone can reach their full potential through focus, hard work, and perseverance. She takes a fun, gentle, and strategic approach while instructing her students and makes sure that all of the material is adapted to meet the individual needs of every student. Jacquelyn firmly believes in building rapport so that her students are comfortable, engaged, and achieve success through positive reinforcement during the learning process. This ensures and provides a safe learning environment where students can express themselves as well as enrich and improve their quality of life. Jacquelyn continues to improve her practice through years of experience and continued professional development courses. She is continuing her studies in American Cued Speech, as well as pursuing her NBCT(National Board Certification) and PHD.
Estefania Bereicua, M.S., CCC-SLP
Estefania (Nia) Bereicua is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in working with children of all ages. She is nationally accredited through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is also bilingual in English and Spanish. She is experienced working in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, rehabs, and homes.
She is an enthusiastic and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist driven by a devotion to providing superior outcomes and the best opportunities for all patients. She has fallen very much in love with the study of communication disorders. The desire to help others was one of the reasons that led her to choose this major, to build a career supporting people to better their lives.
She strives to learn about new cultures, meet new people, and experience new things. Empathy, determination, and patience are what she believes are the basis of becoming a successful professional.
She is an enthusiastic and dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist driven by a devotion to providing superior outcomes and the best opportunities for all patients. She has fallen very much in love with the study of communication disorders. The desire to help others was one of the reasons that led her to choose this major, to build a career supporting people to better their lives.
She strives to learn about new cultures, meet new people, and experience new things. Empathy, determination, and patience are what she believes are the basis of becoming a successful professional.
Pearl Natanel Occupational Therapist
Pearl was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Brooklyn College, the City University of New York. She then moved on to graduate in 2014 with her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Long Island University. Pearl has an extensive background working with children with developmental disabilities, specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has 9+ years of experience working with special education teachers, families, and other supporting staff to enhance children's participation and engagement in meaningful occupations. Pearl has worked in multiple settings, including schools, clinics, and homes, to support child development.
Joy Gluska
(Registered Behavior Therapist/ Dance Therapy)
Ms Joy. Holds a degree in Dance Education. She is a Registered behavior therapist certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Ms. Joy is an accomplished dance educator specializing in Early Childhood and Elementary ages. She is dedicated and nurturing to each student's needs.
Ms. Joy has experience with verbal and nonverbal and related disabilities. She has worked with the Department of Education, Private schools, Home schools, and clinical settings. Her applied behavior analysis experience started while shadowing a few students. She incorporates her professional background in dance and movement to reduce problematic behaviors.
Ms. Joy is originally from New York City, where she was awarded a full scholarship to a professional Modern dance company. She was a staff faculty at Broadway Dance Center and has trained numerous students for Broadway and television. The body is the child's connection to the world, and it is her goal to bring positive movement experiences to each and every child. She believes each student can successfully achieve life-changing milestones at their own pace and placement.
Ms. Joy has experience with verbal and nonverbal and related disabilities. She has worked with the Department of Education, Private schools, Home schools, and clinical settings. Her applied behavior analysis experience started while shadowing a few students. She incorporates her professional background in dance and movement to reduce problematic behaviors.
Ms. Joy is originally from New York City, where she was awarded a full scholarship to a professional Modern dance company. She was a staff faculty at Broadway Dance Center and has trained numerous students for Broadway and television. The body is the child's connection to the world, and it is her goal to bring positive movement experiences to each and every child. She believes each student can successfully achieve life-changing milestones at their own pace and placement.
