Currently, LIT1st has four Therapists, all ALTA (Academic Language Therapy Association) certified at either a Practitioner or Therpist level, with years of experience with the Take Flight Program. We are so grateful for each of them.

DIRECTOR. Holly Van Wieren is the director of our program. She has many years of teaching experience, including homeschooling, private, charter and public schools. From Kindergarten through college students, Holly has loved working alongside parents to support their children. Holly has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, and masters-level studies in structured reading. She is a CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist) and has been helping dyslexic students since 2013. Holly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Holly lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, Rick, a local realtor and school board member. They have five grown children and eight grandchildren, who are a delight to Holly and Rick.

TREASURER. Tom LaValley has had a passion for educating children for decades. Married for over 40 years and the father of 4 children (one with Asperger’s), he has seen the rewards and challenges of educating children. He has been on the Academy District 20 Board of Education for over 5 years and is the current board president. He previously served 3 years on the board (2 years as the chair) of The Classical Academy public charter school here in Colorado Springs. He is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University. He is retired from the Air Force Reserves and is currently an airline pilot.