Joan Holland, a recent retiree, having served as an administrator and admissions director at a local private alternative school for 28 years, has observed that over the past twenty years, anxiety has become an ever-increasing barrier to student success in school, and in the current climate of uncertainty and fear, it is now an even greater obstacle. 

Joan was excited to become part of the EYC Academy team because she firmly believes in the power of teaching students in a personalized environment because it allows them to feel safe and successful. 

“The one-to-one environment at EYC Academy is not only designed to promote learning, but it is also intended to reduce student anxiety.  The relationship that teachers form with their students is built on trust and respect that can truly only be developed in a small, personalized setting.  The close teacher-student relationship enables praise and direction to be given and accepted in an atmosphere of honesty.  Students are not afraid to make a mistake as they learn, because they know they are not being judged; rather, they are being coached to succeed. Each success then builds on the last to increase confidence and reduce apprehension.” 

Prior to coming to EYC Academy,  Holland also served as a guidance counselor and mental health teacher where she supervised the adult and adolescent education program, leading social skills groups for children and adolescents, and provided direct instruction.

“One of the things that attracted me to EYC Academy is the fact that all of the needed resources for families can be found under one roof—school, tutoring, counseling, therapy, school advocacy, cognitive and academic assessments, test preparation and more.”

The EYC Academy team has decades of experience in special education and mental health, and we have worked extensively with students whose anxiety has inhibited their ability to learn and to feel confident.  

To learn more visit EYCacademystl.org  and learn how the professional teachers at EYC Academy can help with your students now!