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About us
Carmen and Geoffrey McGuinness are parents, grandparents, educational researchers,
teachers, authors of three educational books, and the founders of Read America and
Praxis Education Center.
Before founding Read America, the McGuinnesses owned and operated one of the largest
Montessori schools in the state, serving children age three through grade eight.
In 1993, the McGuinnesses left the classroom to establish Read America in Central Florida
and develop and research the Phono-Graphix and Language Wise methods, devoting their
time since then exclusively to the study and treatment of children with language delays.
Since 1993, the McGuinnesses have treated over 2200 children, and through Read America's
international teacher training programs and books they have helped hundreds-of-thousands
of children.
In addition to developing Phono-Graphix and Langauge Wise, and most recently Clay Math, Carmen's other training includes Montessori teacher certification, Brain Gym for Educators, Astronaut Core Habilitation Training, Centered Child developmental yoga, Vital Links Therapeutic Listening Therapy through the advanced level, Regulatory and Sensory Processing Disorders, the DIR/Floortime Basic Course and the 2008 DIR/Floortime Institute, and she is a professional member of the American Montessori Society, the Interdiciplinary Council on Development and Learning Disorders, and the Sensory Processing Disorders Foundation.
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Our Books
Research Conducted on Our Methods
Newspaper and Radio
Television Appearances
World Wide Speaking Engagements
Now the McGuinnesses bring their expertise and experience back to the classroom
with their Praxis Education Center based Chrysalis Class. Designed and developed
for children with sensory processing and developmental delays specific to auditory
and visual function, as they relate to learning, oral language and literacy development,
and attentional challenges that often accompany these delays. Chrysalis reverses
the standard score slide typically seen in this student population giving children
the concepts, skills, information and confidence to succeed in a rigorous course of
instruction.
Our Chrysalis Class maintains an open registration policy to all qualified applicants
regardless of ethnicity or religion.
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Meet the Rest of Our Staff
Completing our teaching team is Margaret Blauvelt a Montessori elementary teacher with 20 years of experience working with children with special educational challenges.
Margaret's diverse experience enriches her teaching practice. With BAs in biology and education and experience as a computer programmer, Margaret has used assistive technology tools for education, speech and mobility. In addition to her work with children Margaret also loves to sing, play piano, garden, and go for long walks.
Margaret began working with special needs students in 1989. Dissatisfaction with her school system's behavior-based philosophy led her to Montessori. About Montessori, Margaret says ... "Something magical happens to us at that moment when discovery becomes understanding -- it's pure joy. As Montessori teachers we provide materials and assistance to support the child's transformation of experience into understanding. A well-designed, educationally rich environment literally puts at the child's fingertips what he or she needs to develop optimally in all areas - cognitive, emotional, and social."
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Chrysalis Montessori School
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