Neelka Smith
Center Director
My name is Neelka (Nel-ka) and I come to you with a background in business, education, and non-profit work in over sixty countries. I was blessed with the chance to have children, entering into what I deem my most challenging assignment yet; raising my little ‘hobbits’. While growing my family, I utilized my business skills by serving within my own family-held businesses in the commercial finance space in roles such as manager and processor and maintained other personal businesses such as interior painting and design, and event-planning across several states. In addition to being a full-time mom and chauffeur to my children for soccer, basketball, jiujitsu, and football, I enjoy connecting with people, playing with my kids and with my Golden-Doodle, dancing, hiking, climbing, camping, strength-training, playing guitar, and ice-swimming. I am more than thrilled to begin my new adventure here at LearningRx and look forward to being a part of a team that is making such an incredible difference around the world and in the community. “Let’s go”!
Crystal
Assistant Director
My Favorite Thing About Brain Training:
My favorite thing about brain training is the way that strengthening our student’s skills positively impacts other areas of their lives. It is such a gift to watch their confidence grow and to watch our families gain hope for a bright future! I love building relationships with our families and students and walking with them through their challenges and successes. There is no place like LearningRx!!
More about me: I am a Colorado Springs Native and I love scary movies.
Kim
BRAIN TrainER
My favorite thing about Brain Training:
I love to see the change in a student’s confidence. It may be a student that’s comfortable reading for the first time, a student that’s no longer anxious about attacking a new challenge, or a student doing math more quickly than they ever thought possible. It’s so rewarding to see a student feel good about what he or she is able to do.
More about me:
I started brain training at LearningRx in 2004. I grew up in Nebraska and enjoy reading, playing board games and cards, watching sports, and doing crafts.
Brian
Brain Trainer
My favorite thing about Brain Training:
The smaller moments where breakthroughs happen. When some activity has been difficult for too long and their hard work pays off. It’s not always that something ‘clicks’, it’s not always some huge event. Those happen and they are great, but sometimes it’s a small step forward that proves the student can do even difficult tasks. The relief on their face when they surpass their own difficulty; it’s like nothing else.
My favorite hobbies:
I enjoy reading fiction and creative writing.
Carolyn
Brain Trainer
My favorite thing about Brain Training:
My favorite aspect of brain training is relationship building. I am a firm believer that students will perform better for trainers they respect and who take a genuine interest in their lives outside of training.
More about me:
I enjoy HIIT workouts, sudoku puzzles, and snuggling with my dog. I also love sports, particularly swimming and college football. I’ve been a Swiftie since 2006. I write poetry and short prose in my spare time. I have worked in education for over 15 years.
Maggie
Brain Trainer
My favorite thing about Brain Training:
Hi, my name is Maggie Swanson. My favorite thing about brain training is watching the students become more confident in themselves.
My favorite hobbies:
Outside of LearningRx, I am currently studying psychology at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. I love to learn more about how the brain works!
Vinny
Brain Trainer
My favorite thing about Brain Training:
My favorite thing about brain training is seeing the growth in every student I work with.
My favorite hobbies:
A fun thing about myself is that I love listening/playing music and I can play about 4 instruments.
Katie
Brain Trainer / Cognitive skills assessor
My favorite thing about Brain Training:
My favorite thing about brain training is getting to see the students come out of their comfort zone and gain confidence in their training. It’s a joy to watch their progression. The positive and warm environment at LearningRx is like no other!
My favorite hobbies:
I was an elementary school teacher for about 10 years. I love reading, swimming, cooking, and traveling to new places with my family.
Austin
Brain Trainer
My favorite thing about Brain Training:
Hello! My name is Austin La Cost and I love being a Brain Trainer here at LearningRx. I’m a former Middle School teacher who loves to find and push strengths in my students.
My favorite hobbies:
I am absolutely obsessed with The Beatles and will talk your ear off on anything history related, especially music history!
Sarah
Brain Trainer
My favorite thing about Brain Training:
My favorite thing about brain training is to see the student succeed! It is an amazing feeling to watch them grow, and I got to be part of it!
My favorite hobbies:
I love hiking! I hiked over 100 hikes this year. It’s over 25 sunrise hikes. I also enjoy singing and making people laugh.
