January 9 Event Sponsored by The Community Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE From: Candace Johnson
Educational Pathways Academy
(310) 736-5786
johnson@educationalpathwaysacademy.com
Educational Pathways Academy Partners with The Community Foundation to Empower Students with Learning Disabilities through My Pathway to Success With Dyslexia on January 9, 2025
Estero, Florida – January 9, 2025
Educational Pathways Academy (EPA), Established in 2017, Educational Pathways Academy (EPA) serves bright students with language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, by providing specialized instruction in a traditional school setting. With two campuses and a newly introduced high school program focusing on career development, EPA is the region’s only school offering an evidence-based program tailored to students with language-based learning challenges.
On January 9, thanks to the generous support of the Community Foundation of Cape Coral, EPA’s high school students will participate in a transformative event – My Pathway to Success with Dyslexia. A panel of community members who have firsthand experience with dyslexia will share personal stories of resilience in a moderated discussion. Led by moderator Shawn Johnason, the conversation will highlight the panelists’ journeys of discovering their strengths and leveraging their talents on the pathway to success.
This event offers EPA students an invaluable opportunity to:
Be inspired by real-world examples of overcoming challenges.
Learn from the personal experiences of accomplished individuals.
Develop networking skills critical for future success.
“At Educational Pathways Academy, we are leading the change in our community,” said Founder and Head of School Mrs. Arthur. “Our mission is to transform education for bright students who learn differently by replacing the outdated, deficit-focused model with a strengths-centered approach. This event exemplifies how we integrate intentional community connection into a dynamic curriculum, ensuring every student reaches their highest potential.”
Empowering Education Through Strengths-Based Learning
EPA’s educational model emphasizes discovering strengths and unique talents while providing academic interventions and accommodations so that students can rediscover a love of learning. The high school program enhances this approach by offering students a variety of opportunities to foster meaningful connections with the community through volunteerism and career-development programs.
Mrs. Arthur added, “I am deeply grateful to The Community Foundation for their generosity and vision. Their support allows us to create unique opportunities for our students to connect with adults who have not only navigated their own dyslexia but also leveraged their strengths to impact their communities. Whether serving clients, patients, or children, our panelists exemplify perseverance, creativity, and the incredible potential of individuals with learning differences.”
For more information about Educational Pathways Academy, visit www.educationalpathwaysacademy.com or contact Candace Johnson at the email or phone number above.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION OF SPEAKERS
Shawn Johanson – Moderator
Shawn Johanson, founder of Sona Investments, combines advanced knowledge of real estate market trends and the financial industry to create wealth while improving homes, office buildings, and retail centers across the United States. Shawn and his partners identify properties in need of revitalization and implement strategies to acquire equity, achieve rapid growth, and secure solid investment returns.
Shawn has renovated over a dozen homes and overseen the purchase of numerous commercial properties. He has earned the trust of private investors, allowing his real estate portfolio to expand significantly.
Before starting his own business, Shawn worked in collections and spent five years as a loan originator for General Electric. Inspired by Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad book series and seminars, he pursued real estate, earned his license, and joined Keller Williams. With a strong drive to succeed, Shawn left the corporate world in 2008 to establish Sona Investments and entered commercial real estate in 2011. Since then, he has owned or partnered in 19 commercial real estate deals.
As someone with dyslexia, Shawn is passionate about dyslexia education. He works to raise awareness in public schools and to develop affordable resources for individuals diagnosed with dyslexia.
Dr. David Avolio, DC, DACBSP, Panelist
Dr. David Avolio learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on in school,
starting in second grade being diagnosed with dyslexia. Even though school did not
come easily, sports were a positive outlet. Dr. Avolio (Dr. A) has an extensive history of
participating in sports, including college soccer, basketball, baseball, bouldering,
CrossFit, Krav Maga, ultimate Frisbee, golf, kettlebells, TRX, and many other activities.
Through his own sports experiences, Dr. A has dealt with various injuries, enabling him
to empathize with his patients’ conditions and understand their pain. In fact, early
injuries are what led him to seek out a career in the medical field, eventually finding
chiropractic as a career.
Dr. A is dedicated to meeting the needs of every patient he sees. He uses a diversified
approach, employing various techniques and treatments to ensure the most successful
care possible. With a background in exercise science, wellness training, and sports
certifications, Dr. Avolio takes a holistic approach, looking at the entire body—not just
the problem area—to maximize recovery and the benefits of chiropractic care. His goal
is to work collaboratively with patients to determine the best treatment for each
individual.
He enjoys spending time with his wife and children, engaging in activities such as trips
to the park, zoo, and other adventures. Dr. A is passionate about trying new
experiences, from sports to restaurants, and currently enjoys coaching youth sports and
participating in CrossFit.
Dr. Avolio is a graduate of Pacific University (B.S. in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine)
and the University of Western States (D.C.). He is a Certified Chiropractic Sports
Physician and a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
Beth A. Callahan, Esq., Panelist
Ms. Beth Callahan, a native of New Jersey, has been a member of the state and federal bar since 1992. She earned her B.A. from The Catholic University of America and her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law. Ms. Callahan is an active member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Essex County Bar Association, and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
In 1994, Ms. Callahan was named Young Lawyer of the Year by the Essex County Bar Association. She has also served as Chairperson of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Committee for the bar association and remains deeply committed to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
In December 2001, Ms. Callahan became a Partner at Callahan & Fusco, LLC, where she manages the firm’s cases involving the rights of the disabled and education law. Additionally, she has served as a legal analyst for Court TV and frequently lectures on Special Education Law for the Professional Development Corporation.
JD Ribaldi, Founder: YEARS and Biz KidZ Programs, Panelist
JD Ribaldi is a serial entrepreneur whose journey is a testament to perseverance and grit. Once a dyslexic student told he would never finish high school, JD overcame the odds, using his challenges as fuel to achieve his dreams.
As the founder of Young Entrepreneurs And Rising Stars (YEARS) and the Biz Kidz Programs, JD is committed to empowering young people with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue their goals. Drawing from his personal experiences of overcoming adversity, JD shares powerful stories of resilience and determination. He emphasizes that success is not the absence of challenges but the courage to face them head-on.
Through his programs, JD encourages young entrepreneurs to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and to embrace failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock. He equips aspiring leaders with the mindset needed to turn dreams into reality, reflecting his belief that no hurdle is insurmountable for those willing to overcome it.
www.educationalpathwaysacademy.com
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