Professional Learning

Dr. Suzanne Asherson is a pediatric occupational therapist with a Clinical Doctorate and Masters from the University of Southern California.  She co-wrote the chapter “Evidence-Based Practice and Accountability” in the Guidelines for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in the California Public Schools published by the California Department of Education and is SIPT certified (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests).  Suzanne has been prominently featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and appears in on-air news segments around the country regarding handwriting in today’s world.  Suzanne spent eight years at the Beverly Hills Unified School District practicing as a school based OT, has been a National Presenter for Learning Without Tears since 2008 and currently has a private pediatric OT practice in Beverly Hills and the surrounding neighborhoods.

*Receives a speaking fee from Learning Without Tears*

Monica Bell received her Masters of Science is Occupational Therapy from Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. Monica is currently a school-based occupational therapist in Rochester Hills, Michigan and has been providing school-based services since 2015. She has worked with students ages preschool to age 26, providing both in-person and teletherapy services. In 2012, Monica began using the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum during her fieldwork placement and continues to use it today with her students and own children. She enjoys educating teachers on strategies and activities to help facilitate handwriting success within their classrooms. While at home, Monica and her husband Max can be found enjoying the outdoors, crafts, and traveling with their children Maddox, Mia, and Mavrick. Monica’s favorite thing about the Handwriting Without Tears Program is the multi-sensory approach it brings to keep learning fun and successful! 

Dr. Christina Bretz is an Occupational Therapist from Lexington, Ky. She has extensive pediatric experience providing services to children in school settings, early intervention, home health care and private tutoring. Christina established an annual summer handwriting camp utilizing the Handwriting Without Tears® program. Christina began working for Learning Without Tears in 2002 and currently works as the Senior Internal Learning and Presenter Manager and is also a National Presenter. Additionally, she balances her time with tutoring children who are experiencing difficulties with handwriting and spending time with her family.

*Receives a salary from Learning Without Tears where she is an employee*

Address: Kentucky, United States

Sam Deffes has worked in education for over 20 years. She began as a classroom teacher at Smart Pope Livingston Elementary in Duval County, FL where she was given the privilege of teaching grades K-4. She has also served as a reading coach, district literacy specialist, professional development facilitator and designer as well as a curriculum developer. Sam has a passion and experience working with Title 1 schools and has spent most of her career working in lowest performing schools. She is a proud graduate of the University of Florida where she obtained her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Reading. Sam was thrilled to join Learning Without Tears as a Professional Learning Literacy Advisor in May 2022 to continue sharing her passion of literacy, coaching and supporting educators and to help ensure that all students receive the educational experience they deserve.
 

Sam is happily married to her best friend and together they have two kids and a dog named Jimmy Bananas. Sam currently lives in Middleburg, FL. She enjoys quilting, playing with her kids, and party planning!

*Receives a salary from Learning Without Tears where she is an employee*
Address: Florida, United States

Dr. Denise Donica completed her Doctor of Health Science and Master of Health Science in occupational therapy at the University of Indianapolis in 2007 and 2005 respectively. She also holds a bachelor's degree in psychology/criminal justice and occupational therapy from Indiana University. Dr. Donica is a Professor and Chair for the Department of Occupational Therapy at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. She is board certified in pediatrics through the American Occupational Therapy Association and certified in Ayres Sensory Integration. Dr. Donica’s focus of clinical practice has been with the pediatric population through school systems, outpatient practice, and telehealth. She has been using aspects of the Learning Without Tears® curriculum over 18 years and has been a National Workshop Presenter for over 16 years. She has conducted and published research related to student success, handwriting skills, and keyboarding skills. She has also presented nationally and internationally on handwriting and keyboarding-related research.

*Receives a speaking fee from Learning Without Tears and receives a salary from East Carolina University where she is employed as a Professor and Department chair*

Diane Eldridge, RN, COTA is a registered nurse and received her Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Madison Area Technical College. She also has a B.S. in Communications from South Carolina State College. Diane worked in Prince William County Schools as a COTA with children from Pre-K to high school for 14 years incorporating Handwriting Without Tears® techniques. Her extensive experience using the Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum also includes more than 15 years pediatric private tutoring to successfully help children of all ability levels with their writing readiness, printing and cursive handwriting skills in their homes, as well as various educational settings. In January 2000 Diane started her career with Handwriting Without Tears®, now known as Learning Without Tears, as a national presenter and represents the company at numerous national and local trade shows. She is currently working PRN as a Registered Nurse for Kaiser Permanente.

*Receives a speaking fee from Learning Without Tears and receives a salary from Kaiser Permanente where she is an employee*