Back in 2002, Liz, who had just reluctantly arrived in Los Angeles, was busy setting up her new classroom when Lainie, an enthusiastic and friendly colleague, walked in to introduce herself.
They began to chat and instantaneously realized their many similarities. It is no surprise that these two would become fast friends. Their parallel educational journeys, combined with their mutual commitment to helping students who struggle with learning, set the stage for what was to come. From then on, this dynamic duo eagerly jumped at any opportunity to learn and grow together and share their stories with others. From their early days of speaking engagements and reviving the Los Angeles Branch of the International Dyslexia Association to leading student workshops and professional development across Los Angeles, the solid foundation for LiLa Learning was effortlessly laid. Liz and Lainie come to their field from a multifaceted perspective, not only as students who struggled with their own learning disabilities but also as successful professionals in education and parents helping to navigate their own school-aged children’s academic paths.
Elizabeth Lutsky
Co-Founder + MA, BCET, A/OGA
Elizabeth, a Chicago native, received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and went on to earn her Masters degree in learning disabilities from Northwestern University. In addition, she is Orton-Gillingham certified. Elizabeth is past president of the Los Angeles Branch of the International Dyslexia Association and currently serves on the advisory board and chairs the spring conference.
Elizabeth’s academic challenges and subsequent diagnoses of dyslexia at the age of 10, naturally lead to her passion for helping students like her. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has worked in various educational settings as a special education teacher, learning specialist, and reading coach. Since 2002, Elizabeth has worked in private practice as an educational therapist helping children with language-based learning disabilities overcome their challenges. She enjoys supporting her clients as they strive to become confident, independent, life-long learners.
Lainie Donnell
Co-Founder + MA, ET/P, IEC
Lainie, born and raised in Los Angeles, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Vermont. She began her career in special education as a middle and high school English teacher and transition specialist. After earning her Masters in Special Education from California State University, Northridge, and her certification in college counseling from the University of California, Los Angeles, she went on to establish a private practice as an educational therapist and college counselor. Lainie proudly served as a board member and board president of the Internation Dyslexia Association, Los Angeles Branch.
Lainie’s diagnoses of dyslexia in 2nd grade and ADHD in 10th grade helped shape her unique scholastic experience. Overcoming these adversities has led Lainie to dedicate her career to this endeavor. It has become her passion and her life’s work to help her students develop a valuable and effective toolbox of strategies that ultimately instill confidence and success.