Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynette Forero.
Hi Lynette, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Laredo, Texas whereI was raised with strong educational roots and values. Both of my parents were strong educational influences in my life. As I experienced all that schools had to offer, I realized that science was my absolute favorite subject in school. This was at a time before the widespread use and availability of computers, so I grew up without the influence of computers. If I wanted to learn about different subjects or expand my understanding about most anything, I would turn to information gathered through books. The encyclopedia, textbooks and libraries were full of information,and knowledge. I loved learning and was an original nerd. When I needed to find a solution to something I wondered about, I searched for the answer in a book. After I graduated high school, I attended the University of Texas at Austin seeking a degree in the sciences. Biology was my major, but I studied all the sciences from astronomy to zoology. When I graduated, I was a science teacher with a certification that allowed me to teach all sciences. I was ready to begin working with students and was hopeful
I never imagined that I would be leaving Texas. But, after I was married, the development of my spouse’s career took us out of state. New Orleans, Louisiana was where I landed, and discovered the life of research at Tulane University. I remind you, no real computer access, just raw research.
Our team was investigating methods to slow cancer growth. This was an amazing new world! I loved it! Then as luck would have it, as I was adjusting to my new life, we were on the move once more. We landed in the northern part of the U.S. Hershey, Pennsylvania was my new home. Thankfully, I was able to do research once more. I found myself as part of the Penn State University, Cardiology and Pulmonary research team. I loved this new life.
Then, when my son was born, I found myself taking a break from research. My life was now lived deliberately and intentionally for the sake of this new life. I was a very happy mother. At this point, we moved back to Texas. It was important to raise my child close to my hometown, family and friends. San Antonio was our new home! In San Antonio, I began teaching for Our Lady of the Lake University at St Martin’s Hall. Reaching out to students through education and support is very rewarding. It was around this time we received my son’s Autism diagnosis. The diagnosis was stunning. His needs became the center of my world, that is until my daughter was born. She was the key to helping her brother relate to the world around him. Energetic and full of curiosity! They balanced each other. like Yin and Yang.
I decided to stop teaching to stay at home with my children. It became a life full of grit and determination. I did everything with my children in tow. Our life was full of speech and occupational therapy as well as extracurricular activities. Interacting and growing everyday, my children were amazing! I did my best to teach them everything I could but I know that I learned more from them. It was wonderful to understand what they needed to thrive.
Suddenly my marriage was over, and I found myself as a single mother. I had to raise my children alone. I was learning and growing in the world as a single mother. Every thought and action was for my children’s well being. Despite all those changes, my children and I were happy. My son and daughter were thriving.
When I felt that they were needing to develop more independence, I began to look for a job. I was blessed to find a part time job that involved both my love of teaching and love of research. I was now working for UT Teen Health. I joined a team of incredible health educators.Our work was researching ways for positive youth development together with healthy life choices. We worked with teens and their families. It was gratifying experience to open up lines of communication between parents and teens. We worked with local communities and schools. We worked with teens teaching about emphasizing healthy life choices, positive self esteem and self image. For eight years, I worked with this outstanding team of health educators. To this day, they continue making a great impact in our communities. As for me, I learned to relate and understand all kinds of people in our communities, experiencing a variety of hopes and fears. This learning experience inspired me to make an impact of my own. I decided to open a franchise with Kumon. My aim was to work with parents and children helping find solutions to math and reading challenges. I began helping parents find answers and see results in their student’s reading and math skills. Children of all levels and abilities are helped and valued at our learning center. My staff and I help advanced students increase their learning edge while also working with children that need extra help in their reading or math skills. Academics is only one piece of the puzzle in helping children be successful! My center focuses on nurturing the whole student’s needs and development. Our students feel heard and valued. They are as happy coming to my center as I am in welcoming them. I look forward to a long stay in our community working with our students and making an impact with one child at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Without struggles, I would not have become the person that I am today. Every struggle I experienced provided a unique life lesson. For instance, by raising a child on the Autistic spectrum, I was faced with challenges I could not have imagined, and learned to observe and truly listen to my son and adapt to his needs. I learned how to be his advocate and to research the latest developments for students with different learning styles. This has kept my mind open to effective ways of reaching students. This aids me in being an effective educator.
Raising my children as a single mother was a challenge that I never expected. However, I learned to rely on myself to be a problem solver and advocate for myself. Quieting my mind was also a good lesson because answers come to you when your mind is quiet..
Facing challenges with humor and compassion can get you through hard times. You also learn to lean on friends and family. I understood what “it takes a village” means. Thank God I have a village!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My Center follows the Kumon math and reading curriculum. We specialize in developing a unique lesson plan tailored to each student’s needs. We adapt our teaching styles to fit each student and their learning style. We offer a nurturing and welcoming environment where each student is encouraged to learn. By working closely with our students, we can facilitate the math and reading skills needed to help make schoolwork more manageable and less stressful. While working our program, Kumon students can find themselves working at or above grade level.
Our staff is amazingly skilled at helping our students feel at ease. Because Kumon is aimed at self learning, we facilitate the art of asking for help and self advocacy. Students learn to put their feelings into words so their frustration level is low. They learn through example and careful instruction how to work through mistakes and grow. Our students are encouraged to grow with empathy and compassion for themselves and others.
We offer free assessments and progress projections. We would be happy to show you what we are all about!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My parents worked in all aspects of education throughout my life. My father was a University professor in Laredo, Texas. I saw the impact he made in the community. through teaching. He ran a Reading Clinic with Texas A&M International, and worked with adult students earning teaching degrees. My mother was a second grade reading teacher. She always encouraged her students through kind words and gentle guidance. It was through observation and example, that I understood and learned how to interact with students. I understood that there are so many individual learning styles. The key to teaching is the ability to adapt your teaching method to the learning style. A guiding lesson I obtained from my parents.
My remarkable staff deserves so much credit for moving forward. They reach the students with their gentle interactions. The staff works tirelessly at the Kumon Center. They light up when working with students. Each staff member is vital to the success of the Kumon center. Kiara is the math wiz, and Sandra is the reading guru. They have many different teaching approaches that they use to match different learning styles. DeeDee is a retired teacher that is calm and patient. She keeps me grounded. Maia is a problem solver. Dee Dee and Maia work with the younger children (3+) Together we pride ourselves in the happy and positive environment in our Kumon Center. Lesson planning has developed into an art form. The staff addresses our student observations as a team. We work on unique strategies with each student. My staff was with me during covid. We shared the whole covid experience and have remained closely knit since then. Together we are a powerhouse that can adapt to many learning styles and reach students of all abilities at all levels.
I wish I could be half the person my children believe me to be. My children, Manuel and Lina are amazing. Together we kept moving forward in life. They taught me compassion and patience. Our home is filled with joy and laughter. I can truly say that I am stronger because my children believe in their mother.
My partner and cheerleader, Jaime, who thinks that I hung the moon. I can do many things through his love and support!
Pricing:
- $170 per subject (math or reading)
- $325 for both subjects or siblings discount
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kumon.com/san-antonio-wurzbach-tx/
- Instagram: @kumonofwurzbach
- Facebook: Kumon (San Antonio-Wurzbach)
