Melanie Hunter

Mother |

Dear Ms. Braccia,

I am writing this letter to thank you for your role in my son’s excellent health, learning, and achievement.

Our story began about seven years ago when my son was struggling in first grade. Despite many meetings and attempts at getting my son’s educational needs met, I was unsuccessful in finding assistance. Out of desperation, I took him out of school and began homeschooling him. I was determined that his spirit would not be broken.

Without a lot of preparation, I began to home school my son but still had many questions. I began a search for a professional with answers to my many questions. Not only did you answer my questions, you treated my son with kindness and respect. By sharing a positive view of my son, you helped me repair the damage done to my confidence as a mother and his new teacher. My son also felt this respect and his spirits seemed to lift as well.

During those first few meetings, you shared what I had believed all along: My son was gifted and had ADHD. You recognized his strengths and needs and gave me excellent suggestions to further his development.

A year later, I reenrolled him in school. This time, he entered the school as a gifted child and our experiences were better. Still, when we encountered some obstacles, you didn’t hesitate to travel to the school and advocate for him.

A few years later, when a friend of my son’s died unexpectedly and he was experiencing anxiety that carried over to school, you were able to help him through that experience. Your excellent explanations of the effect of the emotions on the body and mind really made an impact on him.

Despite the rocky start in school, he has emerged as a very strong student who has excelled in many ways. He frequently makes high grades and willingly competes in a variety of academic challenges. In fact, last year, he won the school level of the National Geographic Bee and went on to represent his school at the state level of the National Geographic Bee. Only 100 students were chosen in the whole state and with over 2,000 schools participating, it was a great honor for him to go to the state competition.

I have had the opportunity to watch first-hand the power of encouraging and positive people in a child’s life. I have no doubt that you made a crucial difference at a crossroads in my son’s life. For that, I am truly grateful and know you will touch many more lives in a positive way.

Sincerely,
Melanie Hunter