ACADEMICS

There are a variety of reasons why students struggle in school. If the primary cause of those struggles is a learning disability, Springer can help. As defined by the National Center for Learning Disabilities common learning disabilities include:
    • Dyslexia - a learning disability in reading
    • Dyscalculia - a learning disability in math
    • Dysgraphia - a term that describes a struggle to produce written content
Other difficulties that affect learning include ADHD and executive functioning deficits. Springer’s program is entirely designed and dedicated to helping empower students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives.
Kids in classroom raising their hands to answer the teacher's question

Who we serve

Springer is proud to be solely dedicated to supporting students with learning disabilities.  Springer’s roots date back to 1887, and since 1971 we have been committed to serving students with significant struggles in reading, mathematics, and writing. We recognize that many students diagnosed with a learning disability also struggle with organization and attention. Our academic program has been developed to address the needs of these students in order to best position them for a successful future.

> Lower School
> Middle School
> High School

What We Know

A learning disability is neurological. Students diagnosed with a learning disability have different needs because their brains are structured and function differently from those of traditional learners. Therefore, our school provides a learning environment that best meets their needs. In our school, small classes and small group multi-sensory instruction are hallmarks of a Springer education.

Through our Diagnostic Center and Learning Center we provide services that allow others in our region to understand the systems that our students need. Students diagnosed with learning disabilities struggle in traditional classrooms not because of a lack of effort, but because they need direct, explicit instruction from individuals who understand how to meet their needs.

 

Teacher and student with microscope
Students in class looking at projection on screen with classroom content

Our commitment

We educate students, parents and professionals.  True to our mission, we are invested in helping students with learning disabilities lead successful lives. That mission is not limited to those within our four walls.

Our commitment comes with a responsibility to help others in our community understand the needs of students diagnosed with learning disabilities, as well as dispel the myths associated with learning disabilities. We aspire to help others gain a deep, meaningful understanding of ways in which they can support their child so that they can be successful in school and in life. 

 

Learn more about Academics:

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    Allison Oh
    M.A., CCC-SLP

    Allison holds a B.A. in Speech-language Pathology from Miami University with a minor in Disability Studies. She earned her M.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Cincinnati. Allison previously completed clinical training in a variety of environments including a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) traineeship through the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD) and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Currently, Allison serves as a speech-language pathologist for Springer School and Center, an evaluator for Springer Diagnostic Center, and a therapist for Springer Learning Center.

    In her role, Allison aims to provide therapy that will allow her students to fully engage in the classroom as speakers and listeners. Her objective is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how each student creates meaning from language and how they express intended messages. Beyond the achievement of therapy goals, she strives to help her students become confident, self-advocating communicators through the development of self-awareness and incorporation of personal strategies. Her dynamic approach to assessment is centered around individualization, ensuring each student is provided appropriate accommodations. Allison is dedicated to providing families with insightful information about their child’s communication profile, and meaningful recommendations to assist with communication needs inside and outside of the classroom.

    Allison enjoys hobbies like crafting, golfing, and playing the guitar. She is a sports fan and live music/show enthusiast. Allison resides in Cincinnati with her 3-year old dog named Pepper.

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    Breanna Spears
    Administrative Assistant, B.A.

    Breanna earned her B.A. in Mass Communications from Savannah State University, where she developed a strong foundation in communication strategy, organizational storytelling, and supporting diverse communities. She brings over seven years of experience in Human Resources and Administrative roles within the finance sector, where she specialized in process development, employee support, workflow improvement, and operational coordination.

    Breanna now serves as the Center Administrative Assistant, supporting the Diagnostic Center’s daily operations. In her role, she assists with scheduling, billing, parent communication, and system organization to ensure a smooth and supportive experience for families and staff. Her background in HR and administration helps her create clear structures, anticipate needs, and maintain consistent communication across teams.

    Breanna is passionate about building processes that not only work—but make sense. She is deeply committed to bridging the gap between completing tasks and truly understanding the “why” behind them. Her goal is to contribute to an environment where clarity, compassion, and efficiency allow everyone—families, students, and colleagues—to feel informed and supported.

    Outside of work, Breanna enjoys gardening, home DIY projects, creating art, and traveling. She resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their two children.

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    Shelby Chamberlin
    Family Outreach Coordinator, M.Ed.

    Shelby earned her M.Ed. from the University of Cincinnati in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to that, she received her B.A. in Elementary Education with endorsements in Learning and Behavioral Disorders from Morehead State University. Shelby began her career as an intervention specialist teaching students with emotional and behavioral disorders. She continued her professional journey by joining the Springer team in 2021 as a fourth and fifth grade teacher. In her time at Springer she has worked as a classroom teacher, Adventures in Summer Learning teacher, tutor and now as the Family Outreach Coordinator.

    As Family Outreach Coordinator Shelby supports families looking for answers in the diagnostic evaluation process, as well as supporting families who may be interested in school year admissions or tutoring, and as director of the Adventures in Summer Learning Program.

    Shelby is a passionate sports fan, cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats and Cincinnati Bengals. She also enjoys cooking, hot pilates and being outside with her family. Shelby resides in Northern Kentucky with her spouse and daughter.

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    Alyson Caldwell
    Occupational Therapist, OTR/L

    Alyson earned her BS and MS degrees from Eastern Kentucky University. Alyson has prior experience working as an occupational therapist in outpatient pediatrics and skilled nursing rehabilitation before Springer. Alyson now serves as the team lead occupational therapist at Springer School in addition to Springer Diagnostic Center.

    As a school-based occupational therapist, Alyson is passionate about helping students develop the skills they need to participate fully and confidently in their learning environments. Alyson specializes in supporting handwriting development and executive functioning, with a focus on helping students become more independent, engaged learners. Alyson believes in meeting each student where they are, building on their strengths, and collaborating with educators and families to develop meaningful and practical goals and strategies that truly support each student’s growth.

    Alyson enjoys yoga, being outside with her dogs, antique hunting, and cheering on the Bengals. Alyson is a soon-to-be first time mom and resides in Northern Kentucky with her husband.

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    Bradley Paramore
    School Psychologist, Ed.S, NCSP

    Bradley earned his Ed.S and M.Ed. degrees from John Carroll University. Prior to that, he received his B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Case Western Reserve University. Bradley served as a lead psychologist in public schools for over 10 years. He has previously served as the President of the Ohio School Psychologists Association and held several other leadership positions within the National Association of School Psychologists and Ohio School Psychologists Association. His experiences include serving on various working groups for the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and the Ohio Department of Public Safety before joining Springer.

    Bradley is passionate about providing comprehensive support to families that identifies the root cause of concerns. His goal is to provide evaluations that highlight a student’s strengths as well as proven strategies that can help a student thrive.

    Bradley is a passionate sports fan and former college football coach. He enjoys attending comedy shows, live music events, traveling, and listening to podcasts. Bradley resides in Cincinnati with his wife and 2 children.

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    Ann Kilpatrick
    Occupational Therapist, OT/L

    Ann earned both her B.A. in International Studies and her M.S. in Occupational Therapy from The Ohio State University. She has prior experience working as an occupational therapist in adult acute care and inpatient rehab.  In 2012 she began working as a school-based occupational therapist at Springer School.  Ann now works as part of the Springer Diagnostic Center Team. 

    Ann believes that given the support they need, each student is able to reach their full academic potential. In her role as part of the diagnostic team, she seeks to provide individualized assessment data to identify motor needs and use that data to suggest potential interventions that can be used by families and educators in order to best support the child.

    Ann enjoys spending time with her kids, hiking, travelling, yoga, and reading.  She lives with her husband, 3 children, and 2 dogs in Cincinnati. 

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    Deborah Gilbert
    Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.

    Dr. Gilbert earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan, took a gap year to teach English in Japan and travel through Asia, and then earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy.  She also completed a 3-year postdoctoral residency at Chestnut Lodge Hospital, provided therapy and psychological assessments in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and served children and families of greater Cincinnati public schools conducting psychological evaluations.  Dr. Gilbert is happy to have joined the Springer Diagnostic Center team in 2024.

    Dr. Gilbert believes in the potential of young people and works with them to make the world a better place.  In the evaluation process, she wants you and your child to feel understood and supported.  Dr. Gilbert strives to understand the whole child and build an actionable and evidence-based plan for parents and teachers to support the success of the child. 

    Dr. Gilbert’s personal passions include her family, traveling, hot yoga, and book club.  She and her husband have been married 30 years, have 2 adult daughters, 2 beautiful grandchildren, and a sweet Cavachon dog named Marigold. 

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    Molly Bernosky
    School Psychologist, Ed.S., M.Ed.

    Molly earned her Ed.S. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to that, she received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Molly has served as the lead school psychologist in public schools, public school administrator overseeing special education teams, and testing psychologist at an ADHD clinic before arriving at Springer. Molly was a founding member of Springer Diagnostic Center and now serves as the Diagnostic Center Director.

    Molly is passionate about providing evaluation experiences that feel approachable, collaborative, and strengths-based. Her goal is for families to feel listened to, validated, and supported throughout an evaluation process.

    Molly’s hobbies include hiking, listening to podcasts, attending live music and comedy shows, coaching youth sports, and participating in community events. Molly resides with her husband and 2 children in Cincinnati.