About us
Dana Gordon, M.A, educational therapist
Dana Gordon is the founder and director of Lotus Learning. She has been an educator in San Diego for over 20 years who is passionate about helping students reach their individual potential. She holds a B.A. from UCSD, a certificate in Educational Therapy, and an M.A. in Leadership Studies from USD. For over a decade, she also taught Family Literacy and English as Second Language (ESL) courses through San Diego Community College. Dana’s specialty is working with students with learning disabilities and attentional issues by helping them embrace their unique talents in order to build confidence and competence. Dana is deeply committed to providing a holistic approach to each student’s social, emotional, and academic success. For the past seven years, Dana has been on the board of Directors for the San Diego Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) where she currently serves as secretary. She is also an active professional member of the Association of Educational Therapists (AET), Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA).
In her spare time, Dana enjoys practicing yoga, gardening and has traveled extensively to countries including India, Thailand, Italy, England, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, West Africa, and Morocco. She attended the Universidad of Granada in Spain where she developed her interest in Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology. Dana is a certified yoga instructor who loves to share her dedication to healthy living and life balance. She also has volunteered with a local charity, The Sean O’Shea Foundation, teaching yoga and nutrition to at-risk children and adolescents within the community. (https://www.seanosheafoundation.org/)
Katie Neal, M.A, Educational Specialist
Katie Neal is a passionate educator who is excited to join the Lotus Learning Team! She received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education from the College of Charleston and her M.A. from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction. Katie has spent the past 13 years teaching in elementary and middle schools. Her time working in both public and private schools has taught her the importance of student connection when working toward student success! She believes the whole well-being of a child is critical to their confidence in school. Outside of teaching, Katie is an avid hiker, reader, and cook. She loves trying out new recipes on her fiance! As a Del Mar native who attended Torrey Pines High School, Katie enjoys working with local students and helping them further both their knowledge and the skills they need to feel confident.
