Families can find community and support at the Niwot Learning Collective (NLC)

Moments after meeting Elizabeth Amabile and Whitney Johannson, it already feels like you've known them for ages. With such love and empathy, these experienced and dedicated educators share about themselves and their aspirations for this new business and the kids, parents and siblings that can take a sigh of relief now that they have this marvelous resource. They finish each other's sentences–an unintentional demonstration of this collaborative and supportive environment.

The two former colleagues from a private school in Boulder introduced each other in their charming sitting area in Cottonwood Square next to Raza Fresa (7960 Niwot Road, #C11).

"Whitney is an amazing teacher," Amabile confided with pride. "She is great with kids, has such positive energy." Johannson shared that they "just naturally came together, and our individual strengths round each other out."

Over the course of a year, conversations led to brainstorming sessions about how integrating practices like yoga, running, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning, along with academics, could benefit kids in their learning journey...and also positively impact their families.

"We're really striving to create a community aspect where parents feel held, as well. They don't have to reinvent the wheel," assured Johannson.

Amabile and Johannson offer services and support in many areas, for many different types of challenges. Not only does Niwot Learning Collective offer one-on-one and small group instruction in reading, writing, and executive functioning skills (math support coming soon), but it also offers classes aimed at cultivating emotional and physical well-being.

Through programs such as the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) workshops called Peaceful Warrior, drop-in yoga and art, and running and meditation, the Niwot Learning Collective is creative in the approach to creating an environment where children can first feel safe, secure, and centered. Their mission is to support holistic development of the child: mind, body, and spirit.

Students do not need an official diagnosis to benefit from programs offered at the NLC. Perhaps a parent has a gut feeling about their child, observes slower processing, or notices challenges with focus, attention and completing assignments. Amabile and Johannson also explained that kids are experiencing increased stress and anxiety after COVID, wildfires, and school shootings.

"Kids can't thrive academically until they feel safe" Amabile said. "They need tools to calm, regulate and manage stress." She smiled warmly, and it is clear that she is very capable of being a calm presence and creating a peaceful environment.

The NLC also plans to offer resources for parents and other family members through a "Speaker Series" of talks on topics as: "What to do when your child receives a diagnosis as a neurodiverse learner," or "How to support neuro-typical siblings of neurodiverse learners."

"We support the ecosystem of the family," Amabile said. We loop in the parents, stay connected with the family unit."

Johannson added, "We imprint them here–teaching strategies at the Niwot Learning Collective that they can then bring home to serve as a strong foundation for the whole family."

One such weekly class starts Thursday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. Held outside, yoga and art Classes are offered to children ages 6-11. You can reserve your spot in the four-week series of yoga and art classes by emailing the NLC at [email protected]. Drop-ins are welcome pending availability. Running and meditation classes will start up on Thursdays later this fall.

Academics are supported at the NLC. Instructors can help with assessments of learners and tailor lessons as far as learning style, strengths, and needs. It is a strategic objective to keep learning fun by integrating games, hands-on activities, and movement. Instructors are available during the school day for homeschoolers or private and public school students who need more intensive and individualized instruction.

Reading Rocket classes, coming this Fall, are for 1st–3rd graders who need a little "rocket-boost" in reading. Class sizes are small, so instruction is tailored to the needs of the group and each individual student. The instructional focus is on building decoding, spelling, and reading fluency skills, while also supporting broader vocabulary and comprehension. Classes are co-taught to maximize differentiation. The NLC embraces a structured literacy approach, while keeping classes interactive and engaging.

For all the types of academic, Social Emotional Learning and executive functioning support available, it is their approach to stepping into the void that makes Amabile and Johannson such a perfect fit for Niwot.

"We're collaborative and want to hear what is needed from students and families alike," Amabile explained. "We can create workshops, host lectures, and are committed to our referral network. If something isn't in our area of expertise, or we know additional resources are needed that we are unable to provide, we are always happy to offer referrals to other specialists who can meet a child's needs."

Sometimes the community they are cultivating will be the best resources for each other in sharing their personal experiences, and they are prepared to facilitate those conversations, as well.

"You are held here. You are not alone," says Johannson while Amabile nodded emphatically.

Visit http://www.niwotlearningcollective.com for more details on offerings, learning philosophy or to register for classes. You can also call 720.254.5771 or email

[email protected].