Brooklyn-Based Actor Assumes New Role for Lee Pesky Learning Center

Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) announces an important leadership transition. Executive Director Maureen O’Toole will be stepping away from her position to attend to family health matters. The entire LPLC community expresses deep gratitude for Maureen’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to advancing our mission of helping students, families, and educators overcome learning challenges and reach their full potential.

During her tenure, Maureen guided the Center through a period of growth and adaptation while strengthening relationships with community partners, expanding access to services, and championing programs that ensure all learners have the tools and support they need to succeed. Her empathy, professionalism, and focus on mission-driven impact have left an enduring mark on the organization and those it serves.

Stepping into the role of Executive Director is Dr. Lindy Crawford, who previously led Lee Pesky Learning Center and now returns with optimism and a renewed vision for impact. Dr. Crawford brings deep institutional knowledge, decades of educational leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to the Center’s mission. Her familiarity with LPLC’s team, community, and the broader educational landscape in Idaho ensures continuity, stability, and momentum during this transition.

“Lee Pesky Learning Center’s professional expertise is second to none and it is my great honor to once again serve alongside an incredibly accomplished and deeply empathetic team,” said Dr. Crawford. “For close to 30 years, LPLC has led educational innovation using an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. I am excited to play a small part in our continued evolution.”

Board Chair Jim Foudy added, “We are profoundly grateful to Maureen for her care, leadership, and commitment to every learner we serve. We’re equally confident in welcoming Lindy back to guide LPLC into its next chapter. Her deep knowledge of LPLC and her passion for education will be a great asset to the organization during this transition period.”

For nearly three decades, Lee Pesky Learning Center has helped thousands of students, families, and educators overcome obstacles to learning through direct academic and clinical services, professional training, and community partnerships. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Boise, Idaho, April 6, 2023— Lee Pesky Learning Center welcomed a new board member to the table to help advance the mission—Nathan Katsuki. Currently a Brooklyn-based model, creative designer, and actor on the Netflix Show Kaleidoscope, Katsuki’s ties to supporting students with learning disabilities span well beyond the desire to ‘give back’. They are personal.

Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, Nate attended the Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) when he was younger to overcome his learning difficulties. As an elementary school student, he would switch around words and had trouble with fluency. Teachers noticed he wasn’t picking up books and he was ultimately diagnosed with a learning disorder.

As Katsuki shared, “LPLC helps kids like me—and others with learning difficulties—overcome those difficulties.”

One thing Nate didn’t resolve in childhood was a fear of reading. Katsuki realized back in 2018 that acting could function like ‘exposure therapy’ and help him overcome his hesitation to act. “Now I’m now much more comfortable and so much more confident just by following my fears,” Katsuki shares. “I credit my parents and LPLC for getting me started and helping me overcome those deficits.”

LPLC, an educational nonprofit which creates pathways to learning for everyone, provides evidence-based services based in the science of learning. At LPLC, young learners are provided academic and clinical services and over 80% of children served have diagnosed dyslexia, a reading disability, and/or ADHD.

In the words of LPLC’s Executive Director Lindy Crawford, “We are very happy to welcome Nate to our board of directors. His personal story is inspirational and his willingness to share it publicly is admirable. He provides a powerful message to young people everywhere—believe in yourself, work hard, and follow your dreams.”

Now, in addition to representing brands such as Converse, Adidas, Bombas, and Fitbit to name a few, Katsuki is representing Lee Pesky Learning Center alongside 16 other board members.

In the words of Katsuki, “Reading is the foundation of education, and the work of LPLC is the cornerstone of building that foundation for young minds. The impact of this work cannot be overstated, as it is laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all of us.”

Photo Credit: Nathan Katsuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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