Idaho Press Features LPLC Co-Founder’s Memoir: More to Life than More

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.

Lee Pesky Learning Center Co-Founder, Alan Pesky, is releasing his new memoir titled More to Life than More: A Memoir of Misunderstanding, Loss and Learning on September 7th (Skyhorse Publishing). In his memoir, co-authored with Claudia Aulum, Alan Pesky grapples with difficult life questions as he chronicles his relationship with his son, Lee Pesky, who died unexpectedly of a highly invasive brain cancer in 1995 at 30 years old. To honor Lee’s legacy, Alan founded Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) in 1997.

According to Margaret Carmel, “Alan Pesky’s memoir about the death of his middle son, Lee, suddenly to cancer and the founding of Boise’s Lee Pesky Learning Center soars with emotion, hard lessons and zippy writing. It’s a compelling story of learning from our most difficult loved ones and healing from loss with a dedication to public service that anyone would enjoy, especially if you have an interest in education.”

You can view the full Idaho Press article by Margaret Carmel here.

To learn more about the memoir, preview the first chapter, and view book signing opportunities with Alan, visit the official website here.

More to Life than More is available at these online locations as well as your local bookstore. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will support Lee Pesky Learning Center.

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