LPLC Professional Development Director Takes Creative Approach to a Writing Workshop

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]In her 35 years as an educator, Lee Pesky Learning Center’s Professional Development Director, Cristianne Lane, is no stranger to leading writing workshops for teachers and children. Cristianne, and the experienced training department at LPLC, facilitate writing workshops of which hundreds of teachers across the state of Idaho have attended. A published author herself, Cristianne and LPLC staff realize the importance of fostering a love of learning in young children.

One of those young children, eight-year-old Dillon Helbig, captured the attention of Boise residents when he was featured on KTVB Channel 7 News on January 19, 2022. As shared on the feature, Dillon had always wanted to be an author and took matters into his own hands by writing a book and covertly depositing it on the shelves of the Lake Hazel Library. Inspired by Dillon’s self-initiative and desire to become a writer, Cristianne offered to lead a writing workshop with Dillon at his local library.

According to Cristianne, “All schools have libraries and it is so easy to do just what this library did—honor student authors. Working at Lee Pesky Learning Center provides our trainers an opportunity to share ideas that help teachers inspire children to write.”

Read more about Dillon’s story and the writing workshop as shared by the Washington Post here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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