Lee Pesky Learning Center Celebrates 25 Years of Service to Idaho

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— This past month, Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) celebrated 25 years of service to the Idaho community. Established in 1997 by Alan and Wendy Pesky, LPLC honors the life of their son, Lee, who unexpectedly passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 30. As a child, Lee struggled with learning disabilities, not unlike the one in five people today. Despite the common nature of learning and attention challenges, the Peskys were met with limited services and support at the time.

Reflecting on this gap, Alan and Wendy sought to create a space where students, like Lee, could transform obstacles into opportunities. Twenty-five years later, LPLC has trained over 10,000 educators, supplied over $1.6MM in financial aid, served 98% of Idaho counties, and provided support for over 100,000 students. Clearly, this milestone is cause for celebration.

On May 21, 2022, over 130 supporters gathered at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in downtown Boise to pay tribute to the profound work of LPLC over the last quarter of a century. The event featured keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Faggella-Luby, director of the Alice Neely Special Education Research & Service (ANSERS) Institute at Texas Christian University. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to hear from special guest speaker Nathan Katsuki, an alumnus of LPLC.

As Katsuki shared, “The time that I spent at the Lee Pesky Learning Center helped me overcome my early challenges learning to read and sound out words.” Katsuki, now an actor and model residing in New York City, puts into practice the self-regulated framework that LPLC hopes to instill in each student that walks through its doors—to become resilient, self-aware, strategic, self-determined, and connected.

Ultimately, the evening garnered laughter, applause, and donations, with 25 corporate and community sponsors contributing over $150,000 in support. While Lee Pesky Learning Center has already had an immense impact, this funding will ensure a continuity in services for countless learners like Lee. Hopefully, this 25^th Anniversary is one of many milestone celebrations for the center’s transformative work.

Pictured above: LPLC’s Executive Director Dr. Lindy Crawford addresses event attendees.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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