As Reported by Eye on Sun Valley: LPLC Receives $50,000 Grant from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc.

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.

The Lee Pesky Learning Center has received a $50,000 grant from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc., to create inclusive early childhood environments.

In addition to being a leader in early childhood education statewide, Lee Pesky Learning Center—a 501c3 education nonprofit—provides evidence-based services including dyslexia training for teachers, literacy instruction for English learners, and 1:1 intervention.

At present, Idaho ranks 50^th in the number of students enrolled in early education and 40^th in terms of resources for early education. The combination of low enrollment in early education environments coupled with limited resources prompts concern for the total number of Idaho’s children attaining basic literacy and kindergarten preparedness skills.

Funding provided by the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation (LMCF) will allow LPLC to reach more early childhood educators with a focus on inclusion and multilingual professional development opportunities. Last year, support from LMCF, alongside other funding partners allowed LPLC to serve 13 school districts, train over 850 educators, conduct 20 multi-day trainings, and hold over 250 coaching sessions.

The organization was founded in Ketchum by Wendy and Alan Pesky and continues to have a presence in the Wood River Valley.

Read the original article posted by Eye on Sun Valley here.

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