Learning Center

Helping Children with Learning Difficulties 

Since 1995, the Cooper Learning Center has helped thousands of children improve their reading skills and transform their lives. Our dedicated staff of expert educators and psychologists focuses not only on improving academic performance, but also on building children’s confidence and self-esteem. 

Whether a child is struggling with reading, spelling, writing, or math, or facing challenges such as inconsistent performance, lack of motivation, peer and social problems, and dyslexia, we personalize instruction to meet each child’s unique needs. Children learn in a caring and supportive environment that eases fear and self-consciousness while fostering comfort and trust. 

Helping Parents of Children with Learning Difficulties 

Parents play a vital role in their child’s learning journey. At Cooper, we provide families with the tools, guidance, and open communication they need to help their children succeed.  

• We share regular updates on each child’s strengths and challenges, progress, and recommendations for learning support.
• We use clear, down-to-earth language to ensure parents understand the information they’re given and feel confident putting into action at home.  

Services Offered  

We offer a range of services for children and families, including: 

• Individualized instruction
• Comprehensive assessment and evaluations

Dyslexia Assessment & Intervention

Dyslexia assessment and intervention at the Cooper Learning Center is grounded in research and a deep understanding of how reading and writing skills typically develop. This framework is applicable to all children, but especially to those who struggle with reading, spelling, and writing due to dyslexia.

All services within the program are highly personalized. After an initial consultation with parents, we customize each assessment to meet a child’s specific needs. Our interventions are then designed to meet each child at their current stage of development and need.

We offer a tiered approach to meet varying levels of need:

• Dyslexia screening – a brief evaluation designed to identify young children at risk for reading difficulties. Screenings are provided at all levels but are particularly beneficial in early grades and can guide the start of targeted, multisensory instruction
• Psychoeducational assessment – typically offered when a full cognitive profile is needed to help answer more complex questions raised during the initial consultation

Workshops and Training
 

We believe in supporting the broader community – families, educators, and schools – through training and education. Our workshop topics have included:
•    Myths and Realities of Dyslexia
•    Identifying Shut-Down Learners
•    Managing ADHD and Dyslexia
•    Importance of Early Reading Development

Parents receive practical strategies for supporting their children at home, and educators gain tools to better recognize, screen, and support students with dyslexia.

Our Staff
The Cooper Learning Center’s team includes experienced educational and psychological professionals who understand the complex issues contributing to learning, attention, and behavioral challenges.

Our staff members include experienced reading teachers, special educators, and English teachers certified and/or trained in programs such as the Wilson Reading Program, Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program, S.P.I.R.E., Preventing Academic Failure, Read Naturally, and Project Read.

Richard Selznick, PhD, Director
Selznick-r@cooperhealth.edu
Dr. Selznick is a licensed psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist, adjunct graduate school professor, and university professor of pediatrics. He is also a school consultant and the author of several books, including: 
•    The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child 
•    School Struggles: A Guide to Your Shut-Down Learner’s Success
•    Dyslexia Screening: Essential Concepts for Schools & Parents

As founding director of the Cooper Learning Center (established in 1995), Dr. Selznick oversees a program that assesses and treats a broad range of learning and school-based academic and behavioral problems. Under his leadership, the Cooper Learning Center has become the region’s leading program for clinical services, school consultation, and parent and teacher training.

Dr. Selznick frequently speaks at schools, conferences, and parent forums in the U.S. and internationally.

Amy Balko, PsyD
Dr. Balko is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in pediatric neuropsychology and school psychology that allows her to deliver comprehensive, collaborative, and evidence-based care to her patients. She evaluates children and adolescents for a variety of medical and neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, seizure disorders, traumatic brain injury, and developmental delays. Licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Dr. Balko practiced in a range of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practices. She also serves as an assistant professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Valerie Woxholdt, PhD
Dr. Woxholdt is a licensed clinical psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist who specializes in comprehensive evaluations for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. She has worked in both medical and school settings, which allows her to collaborate closely with care teams and educators while helping families navigate both health care and academic environments. Dr. Woxholdt’s work focuses on understanding each child’s unique strengths and needs through expert assessment, neuropsychological evaluation and behavioral health interventions.

Sarah Gardner, Lead Learning Therapist
gardner-sarah@cooperhealth.edu
Sarah Gardner joined the Cooper Learning Center in 2002 with extensive experience working with children who show signs of mild, moderate, and severe dyslexia and other learning disabilities. She oversees school district contracted remediation and replacement services with the Cooper Learning Center, Dyslexia Intervention Services, and the Camden Summer Outreach Reading Program. She also serves as a key contact for parents with questions about programming, scheduling, and school-related concerns.

Carmen Borrero, Division Coordinator
borrero-carmen@cooperhealth.edu
Carmen Borrero is the program’s office coordinator and helps families with scheduling and billing issues.