Name of LearningRx Graduate: Katie Wirkus
Current Age: 20
Date of LearningRx Graduation: May 2016
“In 2016, Katie began showing signs of difficulty with writing in a straight line and with numbers. We homeschooled, and were not sure where to turn. After research, we found that we could have her tested for learning disabilities. We found out that she had dysgraphia, even though she did not show the typical markers. Even though we had a diagnosis, we were told that she was quite young, and they didn’t know where to send her for the aid that she would need. Again, we were left to research for ourselves to find help.
We found LearningRx, and after cognitive testing and meeting with Michelle Davis- a plan to help Katie came together. At first, Katie was ready, but also nervous. Once she met her trainer and began working, we realized she was right where she needed to be. She not only learned skills to help her in overcoming dysgraphia, but she also began learning memorization skills and learning techniques that helped her for years to come.
One of the things that was most memorable about her time at LearningRx was memorizing all of the Presidents of the U.S., forwards and backwards in under a minute! She was asked to appear on several local news outlets to share her skill.
Katie said that when she finished her time at the program, she had the tools she needed to counter her difficulties. She was so much more confident, and never used the label of her disability to keep her from trying difficult tasks. As her parents, we could see that she was willing to work hard, and she didn’t use her diagnosis as a crutch.
Since graduation from LearningRx in 2016, we moved to Shanghai, China. Katie continued homeschooling, then attended a private, Christian school for one year before moving to Switzerland. While living in Switzerland, Katie attended an international school for a few months until Covid closed the world down. While living in China, Katie found other homeschool friends and was involved with stage theatre. She was even on posters and advertisements around the city of Shanghai! In Switzerland, she continued with theatre and enjoyed skiing and sledding. In 2022, we moved back to the US and began life in Illinois. After visiting schools in the central Illinois area, Katie chose to continue homeschooling. She became incredibly involved in church activities and missions.
As her senior year approached, Katie decided that she wanted the school activities and atmosphere! She chose to attend Unity Christian School for her senior year of school. It was a momentous change, but she was ready. She excelled in her academics and was invited to join National Honor Society! She was elected the vice-president of the FFA and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She was accepted into Millikin University in the Bio-Chemistry program with a pre-med focus.
Upon graduation from high school, Katie felt like she wanted to work in the field of nutrition. She learned so much while living abroad regarding eating healthy and focusing on what we put in our bodies. She chose Biochemistry as her field of study, knowing that she wanted to help others learn about food and our relationship with food.
However, just recently, she has decided that she wants to pursue a career in education! She works with children after school and loves the relationships and enriching lives. She knows how important it is for children to get off on the right foot in their educational journey! Katie wants to be a teacher.
In Katie’s early years, math was a struggle, and it took 3 years to learn her multiplication tables! She used so many different curriculums and learning aids. It had become so frustrating for her to do math. She did not quit and kept working! Finally, after 3 years, math began to click, and she became proficient in her multiplication tables. During high school, she took AP and college preparatory math classes and upon entering college, she was able to start with an advanced math class.
She feels like she can attribute her success to hard work and skills that she learned during her time at LearningRx.”
Results are from a past client. You or your loved ones may or may not achieve the same outcomes, but you can learn more about our research and results here!