An Interview with Caryl Frankenberger: A Journey of Transforming Learning Differences

At the heart of Frankenberger Associates Learning Solutions Center (FA) lies a deep commitment to understanding and supporting individuals who learn differently. Founded by Caryl Frankenberger, a seasoned psychoeducational diagnostician, FA has grown from a small practice to a comprehensive learning solutions center that offers tailored support for students facing various academic and social challenges.

A Passion for Learning Differences

Caryl's journey began in the classroom, where she taught students with learning disabilities. Her curiosity and dedication to understanding dyslexia and social communication challenges led her to graduate school and eventually into private practice. As a psychoeducational diagnostician, Caryl’s focus was on evaluating students to uncover their unique strengths and challenges, providing parents and teachers with a clearer understanding of how to support these students effectively. 

"I've always wanted to educate people about how kids learn," says Caryl. "My goal was to help faculty and administrators  understand that students with learning differences require specific support to thrive."

Private Practice and Beyond

Caryl’s private practice, Frankenberger Associates, was rooted in discovering each student's learning profile through comprehensive evaluations. She would meet with students to discuss their learning experiences, ensuring the evaluation process resonated with how they saw themselves. Caryl recalls how parents often felt a sense of relief and understanding after learning about their child's unique challenges and strengths.

But Caryl’s career wasn’t confined to her practice. Among other things, she served as the head of The Greenwood School in Putney Vermont, a boarding school for boys with complex learning profiles. "What I loved about the school was that we had the resources and staff to address the needs of the students," she shares. "The combination of diagnostic, prescriptive teaching, experiential, hands-on learning, and a warm, caring environment made it so powerful and the kids gained social and academic confidence."

The Expansion of Frankenberger Associates

After her time at The Greenwood School, Caryl returned to Connecticut with a new vision. She wanted to create a center that not only diagnosed learning differences but also provided treatment and support to help students overcome their challenges. Thus, Frankenberger Associates Learning Solutions Center was born, offering virtual and in-person tailored tutoring through executive function coaching in reading, writing, math, and other academic subjects, a comprehensive social learning program aimed at strengthening individuals’ social skills, and a cognitive training program to improve students working memory and cognitive functioning.

"We teach executive function skills using the student’s assignments and extracurricular activities because we recognize that teaching these skills in isolation is not productive," explains Caryl. "We model and practice skills and strategies until the student can apply them independently. Our goal is to turn these skills into habits."

Innovative Online Learning

Recently, Frankenberger Associates has expanded its offerings with an online professional development course designed for anyone interested in understanding neurodiverse learning profiles. This course provides cutting-edge information on learning challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning and ASD, and it offers practical strategies for admissions directors, educators, IEC’s and parents.

"We want to change the misconceptions about kids who learn differently," Caryl emphasizes. "The course delves into how to read neuropsychological evaluations, ask insightful questions, and apply classroom strategies that benefit all learners."

Making a Lasting Impact

The impact of FA’s programs is evident in the success stories of its students. Caryl recalls receiving pictures of students attending proms, joining clubs, and participating in activities they might never have considered before enrolling in FA’s social learning program. "We are changing kids' lives," she says with pride. "Our individualized approach ensures that we meet students where they are and help them grow in the social areas, they need most." 

The social learning program at FA has evolved into a highly personalized experience, addressing everything from making friends and handling teasing to life coaching for older students. "For many of our students the parent component is crucial," Caryl notes. "Parents help reinforce what we teach, and the more consistency we have, the more success we see." 

At Frankenberger Associates, the focus remains on empowering students to reach their full potential, whether through an evaluation, tailored tutoring, social learning, cognitive training or online professional development. Caryl’s passion for helping students with learning differences has shaped FA into a place where every student is given the tools and support, they need to succeed.

Jennifer Frost, M.A.
Executive Function Coach and Literacy Tutor