Carol Hess

Founder

Carol Hess has working with learning struggles as a parent, a teacher, an administrator and a trainer. Her passion for helping those who "just can't learn" has led her to become an expert in fields such as dyslexia, processing disorders, executive function and more. When she is not helping kids overcome these struggles, she also loves dogs, travel, and time with family!

Cealey and Michael Hemsworth, Directors

Directors Michael and Cealey became co-owners with Carol in 2020, after being clients at the center with their son in 2015.  His auditory processing disorder had been a mystery during his childhood and the understand and support Keeping Pace provided made a huge impact on their whole family.  Therefore they are passionate about directing the center operations to help other families like their own.

Sarah Whitehead

Parent Liason

With a passion for assisting families and children, Sarah has dedicated her career to supporting families as they navigate the special education relm. Armed with over 15+ years of experience in advocacy & special education, she brings a unique blend of emotional understanding and practical expertise to the team at Keeping Pace. Sarah's commitment to her clients extends beyond the tutoring sessions, as she works behind the scenes with families to ensure the best programming and placement in the learning center.

Anna Burke

Staff Trainer

I’ve been working with Keeping Pace Learning Center for almost three years now, and each day grows my passion for these kids and what we can offer them. The methods and research that go into the development of their cognitive skills is nothing I have witnessed in a conventional classroom setting. It’s a privilege to  be apart of this community, and learn so much from my students.

Ana Ochoa

I have been a trainer for more than two years and working in education for many years before that.  I was assisting a student at Keeping Pace in their regular classroom and then began working with the center when I saw the impact that the program could have on struggling students.  I love building relationships with each student and making the time we spend together special

Profile coming soon!

Katie Forbes

I am Katie Forbes and I am a Communication Science major at Sacramento State University, studying to become a Speech Pathologist. I have worked with kids my whole life and love getting to interact with all of my students! I am fluent in American Sign Language and love using it in practical ways when not only teaching but learning too! I am a Disney nerd who loves to talk about all things movies and characters with anyone, especially the kiddos! I love working at Keeping Pace and feel so fortunate to help kids grow and learn through our very special program.

Natalie Watkins

I have a passion for helping children reach their full potential. I’ve really enjoyed getting back into the classroom teaching role, where I can support all children with their needs in learning. 

Veronica Quintanar

Hello! I’m Veronica a mom of 3 boys. I’ve lived in the Elk Grove area since 2017 and have been homeschooling since 2020. I also work part time as a children’s director at a local church. I’m very excited for this next chapter and to partner with families! 

Academic and Studying Skills

• Language including expressive and receptive language, articulation, and vocabulary development
• Reading: decoding phonics, sight words, comprehension, and morphology
• Writing: printing and cursive spelling, sentence structure, paragraph, and essay writing
• Grammar, organization, and composition
• Editing and proofing
• Study skills 

Processing and Cognitive Skills

• Attention
• Memory
• Processing speed
• Auditory processing
• Phonemic awareness
• Visual processing
• Sensory-motor integration
• Sequential processing
• Simultaneous processing