Darien Cook
Co-Owner, Instructor
I have served students in all classroom settings since 2014, starting as an assistant before deciding to pursue teaching as a career. I studied Special Education and Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, graduating in May, 2020. After working in multiple public school and private school settings in both Florida and North Carolina, I have been determined to ensure all students have access to quality education. Partnering with like-minded individuals has allowed me to learn more about student services, effective teaching methods, differentiation strategies, and how to design well rounded educational experiences for a diverse group of learners.
Outside of teaching, I play soccer and spend time with my dogs!
Taylor Lane
Co-Owner, Instructor
While attending UNT to receive my Bachelors of Science in Sociology, I spent a little over a year working as a RBT in an ABA clinic in Texas for kids on the spectrum between the ages of 2 years and 12 years. After graduating, I moved to North Carolina where I became an assistant instructor at a 2nd through 12th grade, special education, private learning organization. After my first year there, I became a lead instructor and was in an administrative role for another year and a half. While here, I received the week long Orton-Gillingham training through IMSE.
When I am not working, I like to spend time learning more about the community I work with and better ways to help my students be successful. My decompression time is usually spent with my dog, cat, and a Dr. Pepper!
Leah Pires
Instructor
I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology online through USC. In addition to working here, I also work as a nanny for a teen with special needs. Prior to starting here, I worked in various school and summer camp settings where I gained experience working with kids in different learning environments.
Working here has given me the opportunity to support learners with diverse learning needs and helped me discover how much I love getting to know our learners as individuals and watching them work toward their goals. I am excited to continue learning and growing in my role while finding new ways to support our learners!
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my friends, my dog Benny, coloring, and reading!
William Thames
Instructor
I have completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During my time in school, I developed a strong passion for working in special education and supporting individuals with diverse learning needs. It is my goal to continue my education and complete my PhD here in Charlotte so that I can further my knowledge and make a meaningful impact within this field.
Getting the opportunity to work here and gain hands-on experience within this field has been incredibly fulfilling for me. Being able to apply what I’ve learned in real-world settings and work directly with learners has deepened my desire to continue working in special education and to keep growing both personally and professionally.
Outside of school and work, I love spending time in nature whenever I can. I especially enjoy fishing and whitewater kayaking. I appreciate any chance to get outdoors and be on the water. I’m also a big music fan and love going out to see all the live shows Charlotte has to offer.
Cali
Service Dog
Meet Cali
Cali is our beloved 10-year-old Dachshund-Golden Retriever mix and a registered service dog at AHA Learning Center. She brings warmth, comfort, and joy to everyone she meets!
Cali loves being part of our learning environment, providing emotional support, encouragement, and positive energy to our learners. Her calm presence and friendly personality make her a favorite companion for students, helping to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging space for learning.
Whether she’s offering a reassuring paw, a wagging tail, or a happy cuddle, Cali is an important part of our team—and our learners absolutely love her!