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.
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Outside of teaching, I play soccer and spend time with my dogs, ducks, fish, and foster cats!
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
Assistant
We are thrilled to welcome Leah to the AHA Learning Center team as our new assistant! She brings a wealth of patience, kindness, and enthusiasm to our learners and staff alike.
Originally from Connecticut, Leah moved to South Carolina as a child and has grown up bringing curiosity and compassion to every community she’s a part of. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at USC and works as a nanny for a young teen with special needs, gaining daily experience in mentorship, guidance, and care.
Outside of her studies and work, she loves dogs—including her new puppy, Benny—and has experience dog and house-sitting. When she’s not caring for her furry friends or our learners, you might find her enjoying Taylor Swift tunes!
We are excited to have her on board, supporting our programs as needed, and we can’t wait to watch her continue to grow and bring her heart, and patience to everything she does.
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!
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