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Many of us could connect a firm foundation in education with a strong figure in our lives – a teacher, mentor, parent or friend. As learning cannot come from within but must be delivered from outside, the people who shape intelligence today are most likely parents teaching a child to read or a teacher giving an encouraging word.
Caitlin Capone, JC Freed, and the Center of Love for Learning [CLL] are those strong leaders for many students. Capone (M.S., M.A.) and Freed (M.A.) started the Center of Love for Learning in an official capacity in July of 2024. The organization though had its foundation laid earlier. After one of the co-founders drove her child a long distance to see a reading coach, the two teamed up to address the need in the community, teaching a handful of students out of their homes a few houses away from each other.
In 2024, the CLL was officially formed. With an office location in Blacksburg, Capone and Freed have taken their vision of making learning more accessible – and more fun – to the New River Valley.
Caitlin Capone has more than 15 years of experience under her belt. With degrees from Virginia Tech and Florida International University, she’s trained in French and English as a second language, among other subject areas. JC Freed has earned degrees from Virginia Tech and James Madison University, and holds a Virginia Teaching License and an Education Technology Certificate.
With tutoring, one-on-one instruction and small classes, the two are driven by a passion to see students of all ages delight in learning.
Services
The Center of Love for Learning offers one-on-one phonics instruction, reading comprehension, study skills, English as a second language, composition and small French classes.
“Both of us love the opportunity to work with these students individually,” they relate. In comparison with traditional classroom methods in schools, where teachers don’t often give struggling students the unique perspective they need, Capone and Freed are able to hone in on a pupil’s strengths and abilities. “We can identify the exact skills that need to be strengthened and ensure that progress is being made with each session,” they explain.
Capone and Freed combine tested, science-backed techniques with a unique ability to connect with their students. And this approach for instruction is helping students soar.
They describe their services as “essential for some and beneficial for all. Our literacy skills programs can help any kind of student, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical, and at any age.” For a student who wants to be a stronger learner, the CLL’s services assist in strengthening the foundation already laid.
The Process
Working with students through a consultation and evaluation, Capone and Freed develop a personalized plan identifying strengths and weaknesses. Then, with science-backed research from the Science of Reading, and drawing on years of experience, the two implement the programs using multisensory and kinesthetic elements.
The Science of Reading is based on previous research that asserts that there are five major literary skills – phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Passionate about students being able to reach their potential, the CLL works to bridge the gap between “learning to read” and “reading to learn.”
Community and Vision
As in every local business, the community is integral to success. “The community has been extremely supportive of our new business,” Capone and Freed explain. Broadening their vision, the founders hope to become a non-profit in the future, to be able to expand their ability of serving families.
Both parents and students attest in testimonials on the CLL’s website of the patience and effectiveness Capone and Freed bring to the table. The website also includes a blog with charts, literacy tips and books of the month to support their customers.
For parents watching a child struggle with learning, the two offer encouragement. “They shouldn’t feel alone because it is so much more common than people realize.” They point out that their services don’t just serve the students. “We are here not only to help children but also to provide parents with concrete support while guiding their kids in overcoming challenges.”
It’s in the name. These new entrepreneurs are passionate about instilling a love for learning. For them, it’s more than being intellectual. They know that a love for learning will greatly benefit students down the road, equipping them to be leaders in schools, workplaces and homes.
Passionate, driven and full for heart for seeing students thrive, Capone and Freed are filling a need in the community by building stronger, more proficient readers, thinkers and lifelong learners for years to come. Perhaps the students the Center of Love for Learning raises up will become the next generation of leaders to drive change in the New River Valley for years to come.
Caitlyn Koser is a homeschool student who loves reading – for entertainment and for school assignments. She plans to be a professional writer, and it takes a good reader to be a good writer.
Lovelearningcenter.org
info@lovelearningcenter.org
Text by Caitlyn Koser
