Our Approach
Supporting every student at Riverstone
We believe every student learns differently, and those differences are strengths. Our Learning Support program serves students from Preschool through Grade 12, supporting the full spectrum of learners.
For some students, this means targeted skill-building and academic support. For others, it means additional challenge and extension in areas of particular strength. Through collaboration with teachers, families, and specialists, our team provides evidence-based interventions, individualized strategies, and inclusive classroom practices that ensure every student can access Riverstone’s rigorous program and continue to grow as a confident learner.
What Makes Riverstone Different
Our Learning Support Program is fully integrated into the student experience, supporting learners within our International Baccalaureate Program.
IB Aligned Support
Our strategies align with the International Baccalaureate framework, supporting inquiry, reflection, and student agency.
Whole Child Approach
We support students academically, socially, and emotionally, recognizing that confident learners perform better in all areas.
Outdoor Education Integration
Riverstone’s Outdoor Education program builds resilience and problem-solving skills, and our team ensures students can fully participate in these experiences.
Individualized and Flexible
Every student is unique. We create customized strategies and supports designed around each learner’s strengths and needs.
How We Support Our Students
Our Learning Support team uses research-based programs and instructional methods to strengthen academic skills and build independence.
Key approaches include:
- Wilson Reading System – Structured literacy support
- Read Write Inc. – Foundational phonics instruction
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – Multiple ways for students to learn and demonstrate understanding
- Explicit Instruction – Structured, step-by-step skill development
- Differentiation and scaffolding within the classroom
These strategies help students develop strong reading, writing, executive functioning, and learning skills.
A Flexible Continuum of Support
At Riverstone, learning support is designed to be responsive and flexible. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we provide a continuum of support that allows us to adjust the level of assistance students receive as their needs evolve. From strong classroom instruction to targeted small-group support and individualized planning, our goal is to ensure that every student can access the curriculum and continue to grow.
Riverstone’s Learning Support team partners with teachers, students, and families to ensure that every learner can access the curriculum and reach their potential.
We use a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) that allows us to provide the right level of support at the right time—whether through strong classroom instruction, targeted small-group support, or individualized intervention.
Our approach focuses on early identification, research-based instruction, and collaboration with families and specialists.
Meet The Team
View the rest of the Learning support staff by clicking each staff member’s image to read their bios!
Hevelyn Karcher
Learning Support Assistant
Hevelyn was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. After attending college she moved to the U.S. to pursue her dream of living here. Over the last year and a half, she has worked at Smart Start Preschool, and loved every minute of it. Hevelyn is very excited to have the opportunity to join the Riverstone team, especially after being part of this community as a parent of two elementary students for the last five years. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, hosting dinner parties, and traveling.
Jessica Amok
Learning Support Assistant
Besides being a double STEM major, Jessica was also an Educational Studies minor who asked herself the question. “What is education?” Throughout her teaching both at Bates College and the Lewiston School district, Jessica kept this question in mind when she discovered that there is no one answer to this question but rather learning is beautiful because it is expressed in many unique ways! Excited to come back to Riverstone, Jessica hopes to continue supporting students in their journeys of learning within the classroom as well as finding their spaces and building communities that extend beyond the Riverstone walls!
Norma Aruz
Spanish Language Learning Support Assistant
Norma is a passionate educator born in Michoacan, Mexico, and raised in Daleville, Alabama. She embarked on her journey in early childhood education at Troy University. Since then, she has dedicated herself to teaching preschool with unwavering enthusiasm. Starting her career in Montgomery, Alabama, then Yokosuka, Japan, Orlando, Florida, Norma eventually found a home in Boise. She finds joy in fitness, savoring coffee, and cherishing moments with her husband and three children.
Every Student Belongs Here
We believe that diverse learners strengthen our community. Our Learning Support program reflects our commitment to ensuring every student is supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
