Wellness Advocate Works as an Academic Aide for Local Kids in Need

Program Helps Children Who Are at Risk in Math, Reading and Science

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Nov 02, 2015, 06:23 ET

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- LaVonna Strope enjoys the chance she has to be a part of the doTERRA family in her work as a Wellness Advocate. She loves to collaborate with other Wellness Advocates and believes that doTERRA provides a community where she can find support whether she is succeeding or struggling.

Along with her doTERRA business, LaVonna is also passionate about volunteering at a charter school in her area. She volunteers as an academic aide at The Good Foundations Academy (GFA), a K-6 public charter school that offers educational programs that focus heavily on character and academic excellence. At GFA, children participate in specific activities designed to maintain a strong focus on good character.

The school has seven "Foundation Stones" that are interwoven into everything they teach—Respect, Cooperation, Citizenship, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Responsibility. LaVonna says, "We understand that there are many schools that would consider these important values, but we have them clearly spelled out as school goals. The Foundation Stones are not meant to be a nice-sounding platitude for the school, but actualized behavior among the faculty, parents, and student body."

The academic support program that LaVonna participates in is designed for students who might not understand what is going on in class or who are identified by the teacher as "at risk" in math, reading, or other subjects. The program focuses on kids who might otherwise "fall through the cracks" because they aren't on the same level as the rest of the class. LaVonna and other academic aides spend between two and four hours every week helping these students get back up to grade level.

Many young children struggle in school because of learning disabilities or because they deal with symptoms of ADD or ADHD. Typically, children with ADD or ADHD have a harder time organizing their schoolwork or their time—making simple assignments more difficult for them. Additionally, some kids with ADD and ADHD have trouble concentrating if there are distractions in the classroom. Though every child is different, those with ADD and ADHD often need a specific environment or special teaching techniques to help them learn.

Typically, the students in the academic support program are quiet, well-behaved students who aren't getting the support they need to succeed. GFA also uses this program to offer a layer of support for teachers so that they can continue to teach at a certain level without worrying about students who are falling behind. The program also aims to help parents who aren't equipped to take on the role of a teacher at home.

Not only has LaVonna enjoyed spending time building her doTERRA business, but she treasures her time volunteering as an academic aide. Like many Wellness Advocates, she chooses to spend her spare time giving back to her community. Surely, the kids at GFA have benefited from LaVonna's time and talents as they receive the help they need from her and other generous academic aides who give of their time.

doTERRA Cares is an initiative through which doTERRA International recognizes and raises awareness for Wellness Advocates who contribute to worthy causes worldwide. doTERRA International is thrilled to share LaVonna's success and service and recognizes her as this week's doTERRA Cares highlight!

About doTERRA International, LLC

doTERRA is a world leader in the sourcing, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils through a global network of Wellness Advocates. In addition to a premium line of single-plant extracts and proprietary essential oil blends, the company offers oil-infused personal care and spa products, dietary supplements, and healthy living products for the home.

SOURCE doTERRA International, LLC