Kimberly Cockwell Kooskalis
Kimberly Cockwell Kooskalis is a Bahamian who returned to her homeland in 2006. She is a mother of two and a graduate of Clark University, where she earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education in 1990. In 1993, she received two master’s degrees from Boston College, one in Special Education and the other in Psychology. Kimberly pursued a special education career, working in public and private schools throughout Massachusetts as an alternative, behavioral, and learning specialist.
In 2006, Kimberly was approached by Marianne Stein, the founder of Blairwood Academy in Nassau, to take over the school. Blairwood Academy was founded in 1991 as an alternative school for children with reading and learning challenges. Since becoming Director, Kimberly has expanded the dyslexia program and added an integrated learning unit while staying true to the school’s original mission.
Blairwood Academy was one of the first schools to implement Fast Forward, a scientifically-based brain enhancement reading program. The school has also recently partnered with the Ernie Els Foundation to enhance its programming and added a behavior and therapy component.
At Blairwood Academy, the goal is to help children reach their fullest potential independently using scientific tools. The school believes in treating the whole child.
Fee-Based Additional Support
Tutoring
Homework help
Tailored behavior therapy plan
PECS - Picture exchange communication system
In-home personalized intervention plans
Life coach
Linguistic classes
Social classes
Services
Tailored behavior therapy plan
In-home personalized intervention plans
Mission
Blairwood Academy is designed to serve 2 ½ -21 year old students who learn best when given individualized attention in a small school environment. Blairwood Academy strives daily to help cure illiteracy in this country.
To our benefit, we have the best science-based practices to “unlock the code” for students who simply learn differently. Many of our students continue on to college, become artists, teachers for children with autism, and other productive members of our society.
We also service children with Autism and developmental delays that have the potential to work and function in our community.
Individualized attention in a small school environment can enhance the learning experience of students with different abilities.
Philosophy
Teaching must be based on proven methods, and individualized planning. Students work at their pace to a mastery level.
Learning differently does not mean learning less. Students must be challenged to achieve.
Learning cannot happen without taking risks, and making mistakes. Students must feel safe to take the risks that lead to learning.
Learning involves more than academics. Students need guidance to grow into mature, thoughtful adults with strong personal ethics, and social responsibility.
History
In 1989 a group of parents, with the help of Dr. Matthew Rose, joined with The Developmental Resource Center, an award-winning school in Florida, to bring the DRC programs to Nassau.
In 1992, parents and teachers came together to expand those programs and create Blairwood Academy.
Today, the spirit of our founders guides our work.
