Linda Karanzalis MS, BCCS

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

- Maya Angelou

My Story

WELCOME

In my early 30s I was diagnosed with NVLD (nonverbal learning disorder), a brain-based learning disorder. It was only then that I understood I wasn’t “imagining things” or “thinking too much” -- I was trying to survive. Despite my above-average intelligence, I thought I was intellectually impaired. From childhood through my 20s, I lived in despair; now as an education professional in the field of neurodiversity, I live up to my potential.

My story and success offers understanding, hope, and inspiration. I have worked with hundreds of parents, students, and adults to improve the quality of their lives academically, socially, emotionally, and financially.

It is my hope that, by sharing my story and everything I have learned about NVLD, I can empower people like you or your children. With accurate diagnosis and treatment, you can be spared from years of frustration and downward spirals and go on to lead a meaningful, rewarding, productive life.

How I became the NVLD Pioneer

I was stumbling along in life, unable to figure out why things that others could do easily were so incredibly difficult and painful for me. Because I couldn’t find a way, I was determined to make a way, not only for myself, but for the benefit of others. I had to become the explorer and unravel the mystery on a personal level before I could help anyone. Like a pioneer crossing the country in a horse drawn wagon, I began to forge new ground.

My drive, perseverance, relentlessness, and hard work catapulted me into finding the answers for myself. Through this process, I found the self-validation I needed to move forward. Knowing that “it wasn't my fault, and I didn’t do anything wrong” was tremendously empowering and reinforced the belief that I could be helpful to others. This shift in belief changed my life. My journey seems to be to help others experience less suffering than I did. Instead of taking the long and painful detours I did, you can take the most direct and efficient road to help yourself.

And that’s how I became the NVLD Pioneer.

My Professional Bio

My passion and life’s mission is to help others not experience the difficulties I went through beginning in childhood. I obtained a master’s degree in brain-based education and am a board certified cognitive specialist. In 1997 I left my special education teaching position and started Addvantages Learning Center. My center was one of the first in the county to exclusively meet the needs of neurodivergent students. Its focus remains to help students reach their potential through executive functioning training, social-emotional skills development, and parent coaching.

I’m a contributing writer for ADDitude magazine, was the coordinator of a CHADD (children and adults with ADHD) chapter for many years, a former frequent guest on the radio show “Let’s Talk About It” about learning struggles, and wrote a monthly column called “Ask the ADDvisor” about ADHD for South Jersey Mom magazine.

I’m proud to be an advocate/ambassador for the NVLD Project, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with NVLD. I have participated in their Facebook Live series

and written an article for their professional blog.

I have been recognized as one of “South Jersey’s Top 35 Superwomen '' by South Jersey Magazine and received a proclamation from Governor Whitman on behalf of the work of my students.

Currently, I live at the beach with my toy poodle Gigi.

Thanks for stopping by!

- Linda K.