We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabrielle Hennings and Zoe Hemenway.

Hi Gabrielle/Zoe, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
At H&H Learning, we are committed to creating a neurodiverse-affirming environment that prioritizes connection over compliance. Our first focus is building rapport and meaningful connections with each student. We value and integrate special interests, recognizing that this is a fundamental way to connect with our neurodiverse students while also building their self-confidence. This means, if spinning and talking about Dora is how they connect, we’ll spin and become Dora experts.

Once rapport is established, we continue to foster connections by meeting students where they are as individuals. We encourage all forms of communication, support sensory needs, and utilize various learning modalities. This personalized approach enables us to address each student’s unique needs. By prioritizing connection over compliance, we build trust with our students, leading to greater progress and a stronger sense of confidence.

What should our readers know about your business?
Starting H&H Learning was almost a happy accident. After working together at a learning center for two years, we discovered a shared passion for celebrating the strengths of our neurodiverse students. When the opportunity to start our own center arose in April 2023, we were all in, eager to see our personal goal come to fruition.

In the months that followed, we dove into the many facets of running a business. We became accountants, web designers, cleaning crew, human resources, interior designers, and content creators, all while continuing to provide individualized educational services to our clients. Juggling these roles has been both a blessing and a challenge, adding a new dimension to our work as educators. We also were fortunate to have each other to lean on. Our biggest ongoing lesson is to trust ourselves and accept that it’s okay not to know everything right away.

At H&H Learning, we are dedicated to instilling self-confidence in each of our students, helping them recognize their individual strengths and capabilities. We celebrate differences, understanding that these unique qualities are valuable and integral to our work with our students. Ultimately, we are here to ensure that every student feels recognized as individuals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start the day with a bit of self-care at Lynn’s Nail Lounge in Santa Monica. Their amazing pedicures are a must, and the price can’t be beat. Then, we’d head to Big Dean’s on the boardwalk for a drink and some prime people-watching before the heat of the day sets in.

A stroll down Main Street in Santa Monica is always fun, with plenty of shops to pop into, like Gnarwhal Coffee Co, you’ll find something you just can’t resist. If we’re feeling adventurous, a trip to Dodger Stadium for a game is quintessentially LA. Grab a Dodger Dog and a cold drink to make the experience complete.

If baseball isn’t your thing, head a little south of Santa Monica to one of the fun outdoor breweries like Three Weavers, LA Ale Works, or Tortugo Brewery. And before heading home, don’t forget to stop by Monty’s Good Burger for a delicious vegan burger.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Zoe would like to thank her fiancé, Fabian, for being a consistent source of encouragement over the past year as H&H opened its doors. She also extends her heartfelt gratitude to her mom, for her unwavering support. Gabrielle would like to thank her husband, Jeff, she is grateful for his steadfast support through the first year of H&H as they navigated many life changes. And to all of those who have supported H&H, both near and far, we are so appreciative of you.

Website: https://www.hhlearningcenter.com

Instagram: @hhlearning_

Facebook: H&H Learning

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