Meet Our Founder

Shannon Hooley

Hello, my name is Shannon Hooley. I have created this very unique healing space that is warm and inclusive — House of Love and Gratitude.

I have twin daughters, one of whom was diagnosed with autism at 20 months old. From that journey, I founded the school as a homeschool support center in Fort Lauderdale offering academic and social support with the freedom of using materials and methods that match your child's individual learning style.

We serve autistic students and welcome families interested in non-traditional educational methods and healing modalities such as light therapy, sound therapy, and vibrational therapy. The power of love and gratitude is the driving force behind our school.

Our Team

Meet our dedicated and nurturing team

Lori Levy MA CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Lori Levy owns A Brainy Choice Inc. and holds national ASHA certification and state licensure as a Speech Language Pathologist. She earned her master's degree from the University of Central Florida in 2003. With over 20 years of experience across hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice, she specializes in oral motor and feeding disorders and works with developmental delays, Down Syndrome, autism, and language disorders. She has created educational apps and collaborates closely with occupational therapists, believing every individual deserves the best quality of care.

Jacquelyn

Education Specialist, M.S.

Jacquelyn holds dual master's degrees from Pace University and a bachelor's in psychology. She is a certified special and general education teacher licensed in Florida and New York, trained in moderate-to-severe disabilities instruction. Certified in ESL, therapeutic crisis intervention, and positive behavior support, she has extensive experience writing Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). She received "highly effective" teaching ratings in NYC and believes anyone can reach their full potential through focus, hard work, and perseverance.

Darlene Gray MA CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Darlene is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families in school and clinical settings in New York City and Fort Lauderdale. She previously ran a private practice in Manhattan and Brooklyn, working closely with families, educators, and interdisciplinary teams who value connection, growth, and each child's unique potential. At House of Love and Gratitude, she is honored to be part of a community that shares her belief in nurturing the whole child. Her approach is compassionate, individualized, and rooted in evidence-based practices, guided by each child's strengths, needs, and family goals. Darlene specializes in working with children who experience challenges in speech, language, feeding, and oral-motor development, including those with autism and childhood apraxia of speech. She incorporates advanced training in PROMPT, Orton-Gillingham, The Hanen Program, and Talk Tools to create meaningful, engaging, and effective therapy experiences. Above all, she believes that progress happens through connection, trust, and joy.

Pearl Natanel

Occupational Therapist

Pearl holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Brooklyn College and a master's in occupational therapy from Long Island University (2014). She has 9+ years of experience working with special education teachers, families, and other supporting staff, with expertise in developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. She has worked across schools, clinics, and homes to support child development.