LearningRX is a cognitive training center which offers specialty programs that strengthen the skills the brain uses to think and learn. Mike DiCristino, franchisee since November 2015 at the Warren location, truly believes the LearningRx slogan “brain training is life changing.”
DiCristino, who has a professional background in finance, wanted to establish meaningful customer relationships in a different setting other than corporate America. “I now am able to see students improve and watch their self-esteem grow,” he says. The LearningRx franchise system has 80 centers nationwide as well as international franchises. The Warren location opened in 2010. Programs typically last 3-8 months. Trainers typically have education or psychology backgrounds, though other backgrounds, such as business, are also represented. Prior to hire, candidates are screened for cognitive skills and then complete 36 hours of training in addition to up to 10 hours of observations. Trainers are then certified after completing two tests.
The most common difficulties for which students come to LearningRx include attention issues, reading and comprehension problems, memory loss, and even traumatic brain injury. Most families come to LearningRX by way of doctor recommendations or client referral. Ages of students vary from 5-85, although children aged 8-13 are the majority. All programs provide one-on-one training, and typically meet three days a week. LearningRx staff is in constant contact with parents to discuss their children’s progress. “Building confidence is key and we want the students to walk out of here feeling better about themselves,“ DiCristino notes.
There are a variety of programs, which range from 12 weeks of training to as long as 32 weeks of training. Every program has designated check-ins so the parents and staff are able to discuss student progress in person. With today’s hectic scheduling however, alternative means of check ins are also possible, either via phone or email.
The feedback the center receives from parents and teachers is what truly brings a smile to the trainers’ faces. “They like seeing achievements being made and watching their students’ confidence lift,” he says. One student sticks out in his mind. “She was a fourth-grade student who had difficulty with math, reading comprehension, and directions,” he mentions, “She did our ReadRX program and had amazing results. When she completed the program her mom commented on how much her school grades had changed. She improved in reading comprehension, her math test scores improved, and she could complete homework faster and with less supervision.” Improvements don’t seem to stop in the classroom. Student athletes have told LearningRX trainers they can see the field better and perform better in their sports.
LearningRx programs are wrapped up with a graduation celebration, after their post-program assessment is completed. “The students receive letters from their trainers and parents often remark on how their children’s focus improved and they now have the ability to multi-task,” DiCristino proudly mentions.