Charlene Andersson doesn’t chase attention. She isn’t big on social media. You probably haven’t seen her on TV or podcasts. But in education circles, especially in Los Angeles, her name carries weight.
Charlene has spent more than 30 years teaching, mentoring, and helping students thrive. She’s a certified educational therapist and a former classroom teacher. She now works one-on-one with children and families through her private practice in Los Angeles.
“I’ve always believed every child deserves to be seen,” she says. “That’s where learning starts.”
Charlene was born in New Jersey in 1958. She grew up in a close family that valued character, kindness, and service. Her parents, she says, shaped the way she sees the world.
“My parents didn’t just tell us to do the right thing,” she says. “They showed us what that looked like every day.”
She began her professional journey in education after earning degrees from California State University, Northridge; the University of La Verne; SUNY; UC Riverside; and the University of Texas at Austin. Her focus was always on elementary education, policy, and how to help students with different learning needs.
She taught in California public schools for decades. Her students consistently achieved top standardized test scores in the district. But for Charlene, it was never about the test numbers.
“I didn’t focus on the numbers” she explains, “I centered my attention on the children and the results naturally followed.”
Parents noticed. Many asked that their children stay in her class for more than one year. The school allowed it—a teaching method called looping. It gave students stability and helped them grow faster.
Charlene’s work caught the attention of people outside her district. In 2005, the Japanese government selected her as a U.S. delegate for a curriculum development program. She traveled to Japan to work with local educators and share strategies.
“I didn’t go there to teach them,” she says. “I went to learn with them.”
Her approach led to invitations from other countries. She was asked to help shape curriculum in Cuba and the Middle East. She also met with the U.S. Secretary of Education to share ideas about student support.
Charlene also served on the California Board for Gifted Students. She spoke at the Association of the Gifted in front of over 1,000 educators. Her message was clear: every student learns differently, and teaching should reflect that.
“Gifted doesn’t mean easy or more work; it means learning in ways that are deeper or more complex, and needing educational experiences that match those abilities and challenges.
Charlene believes in creativity as a learning tool. She once worked with a student who struggled socially and was obsessed with the Mars Rover. Charlene helped the student work with classmates to design an improvement for the rover. The team submitted the idea and received a letter from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab saying they would review it.
“That moment changed how the whole class saw him—and how he saw himself,” she says.
Another student lacked confidence and had trouble making friends. Charlene contacted the LA Rams and arranged a special game-day experience for him and a friend. That student is now being recruited to play college football.
Charlene is also an author. She has written three books for children. One was co-written with her students and now sits in the Library of Congress.
“It wasn’t about the book,” she says. “It was about showing them their words had value.”
Outside the classroom, Charlene created arts and education programs for sick children at the Ronald McDonald House and UCLA Mattel Hospital. These programs help kids express themselves during difficult times.
“It’s not about distraction,” she says. “It’s about giving them something real to hold onto.”
Charlene eventually moved into educational therapy full-time. Her private practice now helps students who struggle with learning, social skills, or confidence. She meets them where they are and helps them move forward.
“I support and empower kids to grow, thrive and be their best selves.”
Today, Charlene still paints, writes, and reflects. She’s humble, but clear about her work’s purpose.
“If I can help children to discover their potential and enjoy the process of learning, my work has meaning.”
Charlene Andersson isn’t loud. She doesn’t need to be. Her impact speaks for itself—quiet, steady, and deeply human.
