EDT: Educational Design Therapy™
An original framework by Michelle Renee Hoppe (Shelli)
I invented Educational Design Therapy™ in January 2024 while developing a new model for processing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and establishing a client feedback loop rooted in trauma-informed, design-thinking practices. This methodology began as part of my research thesis at MICA and has since been incorporated into both a leading startup incubator and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure.
As for my qualifications in education: I’ve been a professor of English and translation, director of international learning centers, faculty trainer, and guest lecturer across disciplines. I’ve worked with children of military families, students from conflict zones, and neurodivergent learners in over six countries. I’ve been recruited by billionaires and earned a rare 5/5 rating from the U.S. State Department of Early Learning. I was selected as a NYC Teaching Fellow — the most prestigious teaching program in the country — and have successfully advocated for disabled students in court as an expert witness.
I do not believe in prescriptions for behavior, nor do I subscribe to a single theoretical model. I can speak Gillingham and Montessori fluently — but I’d much rather design what actually works for your child.
I approach every student, every classroom, and every design decision with wonder. Because teaching — like healing — is not a perfect science.
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Chapter 1
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Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
What you’ll learn
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How did we get here? Where are we going? Where are we in this journey now?
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Empathy often serves to educate the able, which is not what we want for a child who is struggling. We need to be able to overcome the Double Empathy Problem. I can teach you how.
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Self-advocacy is about setting boundaries in kind and holistic ways. We will develop sentence-starters and practice advocating for ourselves, so that your child does not end up the victim of a bully. If the worst happens, we will be prepared to advocate for your child as well as teach your child to self-advocate. Sadly, I have never met a student with a disability who was not a victim of bullying in some way.
We will learn how to make genuine friends with the people who value your child.
FAQ
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85 for one-to-one meetings, and 427 bucks for access to the online content forever.
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No insurance covers this type of service—yet. But your school might fund it in part or in total. I often get brought in by public and private schools when all other behavioral aids have failed. I have sustained excellent results in public, private and homeschool settings.
I do always recommend using your public resources first, but I am here if you need/want curated support. I believe in the least-restrictive environment and work towards this, always.
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First of all, rude. Second, hi there. I am Shelli Hoppe, and I am a neurodivergent third-culture-kid from a high-ranking military family. I grew up in Japan and traveling the world with my pilot Captain dad. He used to put me through Other Country Bootcamp as a kid, so I grew up with a fully eclectic educational experience. For this, I am beyond grateful. My mother was a Spanish teacher who grew up in Puerto Rico.
I have never met a kid with a behavioral issue I could not work with. Ever. Whatever you are worried about, I have seen it.
I am a firm believer that teachers are not a monolith and the best teachers have their own stuff going on. I make the quip with my students on Fridays, “Do not forget, children, that teachers also have lives.”
I am proud of and grateful for the life that I have built.