About the Staff

Marge Weiner – Director

Marge Weiner is the director and founder of the Total Learning Center in Neptune, New Jersey which was established in 1982. She received her B.A. in Special Education from William Paterson University in 1970 and her M.A. in Special Education from Loyola College in 1973. In addition she was certified as an Academic Language Therapist by the Dean Center with specialized training in the area of dyslexia in 1986. She also has extensive training as a certified Wilson instructor with an expertise in teaching both the basic and advance level of this curriculum.

She has been an advocate for the dyslexic student for many years and has been a speaker at conferences instructing classroom teachers and administrators in the signs and symptoms of dyslexia.

Marge began her career working in the public schools as a special education teacher. During that time she worked as a Resource Room teacher in Oceanport, New Jersey serving both the elementary school and middle school student with special needs. It became abundantly clear to her that although she had extensive training in teaching reading there was a population of students that were unable to read utilizing traditional curriculums and methodology.

During the time she was an instructor in Oceanport a young child she was teaching was unable to crack the code for reading words or spelling despite one-to-one instruction and a variety of curriculums. This student had been diagnosed by the school psychologist as dyslexic, but continued to struggle with reading acquisition.

Marge was determined to become an expert in instructing the dyslexic student.

At that time the only way to become certified in an Orton Gillingham program was through the Dean Learning Center in Dallas, Texas. After completing 800 hours of training she was certified an an Academic Language Therapist. As an Academic Language therapist Marge used the Alphabetic Phonics Curriculum in the Resource Room. This program targeted the severe to moderately blocked dyslexic student.

During that time she became interested in the adult learner who had struggled through their school years and into their adult life due to dyslexia. The Wilson Curriculum was originally written specifically for adolescents and adults with dyslexia. Later two levels were written for the Wilson program so it could service all ages.

By receiving certification in both curriculums she felt she could provide instruction for all children and adults based on the level of severity of their dyslexia. In 1982 she decided she wanted to establish a learning center for children and adults.  The mission of the center was to specialize in children and adults who struggle with reading, spelling and written language skills and need a specialized program in order to master these essential skills.

Lori Weiner Dalin – Instructor

Lori Weiner Dalin has been employed at The Total Learning Center for the past 13 years. Lori graduated from Johnson and Wales University in 1999. Her passion has always been teaching children with learning challenges. She returned to New Jersey in 2003 to begin her formal training in this curriculum. She is certified in both Level 1 and Level 2 of the Wilson Curriculum and she is a dedicated staff member with an expertise in all aspects of this curriculum.

Barbara Millington – Office Manager

Barbara has been an integral part of the Total Learning Center since June 1997. She will be the friendly voice at the end of the phone when calling the office to learn more about the center or to schedule a testing date. She is also responsible for all aspects of billing, scheduling, school district communications and communications with the parents of the students that attend classes at this center.