Empowering Every Learner's Journey
Custom educational solutions for diverse learners today!
About Innovative Learning
Our Mission
At Innovative Learning Institute, our mission is to transform education by designing radically personalized, hands-on, and meaningful learning experiences that meet the needs of real students—not systems. As a nonprofit, we are driven by the belief that all learners—neurotypical, neurodivergent, gifted, twice-exceptional, or underserved—deserve access to high-quality, joyful education that reflects who they are and how they learn best.
We create custom-built curriculum, project-based programs, and educator training that go beyond one-size-fits-all models. Our work bridges the gap between school and the real world, combining the best of research, creativity, and human connection. We stand apart because we don’t replicate—we innovate. Every program we design is crafted from the ground up, rooted in collaboration, and built to spark engagement, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Our Team
Dr. Gabriela Locoh-A
At the heart of Innovative Learning Institute is Dr. Gabriela Locoh-A, a nationally recognized educator, Learning Scientist, and the visionary founder behind our mission. With a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and over two decades of experience designing innovative, student-centered programs, Dr. Gabriela leads as the STEAM Director of a pioneering school for twice-exceptional and neurodivergent learners. She works closely with students, teachers, and parents to reimagine what education can be—custom, interdisciplinary, and deeply human.
Known for her mastery in project-based learning (PBL) and connecting math to the real world in imaginative ways, Dr. Gabriela also trains educators across the country on assessment reform—guiding them to adapt and design tools that measure student growth accurately and compassionately. Her work in curriculum, assessment, and educational therapy has empowered countless families, classrooms, and school districts to see students not just for what they know, but for how they learn and who they are becoming.
She is also the author of the upcoming book series WonderMath, a bold new resource designed for educators and parents who want to bring math alive through nature, storytelling, and everyday wonder. The first title, WonderMath: Nature is Math, is nearly complete and explores how nature is full of patterns, measurements, shapes, and symmetry—inviting adults to help children experience math with awe instead of anxiety. It’s a fresh, poetic, and practical invitation to see the natural world as the most brilliant math classroom of all.
Alongside her work in mathematics, Dr. Gabriela is also co-creating a new Science for Kids book series with chemistry expert Denise Delaney. Aimed at ages 3–6, this groundbreaking series is one of the few designed to bring real scientific concepts into the earliest years of learning—when kids are naturally curious and absorb ideas at lightning speed. The books offer simple, joyful ways for parents to introduce science at home, breaking down big concepts into small, playful discoveries. Whether it’s acids and bases through lemonade, or molecular bonds through bubbles, the series brings science down to the floor—where young children live, play, and learn.
Mrs. Denise Delaney
Denise Delaney is the Science Wizard behind many of the most creative and intellectually engaging programs at Innovative Learning Institute. With a strong academic background in Science and Chemistry, Denise brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise and playful pedagogy to every learning environment she touches. Her gift lies not only in mastering complex content—such as organic chemistry, molecular structures, and chemical reactions—but in translating those ideas into joyful, accessible learning experiences for students of all ages and abilities. Denise has taught chemistry at both foundational and advanced levels, but her specialty lies in designing custom science programs for neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students, particularly in settings where traditional instruction falls short. Her work defies the boundaries of typical science instruction—she can break down a high-level concept like covalent bonding for a 5-year-old using art, storytelling, and hands-on exploration. Currently, she leads the science program at a specialized school for neurodivergent twice-exceptional learners, where she brings everyday science to life through deeply engaging projects and experiments. Whether she’s explaining acids and bases through kitchen chemistry or helping students visualize molecular structure with slime and magnets, Denise makes science feel alive, relevant, and exciting.
Mr. Jean-Claude Locoh-A
We are also proud to feature Jean-Claude Locoh-A, our Agility Program Director, whose dynamic background includes two Master’s degrees—in Education and Sports Administration—and experience training Division I athletes. Jean-Claude’s signature movement program blends physical agility with mental agility, incorporating collaborative games, obstacle courses, riddles, and team challenges that build strength, strategy, and connection. His work makes movement joyful, inclusive, and accessible—even for students who usually shy away from traditional PE. It’s agility for every brain and every body.
Mrs. Raja Abbass
Raja Abbass is our visionary Speech and Language Pathologist, whose work goes far beyond traditional speech therapy. With a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and a deep understanding of communication as a foundation for connection, identity, and learning, Raja brings an inclusive, creative, and deeply human approach to every student she supports. Her work aligns seamlessly with our mission by honoring each child’s voice—literally and figuratively—and helping students develop not just speech clarity, but the confidence and tools to express who they are. Raja’s sessions are woven into real-world learning, storytelling, and social collaboration, empowering students to communicate meaningfully in both academic and personal contexts. She collaborates closely with educators and families to embed language development into project-based learning, creative play, and reflective dialogue, ensuring speech goals are not isolated exercises but part of the student’s whole learning journey. Raja’s unique ability to merge speech therapy with our interdisciplinary, student-centered model makes her work not just supportive—but transformative.
Mrs. Karolina Panteau
Karolina Panteau is the brilliant mind behind our Detective and Forensic Science Investigations Program, where curiosity meets critical thinking in the most unforgettable ways. With a background in Criminal Justice and Criminal Psychology, Karolina brings a fresh, interdisciplinary lens to education—one that encourages children to think like investigators, problem-solvers, and truth-seekers. Her one-of-a-kind program blends age-appropriate forensic science, hands-on mystery-solving, and evidence-based thinking to help students build essential skills in observation, logic, writing, and argumentation. Whether students are analyzing fingerprints, decoding hidden messages, or piecing together narrative clues, Karolina’s curriculum fosters a powerful sense of wonder, purpose, and intellectual confidence. Beyond the lab and clue maps, her students are learning to support their ideas with evidence—a skill that strengthens writing, communication, and decision-making across all areas of life. As a mother of two brilliant and curious children herself, Karolina is deeply committed to helping young learners see the world with thoughtful, investigative minds. Her work reminds us that learning isn’t just about finding answers—it’s about knowing how to ask the right questions.
Partners
Our team is rounded out by a multidisciplinary network of ELA specialists, art teachers, speech and language pathologists, and creative educators, all working together to deliver learning that is customized, connected, and unforgettable.
At Innovative Learning Institute, we don’t just support education—we reimagine it from the inside out.
Pay Your Bill Online
Easily settle your outstanding invoices through our secure online payment system. Just enter your details and the amount due, and complete your payment in a few simple steps. Thank you for choosing Innovative Learning Institute for your educational needs.
Hello
Welcome
We offer innovative educational services to help you achieve your goals. Our experienced instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. Join us today!
Announcement
Welcome! Check out our pop-up science event on Wednesdays at 6pm, at Long Beach Local Harvest Farmers Market on Appian Way. All ages welcome!