History

H.E.L.P.S. was started in 1973 by Debby Hackbarth as a tutoring service in English language learning and reading.  The company later expanded to services in translation (Spanish), ESL with adult learners, Spanish Clubs for children, and Spanish instruction for adults. Various editions of Memory Magic©  have been used in different types of classrooms - general education, special education, ESL/ELL, by parents who home school, and by professional tutors.  In 2007, H.E.L.P.S. became an LLC.  She has worked with parents who homeschool their children since 1993 and with teachers since 1996. 

Educational Background

• B.A. in Education - Spanish (minor in Speech/Theater - Communication)
• M.S. in Special Education - Learning Disabilities (assessment/diagnosis/remediation focus)
• M.S. in Curriculum/Instruction - Reading (assessment/diagnosis/remediation focus)
• Certification in Educational Administration
• Presenter & author in IL, WA, and TX
• Teacher - elementary, middle school, & college; Assistant Principal and Elementary Principal

Special Thanks 

A warm thank you to Jim Hackbarth - my husband, Rebekah Hlavin - my daughter, and Lisa Hackbarth - my daughter-in-law for your help with editing Memory Magic and for helping create and revise the website.  A big thanks to my whole family for your love and support!

A final word

Mrs. Hackbarth, MS Ed., wants to help you to encourage your students to do their very best by working with you in the provision of strategies in the areas of phonemic awareness, spelling, decoding, reading comprehension, and writing.  With over 35 years of experience, she has helped hundreds of students to be successful citizens.  She is available to tutor individuals and groups.  She can also provide support services to teachers and organizations who purchase any of the products.  The Memory Magic System is especially effective for students who are at-risk in the areas of spelling, reading, and/or writing.