Brooklyn Letters IconBrooklyn Letters

1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn

4.9 56 reviews

  • Avatar Emily Matles ★★★★★ a week ago
    We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
    ~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old
  • Avatar Natalie Levon ★★★★★ 4 months ago
    Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
  • Avatar T Ainsley ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
  • Avatar Jackie Vasquez ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Excellent services, caring therapists.
  • Avatar Lil Amatore ★★★★★ 8 months ago
    Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
  • Avatar Colin Peters ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
  • Avatar Heather Liljengren ★★★★★ a year ago
    We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
  • Avatar Chris duke Fields ★★★★★ a month ago
    The company is great with outstanding customer service. They keep my horses protected. I have recommended them to other horses trainers as well that are going to get service early next year. Very professional an honest too. Respectfully … More submitted Christopher
  • Avatar Nikhil Jaisinghani ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Ron and Ken did a fantastic job with our security system today. Installed everything very quick. Both of them were very polite and asked us throughout if the installation met our needs. Simply fantastic!
  • Avatar Linda Parsley ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    I called Cornerstone Protection to get a Security system at a relatives out of state property, within a week it was installed! The installers worked with the client to help understand her new system and she was happy! Our relative said … More they were courteous, professional and patient! I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection for all of your security needs!
  • Avatar Amanda Clay Mackin ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    Had blink cameras; Car was broken into multiple times so I called CornerStone & they were able to install multiple cameras very quickly & for a reasonable price. I am so happy with the app & getting alerts that are not superfluous, … More like they were with Blink. Highly recommend CornerStone & the tech Ronnie.
  • Avatar Pete Peters ★★★★★ 4 months ago
    Ron and Ken are great guys to work with.
    Both were very knowledgeable and got our system back up and running.
    Thanks to both for a job well done...
  • Avatar Brigid Bower ★★★★★ 11 months ago
    Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
  • Avatar Larry Barton ★★★★★ a year ago
    Amazing assistance provided by Shannon today on my security system. I’m so grateful for your prompt, efficient, professional, and courteous service. Put me down as a customer for life!
  • Avatar Megan Haller ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    One of the most painless experiences I've had. They came on time and was over the moon professional with still keeping a level of personability to it. The gentleman also went out of his way to say that my husband and Mines business … More was appreciated. Which is actually rare to be appreciated by such a great company. So thank you and we look forward to continuing services with this company.
  • Avatar Megan Magsam ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I am so happy we decided to go with cornerstone. They were quick and efficient. Shannon and the installer we very friendly. We got a lot of equipment and it was still within our budget. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you
  • Avatar Collins Youngblood ★★★★★ a year ago
    Love the customer service and Shanon and his team go above and beyond for my restaurant. Couldn't of asked for a better security system and level of service that his team provides.
  • Avatar kanu patel ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    I have been using Cornerstone Protection service for over 5 years and I'm really happy with the service and state-of-the-art equipments and it's futures are so much in advance and friendly, I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection … More Service any and all business that need a security protection days and nights specially after business hours(Cornerstone Protection is perfect solution for your business). Owner of Cornerstone Protection is proactive with their customers and their equipments. Good experienced with Cornerstone Protection!!!
    Kanu Patel
  • Avatar Liz Jones ★★★★ 2 years ago
    We had a very positive experience with Alissa as a tutor for our pod of 5th grade boys from January - June 2020. She cared a lot about the boys and worked hard to create meaningful activities for them. The pod experience was invaluable … More for all of our families during a difficult year and we were so grateful to have found this partnership! We also want to appreciate Craig for helping to match us with a tutor on very short notice after we had cycled through a few folks who were not able to see the commitment through. Thanks for sticking with us!
  • Avatar S CL ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Dusty was the exact person we needed to help our child finish out the school year. So grateful to him for the way he steadily encouraged her and helped her stay on track and organized. He is flexible, responsive to our needs/schedule as … More a family, and a delight to be with. We are also thankful that Craig at Themba Tutors really "gets it" and partnered us with such a wonderful tutor who was a great fit for our girl.
  • Avatar Nicole May ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    My child worked with Gillian D virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child's specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic- really … More made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typically "brain-drain" that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
  • Avatar Gillian Davidoff ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I am going into my second year as a Themba tutor. I have met so many great individuals while working for this company. Craig and the rest of the Themba team do such an excellent job picking and choosing Themba tutors that suit each client's … More individual needs! I look forward to meeting new tutors and clients in the 2021-2022 school year!
  • Avatar carolina luttmann ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and found 2 amazing tutors for … More us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic, connected with my son really well and helped him go from 'failing' grade to 'honors'! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
  • Avatar Eric Fingerman ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Brian is a fantastic executive functioning coach. Super helpful, flexible with hours, and tailored the experience to our needs.
  • Avatar Susan Wong ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Giulia Mercuri is a great Italian tutor! She was very responsive and accessible. Giulia put a ton of effort into preparing for each session and really helped our son with test preparation and projects. We are grateful that she was able … More to help, especially since our son did not receive any live teaching during COVID. We are happy that she was referred to us!
  • Avatar Christine Gennetti ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    As an adult student diagnosed with a learning disability during grad school, I knew I needed help dealing with my Master's program's demanding workload. I was seriously considering dropping out when I was referred to Themba Tutors. … More I was paired up with a wonderful tutor, Julie, who was a total lifesaver. I learned many techniques that I can utilize in the future as I embark on the next phase of my career.
    I can wholeheartedly say after working with Themba for two years that I would not have finished my program without this organization. And I am so thankful I selected them.
  • Avatar Fabiola FITZPATRICK ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    We were introduced to a wonderful tutor: Mcedwyn. He and our son, a freshman in college, worked well together. As a result, our son’s grades significantly improved. The tutor taught our son subject content and various methods to effectively … More study for quizzes and exams. Our son was also taught time management and organization. My son’s experience with the tutor made the first year of college a less intimidating experience.
  • Avatar Jude Eugene ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    We have been with our tutor, Cailin Schiller, for two years, from 5th - 7th grade. She started as an executive functioning tutor with my daughter. From the start, she demonstrated a depth of expertise and a selective use of techniques skillfully … More adapted to my daughter’s ADHD and Math disability. Cailin made Math accessible and understandable to her in a way that even her teachers had not been able to do. She differentiated reading, writing and math tasks and assignments to tailor them to my daughter’s unique learning differences. Not only did it have an effect on her grades and her work efficiency, but she finally could do her work with less anxiety. Even my daughter’s teachers used Cailin’s guidance to modify their work with her. But most importantly, she became my daughter’s favorite resource. I can’t say how invaluable Cailin has been to my daughter’s progress and well-being. I’d recommend her a million times over. She is a gem.
  • Avatar Janice Eidus ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Victoria is a superb tutor. She helped my high school age daughter with her writing. Victoria's skills as a tutor, as well as her sense of humor and her engaging personality went a long way with my daughter.
  • A Google User ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
  • Avatar Fara Jones ★★★★★ 5 years ago
    Themba Tutors provided a leaning specialist that was a perfect fit for my daughter. I told them what we were looking for and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible and makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her own … More her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility over her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much needed and well provided service to the community!!
  • Avatar Frances Simpson ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
  • Avatar Mary Jean Babic ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
  • Avatar Nina Herman ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    We had a wonderful experience with our tutor Micaela. She helped our son not only academically but at every level. We will be forever grateful to have her in our lives.
  • Avatar Frances ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
  • Avatar Michael Birnbaum ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Paul Smith at Themba has been an exceptional tutor for my son, both in terms of teaching the subject matter and teaching how best to approach the process of learning math and executing assignments. We feel very fortunate to be working with … More Paul.
  • Avatar Monica Alzate ★★★★★ 5 years ago
    We were very lucky to have found Edwouine Swift, my son's therapist through Themba Tutors. Thomas is 12 years old, and it is extremely difficult to get him to write. Edwouine just works her magic with him, he adores her and is so … More eager to follow her guidance. I have no doubt she will be a positive driving force in his academic future.

Top Math Tutor in New York City

UNDERSTANDING TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL (2E) | NYC METRO AREA

twice-exceptional (2e)

Twice-Exceptional (2e): A Hidden Population with Unique Potential — and Real Challenges in NYC

In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, there’s one group that often goes unseen: twice-exceptional (2e) individuals. These are people who are both intellectually gifted and have a learning difference, disability, or mental health challenge. In the education world, they’re known as “2e”—and they’re more common than most people realize.

Twice-exceptional (2e) students—those who are both gifted and have disabilities—are estimated to number between 300,000 to 600,000 in U.S. public schools. About 6% of students with disabilities are gifted, while 2–5% of gifted students have a disability. Many go unidentified due to overlapping traits, and students from diverse or low-income backgrounds are especially underrepresented (U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights).

Understanding and supporting twice-exceptional students is especially urgent in NYC, where high academic pressure, crowded classrooms, and rigid systems can easily miss the nuance of a 2e profile. Themba Tutors offers personalized 1:1 support, advocacy, and twice exceptional tutoring in NYC specifically designed for 2e learners across the NYC Metro Area and beyond.

Defining Twice-Exceptional (2e): Giftedness & Learning Differences

A twice-exceptional person has high abilities in one or more areas and a diagnosis such as:

This mix often leads to confusion. A student might ace a test one week, then fail to turn in homework the next. They might wow adults with creative thinking but struggle to keep friends. Their strengths can mask their struggles—and vice versa.

2e individuals don’t fit neatly into educational or psychological boxes. That’s what makes them so challenging—and so important—to understand.

Twice Exceptional (2e)
DUSTY-628x628
DUSTY

Master’s in Special Education

JANEESE
JANEESE

M.S. in Special Education, B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology

Twice Exceptional (2e)
STEPHEN S.

BA in English and History, MA in Teaching, MA in Liberal Studies

TOHAR
TOHAR

MA in Clinical Psychology, BS in Integrative Neuroscience

BRAD
BRAD

Master’s in Special Education

ALYSSA C.
ALYSSA

Master’s in Special Education, Bachelor’s in Psychology

CHRIS M.
CHRIS

Master’s in Special Education and Literacy, Bachelor’s in Sociology

Twice Exceptional (2e)
CAROL

Master’s in Special Education, Master’s in English

Types of Twice-Exceptional Children

Students who are twice-exceptional often fall under three categories:

  • Students who excel early on but later show signs of a disability.
  • Students with diagnosed disabilities yet show exceptional gifts in some areas.
  • Highly intelligent students who appear to be average because of their disabilities.

For children who belong to the third category, their learning disabilities can often overshadow their exceptional talents and abilities. As a result, they are often overlooked and unable to fully explore their skills and interests.

Common Challenges for 2e Students & Adults in NYC

Twice-exceptionality isn’t just a school issue—it affects all areas of life. But many challenges begin early:

1. Misdiagnosis or Missed Diagnosis

2e students are often misidentified as simply having behavioral problems or being “lazy.” Others are identified as gifted but their learning difficulties are overlooked. The result: inadequate support and long-term frustration.

2. Lack of the Right Educational Fit

Most schools aren’t set up to support high ability and learning challenges. 2e students may:

  • Be placed in special ed classes that don’t challenge them intellectually.
  • Be in gifted programs that ignore their executive functioning or social-emotional needs.

3. Social and Emotional Toll

Frustration, anxiety, perfectionism, and isolation are common. Many 2e students are highly self-aware. They know they’re smart, but they struggle in ways their peers don’t. This disconnect can lead to low self-esteem, school avoidance, or even depression.

4. Executive Dysfunction

Despite being intelligent, many 2e individuals struggle with organization, time management, planning, and self-regulation. These issues are often invisible until academic or professional demands increase.

5. Burnout

Without the right support, 2e students may internalize failure and quit before they’ve even had a chance to succeed. Their potential goes untapped.

2e Support Across Life Stages: K-12, College, & Workforce in NYC

twice-exceptional (2e)

1. In School-Age Children (K–12)

  • Academic Inconsistency: A student might show advanced reasoning but be unable to finish basic assignments.
  • Behavioral Issues: Frustration and unmet needs can lead to acting out, shutting down, or masking symptoms to “fit in.”
  • Missed Opportunities: They may be excluded from gifted programs due to test performance or from IEP/504 services due to strong verbal skills.
  • School Refusal: Anxiety, perfectionism, and sensory overwhelm can lead to refusal or chronic absenteeism.

A child who possesses some of these traits, in addition to strengths like advanced ideas or a wide range of interests, is likely highly intelligent. However, this is often overshadowed by their behavioral struggles or learning challenges. As such, it is important to remember that 2e students frequently have exceptional abilities, talents, and intelligence. Similarly, they also face challenges that may hinder them from fully exploring their talents and interests. Teachers and parents who believe that a 2e student’s learning needs are not being met in a traditional classroom may consider other approaches, including private, one-on-one tutoring and advanced math tutoring for 2e students, to ensure the child’s needs are addressed.

In the NYC DOE system, services for gifted students (e.g., Gifted & Talented programs) and for students with IEPs are siloed. Families often have to fight to get both sets of needs addressed. Evaluations through the public system may not fully identify 2e needs, and access to private neuropsychological testing is expensive and waitlisted.

2. In College and Postsecondary Life

  • Increased Pressure: College removes the structure many 2e students rely on. Executive dysfunction becomes more apparent. Without accommodations, students may underperform or drop out.
  • Social Struggles: High-stakes social and academic environments can magnify anxiety, ADHD symptoms, or autistic traits.
  • Delayed Independence: Many 2e students need continued support to manage time, mental health, and life skills.

NYC offers a range of colleges with support services, including CUNY and private schools, but access and quality vary. The transition process from high school accommodations (504/IEP) to college services is not automatic. Many students and families don’t know how to navigate it.

3. In Adults and the Workforce

  • Career Friction: 2e adults may switch jobs often, struggle in rigid work environments, or burn out due to perfectionism or social stress.
  • Unrealized Potential: Without proper diagnosis or support, many never fully pursue careers aligned with their strengths.
  • Mental Health Concerns: Depression, anxiety, and imposter syndrome are common in gifted adults with undiagnosed or unsupported disabilities.
  • Strengths Still Shine: Many 2e adults bring innovation, creativity, and unconventional problem-solving to the workplace—especially when allowed to work on their own terms.

In NYC’s competitive job market, 2e professionals may thrive in entrepreneurial, creative, or tech-focused roles where autonomy is valued. But traditional corporate environments can be overwhelming without workplace accommodations.

Signs Someone Might Be 2e

Whether in school, college, or the workplace, signs may include:

  • A disconnect between ability and performance.
  • Highly verbal or intelligent, but disorganized or forgetful.
  • Intense focus on preferred topics, but trouble with routine tasks.
  • Anxiety, perfectionism, or social withdrawal.
  • Patterns of underachievement despite clear potential.
  • Highly creative.
  • Possessing a good sense of humor.
  • Interested in a wide range of topics or hobbies.
  • Capable of coming up with advanced ideas.
  • Highly skilled with vocabulary.
  • Particularly engrossed in a certain talent or interest.

What 2e Individuals Need to Thrive

Twice-exceptional individuals don’t need to be “fixed.” They need understanding, accommodations, and opportunities that recognize both their challenges and their strengths. Key needs include:

  • Early and accurate identification.
  • A strength-based approach: not just fixing deficits, but nurturing talents.
  • Supportive adults who “get it.”
  • Mental health care that understands giftedness and neurodiversity.
  • Flexibility—in school, at work, and in life.
Personalized 2e Support & Tutoring from Themba Tutors
twice-exceptional

If you’re navigating twice-exceptionality—whether you’re a parent, student, or adult in the NYC Metro Area—Themba Tutors offers expert, one-on-one academic support tailored to your unique needs. Our specialists are trained to work with individuals who are both gifted and have learning or emotional challenges, from ADHD to dyslexia, autism, and executive functioning struggles. We provide this dedicated support across NYC (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island), Long Island, Westchester, Putnam County, Dutchess County, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

We understand the 2e profile—and we help clients thrive because of their differences, not in spite of them.

📍 Serving all five NYC boroughs and beyond, with convenient in-home tutoring options.

FAQs about Twice-Exceptionality

1. What does “twice-exceptional” actually mean?

It means someone is both gifted and has a learning difference or disability—like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety. They have high potential and real challenges at the same time. That combo can be confusing because strengths often hide the struggles, or vice versa.

 

2. How can I tell if my child is 2e?

Look for big gaps between their strengths and struggles. For example, they might speak like a mini professor but can’t stay organized or finish homework. If your gut says, “Something’s not adding up,” it’s worth getting an evaluation.

 

3. Can a student be gifted and still struggle in school?

Yes—and that’s the heart of being 2e. Gifted students can still have learning issues or emotional challenges. Just because a student is smart doesn’t mean school is easy. In fact, it can be even more frustrating for them when their needs aren’t met.

 

4. Why do 2e students get misdiagnosed or overlooked?

Because their strengths and weaknesses cancel each other out on paper. A gifted kid’s test scores might look “average” if a learning challenge is holding them back. Or their struggles get ignored because they seem smart and verbal.

 

5. How do I get my child evaluated for twice-exceptionality?

Start with a full neuropsychological evaluation. In NYC, that usually means a private evaluator—since public school testing often misses the 2e picture. Look for someone experienced with both giftedness and learning differences.

 

6. Are there schools in NYC that really get 2e kids?

Yes, but they’re mostly private. The Quad School and The Lang School are designed for 2e learners. Winston Prep is another strong option. Public schools can work, but you’ll likely need to advocate hard for the right mix of support and challenge.

 

7. Will my 2e child ever “catch up” or grow out of it?

They’ll grow—but they don’t need to be “fixed.” With the right support, 2e kids learn how to work with their brains, not against them. The goal isn’t to make them typical—it’s to help them thrive as they are.

 

8. Can Themba Tutors help with twice-exceptional students?

Absolutely. Themba Tutors works with 2e students of all ages. Our tutors understand the mix of giftedness and learning challenges, and we tailor support to each student’s strengths, goals, and struggles—whether it’s executive functioning, academics, or emotional support. We provide in-home tutoring and executive function coaching throughout the NYC Metro Area.

Not ready to fill out the form yet? We’re here to make this easy.

📞 (917) 382-8641 | 📲 (917) 382-8641 | ✉ [email protected]


Every coach offers a free 15-minute remote meet-and-greet, so you can get to know them and see if it feels like the right fit. We’re very responsive and easy to communicate with throughout the process. From there, we’ll thoughtfully match you with one or more of our coaches.