Our December Birthday Girls are Claire Cochran and Grace Salas of Achievement Zone.
Claire (left): 33
Grace (right): 31
How are you celebrating your December birthdays?
Claire: My husband and 16-month-old son are treating me to a day at Gangnam Spa.
Grace: I’m skiing in Canada with my brand new husband and in-laws!
What’s on your wish list?
Claire: Quality time with my family!
Grace: Pots for my garden and outdoor furniture… and snow!
Claire, you founded Achievement Zone in 2021 to help provide long-term success to kids with reading and writing disabilities and ADHD. Why did you start Achievement Zone?
To serve children like me. Having dyslexia myself, I know what it is like to struggle in school. It brings me joy to not only have the tools to help these students overcome their reading and writing challenges but also to relate to them. It’s a blessing to be a role model for these students and show them they can succeed despite their challenges. These neurodiverse students will achieve the most in life because they are accustomed to facing adversity head-on.
What sets Achievement Zone apart?
Achievement Zone stands out by offering individualized therapy explicitly tailored to each child. We take a personalized, holistic approach, addressing academic challenges and building confidence and emotional well-being. Our small, tight-knit, dedicated team ensures every child receives focused, one-on-one support to help them thrive.
What makes an Achievement Zone session fun?
We use engaging, hands-on activities that make learning interactive and enjoyable. We incorporate games, creative exercises, and real-world applications that keep children motivated and excited to participate while targeting their specific learning needs.
What are your backgrounds?
Claire: I have my B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in reading and writing.
Grace: I have my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion and a Master’s of Education with a specialization in reading instruction.
How are kids in both public and private not getting their learning difference needs met?
Despite both public and private schools’ best efforts, kids miss out on the support they need because of limited resources, large class sizes, and a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why is academic advocacy so important to you?
Claire: I provide educational advocacy for my therapy clients. I have worked in a school setting, so I understand both sides, the child’s and the school’s perspectives. Ensuring kids are properly being served and supported is vital to their success. Unfortunately, the public school system failed me, and I struggled longer than needed. This resulted in many confidence issues later in life, and I am determined that other kids don’t have to go through the same thing. I also know that the school is often limited, so my job is to ensure everyone is on the same team: the child’s.
Bust a myth about dyslexia and ADHD.
Myth: Dyslexia is just about reversing letters or words.
Busted: Dyslexia is much more than letter reversal—it’s a language-based learning difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling. It involves difficulty with processing sounds, decoding words, and understanding written text, but with the right support, children can thrive and develop strong literacy skills.
Myth: People with ADHD can “just focus” if they try hard enough.
Truth: ADHD affects how the brain regulates focus and attention. People with ADHD can hyperfocus on certain tasks that interest them but struggle to engage with less stimulating tasks, even if they’re important. It’s not a matter of willpower but rather how the brain is wired.
In terms of statistics, how common are these learning differences?
It is estimated that 20% of the population has some form of dyslexia, ADHD affects approximately 5-10% of children worldwide. Both conditions are often diagnosed together, as many children with ADHD also show signs of dyslexia.
What do you consider success with your clients?
When they are excited about school again!
Apps you can’t live without in your job?
Quickbooks and Gusto…but our sessions are tech-free. We love all things tangable!
Podcasts or series you’re addicted to.
We both can’t get enough of The Toast podcast and New Girl!
Mantra you live (or work) by.
“Every child is capable; we just need to find the key that unlocks their potential.”
Best concert ever.
Claire: I have seen Paul McCartney three times, and each time was better than the last.
Grace: The Chicks at ACL… my childhood dream came to life!
Best vacation you’ve ever taken.
Claire: I took a solo trip in my twenties around Spain.
Grace: Girls trip to Greece and, of course, my recent honeymoon to St. Lucia!
What’s your most memorable birthday celebration ever?
Claire: When my triathlon friends surprised me with a party.
Grace: My 30th birthday! All my family and friends met at the Austin Motel. We were surrounded by Christmas trees and lights.
Achievement Zone
2799 Katy Fwy, Suite 250
Houston, TX 77007
@achievementzonellc
Want to be the next Tidbits Birthday Girl? Tell us why at submissions-houston@gotidbits.com.