Our Story

Julie Philips, a mother of five, four of whom have special needs, co-founded DSR Academy with Jaclyn Wahlberg, an occupational therapist.

Julie’s extensive experience navigating various educational settings to find the right fit for her children drove her to create an educational environment that meets the unique needs of children like hers. Julie is also determined to ensure that parents and families are treated as they should be – integral, vital aspects of their child’s development and education. This means eliminating frustrating bureaucracy, while facilitating effective communication and transparency.

Jaclyn Wahlberg brings her expertise and passion for nature-based, experiential learning to the academy. She believes that such an approach, in a low-stress environment, is essential for holistic brain development. Jaclyn has observed that many educational settings fail to fully support children with learning differences and disabilities. She is committed to the belief that education should push all children to reach their full potential, viewing this as a fundamental human right. Together, Julie and Jaclyn aim to provide an educational option at DSR Academy that aligns with their vision of inclusivity and holistic development for all students.