At ISLA, we are proud to highlight corporate members who are strengthening Islamic education through expertise, care, and community-centered work. This spotlight features Learning with Dr. K, founded by Nelly Kaakaty, Ph.D., Educational Therapist, and dedicated to supporting Muslim families and Islamic schools in understanding and uplifting neurodivergent learners.
A Story Rooted in Purpose
Learning with Dr. K was founded out of a deeply personal experience.
Dr. Kaakaty shares:
“My younger brother struggled significantly in school—not because he lacked capability, but because no one recognized what was going on beneath the surface. He was labeled a ‘behavior problem’ rather than a child who needed support.”
It was only much later that her family discovered he had ADHD. By then, the opportunity for early intervention had passed.
“I believe that early intervention and education could have changed the trajectory of his life.”
This experience became the foundation for her work. As a Muslim educational psychologist and educational therapist, Dr. Kaakaty recognized that Muslim families and Islamic schools were often underserved—particularly when it came to culturally and religiously responsive support for students who learn differently.
Learning with Dr. K exists to fill that gap: to provide Muslim families and Islamic schools with support that is both clinically sound and grounded in community understanding.
Why This Work Matters
One of the most powerful reminders from Learning with Dr. K is that Islamic schools can—and should—be spaces where all learners thrive.
“Inclusion isn’t at odds with our values; it’s an expression of them.”
Dr. Kaakaty’s work focuses on equipping schools and families with the tools, language, and strategies needed to support neurodivergent students in meaningful ways. This includes helping educators build inclusive classrooms and supporting parents in better understanding how their children learn.
At its core, this work is about shifting mindsets—from labeling challenges to recognizing potential.
What Sets Learning with Dr. K Apart
What makes Learning with Dr. K distinct is the intersection of clinical expertise and lived community experience.
Dr. Kaakaty holds a PhD in educational psychology and conducts comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, offering guidance grounded in research and best practices. At the same time, she brings a deep understanding of the Muslim community.
“I also understand what it means to be a Muslim parent sitting across from a clinician who doesn’t know your community, your values, or your context. I speak both languages.”
This ability to bridge families and schools—while honoring both clinical rigor and cultural nuance—makes her work uniquely impactful. Her approach is affirming, brain-based, and rooted in a genuine understanding of the communities she serves.
Grounded in Islamic Values
Everything about Learning with Dr. K’s work is anchored in Islamic values.
“Every child is an amanah: a trust.”
This belief shapes how Dr. Kaakaty approaches evaluations, communicates with parents, and designs professional development for educators. Her use of strengths-based, affirming language reflects a commitment to honoring the dignity of every learner.
By intentionally serving Islamic schools and Muslim families, she brings an insider’s understanding of cultural nuances, hesitations, and hopes—making her support both relevant and transformative.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact
Looking to the future, Learning with Dr. K envisions a stronger, more inclusive landscape for Islamic education.
“My deepest hope is that every Islamic school in the country has access to quality training and resources for supporting neurodivergent students.”
The goal is clear: no child should be written off as a “behavior problem” when what they need is understanding, structure, and support.
Two upcoming opportunities reflect this vision:
- Understanding Your Learner (Launching June, inshallah): A 6-week cohort program for parents of neurodivergent children, designed to help families better understand how their child learns and what supports actually work.
- Back-to-School Professional Development (August, inshallah): Training for educators focused on building inclusive classrooms and support systems from day one.
These programs aim to equip both parents and educators with practical tools rooted in both expertise and empathy.
How ISLA Members Can Engage
Learning with Dr. K offers a range of services for both families and schools, including:
- Psychoeducational evaluations
- School consulting
- Professional development for educators
Whether you are a parent exploring support for your child or a school leader working to strengthen your systems for diverse learners, Dr. Kaakaty welcomes the opportunity to connect.
You can learn more or reach out directly through:
- Website: https://learningwithdrk.com
- Email: learningwithdrk@gmail.com
- Instagram: @learningwithdr.k
Her Instagram also provides free, practical content on executive functioning, learning differences, and supporting neurodivergent children.
Why ISLA Corporate Membership Matters
For Dr. Kaakaty, being part of ISLA is about connection and impact.
“ISLA represents exactly the community I am here to serve.”
Corporate membership provides the opportunity to engage directly with school leaders, educators, and families—ensuring that culturally responsive, expert support is accessible to those who need it most.
“I believe in what ISLA is building, and I want Learning with Dr. K to be a trusted resource within that network, inshallah.”
Join the ISLA Corporate Member Network
ISLA corporate members play a vital role in supporting Islamic schools across North America by providing trusted services, resources, and expertise.
If your organization is looking to connect with a growing network of educators and school leaders, we invite you to learn more about becoming a corporate member:
https://theisla.org/membership/
Together, we can continue building stronger, more inclusive Islamic schools—where every learner is seen, supported, and valued.
