Helping Area Children Learn:
BEMC Center Opens in La Penita
Tara A. Spears
Small town Jaltemba Bay is exploding with new businesses during the last five years. While the majority of businesses are tourist centered- hotels, restaurants, entertainment- there are businesses that address the needs of the residents. A team of dedicated educational psychologists, Doris Garcia Plascencia, Mónica Ochoa Gutiérrez and Rocío Hilario Victoria, have opened an office to provide services to children struggling with learning disabilities or emotional problems.
“It’s a dream come true!” said Doris. The tutoring and counseling center is located in downtown La Penita across from the Catholic church on Calle Alfred Bonfil #45 (second level). “Our biggest challenge is that area schools can’t pay educational psychologists to work with children who have special needs and require extra help to learn.” Monica said that “There are parents who realize their child is falling behind but do not have the resources for extra help.” The therapists believe that helping children with specific conditions to address their problems will help the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence enabling them to become productive adults. Due to the pandemic, more children are falling behind in school or developing anxiety, than before covid.
“The greatest satisfaction of our work is when a mother tells us that the child likes being here, because he learns, plays and participates with his classmates,” explained Doris. “We teach the students empathy, how to be kind, teamwork, and how to love themselves.” BEMC provides individual evaluation, individual therapy sessions and small group academic learning. Sessions are by appointment only Monday, Wednesday, Friday. +52 327 102 5408
Just as most parents learn quickly that no two children are the same, future teachers learn that not all children learn the same way or at the same pace. That being said, the reality is that educational theory and best practices are limited by money. The Jaltemba Bay schools have excellent programs-for the majority of students. It takes more money to provide individualized instruction and a variety of learning materials than small county schools can afford. The BEMC does not receive government funding which limits their ability to take high need/low income children.
It’s important to know that all three ladies are trained educational psychologists, “which means that we perform the function of a psychologist specialized in educational problems, as well as emotional ones, and we also have the training of special education teachers.” BEMC utilizes Montessori and Gestalt psychology strategies to address the various learning issues. The essence of Gestalt therapy is a humanistic, holistic, person-centered form of psychotherapy that is focused on a person’s present life and challenges rather than delving into past experiences. This approach stresses the importance of understanding the context of a person’s life and taking responsibility rather than placing blame.
If you identify with the need for specialized educational service, please donate to enable BEMC to reach those who cannot pay. The best way to help local children is to donate, whether it’s $200 pesos for a week of remedial academic work or donating $350 pesos for a learning/psychological evaluation. A gift of $500 pesos will provide a week’s therapy. Since the group is just starting, they also need educational materials and supplies. You can be a sponsor for any amount: GEM- giving each month- which will lend a hand to deserving children.
How to donate: Contact Doris almadorisgarcia23@gmail.com or cell 322 146 7221 Facebook message : Bienestar Emocional Mente Creativa office +52 327 102 5408
It’s a sign of 21 century living that the need for specialized instruction and private therapy is so prevalent. Remember that Learning disabilities encompass a variety of academic difficulties in different areas, affecting children not only academically, but also personally. It is not something that society should ignore. Your gift will provide professional assistance to the struggling child, enabling him/her to learn how to use their strengths to learn.
Best wishes for success to Doris, Monica and Rocio for their new business. 
