Meet the Founder

Founder - Joshua Lawrence Combs

I grew up in Richmond, CA.

In middle school, I came to a realization that a majority of students at my school where either poor or middle class.  I also quickly observed that my classmates’ behavior would either receive positive reinforcement or negative consequences, but I did not see the effect of my own poor habits.

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As time went on, my behavior did not match the classroom environment, and I was finding myself wanting to be called on in class, even if I didn’t know the answer.  At any moment, I wanted to get up to sharpen my pencil. At times, I would even act out for attention in search of finding my classmates’ approval.

At the age of 11 years old, my parents took a special interest in my education after seeing that my test results showed that I was behind in reading, writing, and math.  Shortly after receiving my test results, there was a meeting with my parents, my teacher, a school psychologist and the school principal where they discussed my new mission.  The new Mission was simple: KEEP ME ON TRACK WITH THE STUDENTS IN MY GRADUATING CLASS.  A short while later, I was evaluated and formally diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia.  After my evaluation, my parents moved me to a slower paced class called the Resource Specialist Program (RSP).  The RSP is intended to help children that qualify for special education services and is designed to give support to children with learning disabilities by giving them strategies to help them be successful in their education.  My next step was to develop strong study habits, and improve my time management and goal setting skills.

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When a child receives a letter grade, that grade is based on that student's knowledge, even though this knowledge is measured by test scores.  Some students perceive that teachers are providing useful educative information to students instead of adequately teaching selected subjects, such as Math, English, Art and Sciences.

In addition, students with disabilities (including Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Autism, etc.) experience neglect within their social and educational environments. 

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Masterminding-Habits is designed to give support to children with learning disabilities and teach them strategies to help be more educationally successful.  Life Skills are crucial tools when transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, including time management, goal setting, money management skills, and environmental behavior management.  It has been said that any desired habit may be achieved by utilizing a 30-day plan. 

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