The Park Cities Learning Differences Association was founded in 1975 on the belief that all children can succeed in school. They just need the right support to make that happen.
Five decades later, the volunteer-led organization is still working toward its mission. And now it has an even stronger network of community supporters at its back.
The nonprofit’s 2026 Pool and Garden Party held on April 16 at the home of former Highland Park Mayor Margo Goodwin and her husband, Bill, raised just over $16,000 to fund curricula, technology, training for teachers and staff, and more for students with learning differences.
Pool and Garden Party co-chairs Geoff and Kelly Schorr, whose son, Emerson, is a dedicated member of the Spirited Scots, Highland Park High School’s inclusive cheer squad, became involved with PCLDA in 2010. They said they’re proud of how the organization has grown over the years.
“While much has changed, the mission has always remained the same: PCLDA believes every child can succeed in school, build meaningful social relationships, and become an active participant in the community when given the right opportunities and support,” the Schorrs said. “We have remained involved for so many years because of the lasting friendships we have formed and the meaningful impact we have seen PCLDA make within the HPISD special education program.”
Cynthia Hollingshead, director of special programs at HPISD since 2024, served as honorary chair of PCLDA’s Pool and Garden Party this year.
Hollingshead said PCLDA has helped finance meaningful projects, such as the creation of life-skills simulations where students can practice selling coffee or going to the grocery store.
“PCLDA has been a big partner in helping those dreams come to life for our students that are in our life-skills classes,” she said. “I think that our district is only as strong as our parent body, and working together and having that collaboration just helps us grow as a district and helps our students succeed even more.”
Outgoing PCLDA president Tiffin Hanna called the organization her primary source of guidance and community on educating a child with learning differences.
“PCLDA was my first introduction to families in HPISD who truly understood the challenges and needs of students with disabilities,” Hanna said. “Over the years, it has provided a welcoming space for parents to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources and support.”
She credits the organization’s partnership with the school district for its impact. HPISD’s dedicated educators have inspired her to not just remain committed to PCLDA, but to help in any way she can.
Incoming PCLDA president Laura McCallan has been involved in the organization for about seven years. Her son, Teddy, is on the autism spectrum and has greatly benefited from its work.
“PCLDA is a great way to get connected with parents of children with learning differences who all work together to provide support for students and staff in our special education and 504 programs,” McCallan said. “We are excited to see what the 2026-2027 school year will bring for our organization.”
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