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Lead Facilitator and Director's Welcome

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Welcome to Real LIFE ALC!! We are a micro school connected to The Agile Learning Center network. Not every child thrives in a traditional school setting. If your child is a staunch advocate for their own freedom, Real LIFE may be your perfect school!

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Real Life ALC Tampa is a culmination of two dreams. Elizabeth Mahaney and Susan Embury both desired to create a space where children are free to learn without judgment or coercion, at their own pace, while being encouraged in their individual endeavors. Liz created Real Life, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to open learning to foster her dream, and Susan joined the board in 2014. In 2016, Susan was introduced to the Agile Learning Centers via a dear friend, and she showed the model to Liz. The philosophy matched our dreams, so here we are!

Schedule:

 

  • Monday- 10am to 2pm, Altitude Homeschool Co-op

  • Tuesday- 10am to 4pm, 1403 W. Horatio St., Tampa

  • Wednesday- 10am to 4pm, 1403 W. Horatio St., Tampa

  • Thursday- 10am to 2pm, LOL Homeschool Co-op

  • Friday- Field Trip Day, time varies

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Due to COVID-19, Real Life ALC will remain closed until it is deemed safe to return to public spaces- we are taking cues from the Hillsborough County Public Schools recommendations. We do have many options for offerings online with ALCs across the country! Please see our calendar for options (password required). For further information about COVID-19, pease visit the WHO's FAQs.

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We look forward to reconvening in person as soon as we can! Please stay safe and follow all precautions recommended.

Meet Our Family

Dr. Elizabeth MahaneyElizabeth Mahaney is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a specialty in marriage, parenting, children, and couples. She’s also a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. She graduated with a degree in psychology from USF, and holds a PhD in counseling. She’s a Florida supreme court certified family law mediator, and is on the board of The Tampa Bay Association for Psychotherapists. Liz has her own counseling and therapy practice, South Tampa Therapy. She has two lovely children, and has always sought to ensure their education be one of self-directed learning.   Liz started Real Life, Inc. as a resource center for self-directed education in 2012, and when she was introduced to the Agile Learning model, transformed the nonprofit into Real Life ALC.
Elizabeth Mahaney

Co-Founder

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Marriah Harris

Treasurer and Co-Facilitator

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Susan Embury

Co-Founder, Lead Facilitator, & Director

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