About Us

Life Skills in ACTion is an educational support center dedicated to helping students become more confident, capable, and independent learners.

We know that success looks different for every child. Some students need extra academic support, some need greater challenge, and others simply thrive in a smaller environment with more individualized attention. Our goal is to meet students where they are and provide the right combination of instruction, encouragement, accountability, and opportunity to help them grow.

We support students from kindergarten through college through individualized and small-group tutoring, academic assessments, homework and study support, before and after school programming, enrichment opportunities, camps, and Red Hawk Academy. Our programs are designed to support the whole student by strengthening academics while also developing organization, problem-solving, communication, self-advocacy, confidence, and other skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

At Life Skills in ACTion, students are more than a grade, test score, or diagnosis. We take the time to understand how each student learns, recognize their strengths, identify where support may be needed, and create opportunities for them to experience meaningful success.

Most importantly, we want students to feel that they belong here. Life Skills in ACTion is a place to learn, make mistakes, ask questions, build friendships, discover strengths, and practice becoming more independent.

Because our goal isn't simply to help students get through school. It's to give them the skills to take ACTion in their own lives.

Our Vision

At Life Skills in ACTion, our vision is to create a community where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a way that works for them.

We believe education is not one-size-fits-all. Every child brings different strengths, challenges, interests, and goals to the table. Our vision is to provide students with the individualized support, meaningful relationships, and real-world skills they need to become confident and increasingly independent learners.

Through academic support, small-group instruction, hands-on learning, enrichment, and life skills development, we strive to help students recognize their strengths while building the skills to work through challenges. Whether a student needs additional academic support, a more personalized learning environment, greater accountability and organization, or simply a place where they feel understood and encouraged, we want Life Skills in ACTion to be part of their support system.

Ultimately, our goal extends beyond better grades. We want our students to develop confidence, independence, problem-solving skills, self-advocacy, and a genuine understanding of how they learn best.

We envision a future where students do not simply learn how to succeed in school. They learn how to succeed in life.

Our History

The story of Life Skills in ACTion began long before we had a name, a building, or the programs we offer today.

In 1995, Amy Gordon began helping children from her own home after parents in her community repeatedly turned to her for support in helping their children reach their potential. What started with tutoring just a few students each year continued to grow through word of mouth and the relationships Amy built with local families. In some years, she worked individually with more than 15 children, providing the personalized academic support, encouragement, and guidance each student needed.

Over the years, one thing remained consistent: every child learns differently, and sometimes the right support can make all the difference.

On April 19, 2016, Life Skills in ACTion officially became the name representing more than two decades of Amy's work with children and families in her community.

Since then, Life Skills in ACTion has continued to grow beyond its tutoring roots, expanding to provide academic support, enrichment opportunities, before and after school programs, camps, life skills development, and individualized educational experiences through Red Hawk Academy.

While our programs have grown and evolved, the heart behind Life Skills in ACTion remains the same as it was in 1995: meeting students where they are, recognizing their individual strengths, and helping them build the skills and confidence to reach their potential.

Director

Amy Gordon, Director

A proud University of Florida graduate, at the College of Education.  Amy received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, with specializations in health science education and early childhood education.  Amy is certified as a Florida teacher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and has the endorsement for ESOL (English as a second language) K-12 teacher.  Amy was a classroom teacher in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties for over twenty years.  During that time, she was recognized as the Teacher of the Year and a nominee for the United States Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST)  Amy is regularly invited as a guest speaker at the University of South Florida and for teacher inservice seminars through the Tampa Bay region.  She is committed to assisting schools create a streamlined process for students to organize their materials for learning, in the most ideal atmosphere.    Through this experience, Amy has realized the root to learning lies within every child.  Helping every child realize their full potential and achieving success, are the greatest gifts.  Failure is practice for our successes.

Life Skills in ACTion has become a center for families to find the resources they need in our community.  They help families who for years have been saying, "We just knew there wasn't something right with how my child was learning."  At the center, they have been able to put together an award winning staff to provide the best resources for students. They don't take it lightly that they are changing lives for young adults. It is an honor to have a place to work everyday, where teachers are truly able to take the time to make a difference in the life of a child. 

Support Staff

Kim Gonzalez, Business Manager & Director of Finances

Kim serves as the Billing & Financial Director at Life Skills in ACTion, where she assists families with tuition, billing, payment arrangements, and account support. She is committed to providing exceptional customer service and helping families navigate the financial side of enrollment with kindness, understanding, and professionalism.

Kim earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Special Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York. Before joining Life Skills in ACTion, she spent 18 years as a Program Director and Center Manager for Jenny Craig in South Florida. During her career, she discovered a passion for empowering others to build confidence, achieve their goals, and create lasting positive change. Leading a successful center taught her the importance of teamwork, compassionate leadership, and putting each client's individual needs first.

Kim's connection to Life Skills in ACTion began long before she joined the staff—she was first a parent. Experiencing the program firsthand gave her a deep appreciation for the organization's mission and the lasting impact it has on children and families. Inspired by that experience, she was excited to become part of the team and help support the community that had already meant so much to her own family.

Kim loves being part of an organization that advocates for children, encourages independence, and celebrates every student's unique strengths. She believes the positive, uplifting culture at Life Skills in ACTion makes every day rewarding, and she enjoys building meaningful relationships with the families she serves.

Caroline Gordon, Assistant Director & Student Life Specialist

Since joining the organization as a Coach and Mentor in 2019, Caroline has advanced through multiple leadership roles, gaining experience in nearly every area of the business. Throughout her time at LSIA, she has served as Quartermaster, overseeing snack services, meal accommodations, and daily operational logistics before transitioning into curriculum development, student support, marketing, family communication, staff training, and organizational leadership. She is equally passionate about partnering with families and creating meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for lifelong success.

Life Skills in ACTion holds a special place in Caroline's heart. Founded by her family in 2016 while she was in sixth grade, she has watched the organization grow from its very beginning. Having grown alongside LSIA, Caroline possesses a deep understanding of the center's mission, values, and commitment to serving students and families. Her lifelong connection to the organization allows her to thoughtfully develop programs that reflect the culture and vision on which Life Skills in ACTion was built. Caroline is passionate about helping students become confident, independent problem-solvers.

Caroline is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business with a minor in Special Education at Florida Atlantic University. She plans to continue leading and growing Life Skills in ACTion alongside her sister, expanding innovative educational programs that equip students with the academic, social, and life skills they need to thrive.